And the fanboy’s go crazy. Or at least, I did. When was that? Oh yeah, when they announced freaking ARKHAM ORIGINS!!! I mean seriously, who can’t be excited for this? This is my third most anticipated game of the year now. First is (or was) Injustice, second is LEGO Marvel Superheroes, and now, Batman: Arkham Origins.
So what’s the purpose of this article? Well, you see, Arkham Origins could either kick or suck my posterior. Also, I want this game to improve upon Arkham City. So I’m going to list my Do’s and Don’ts for Batman: Arkham Origins.
Let’s begin.
DO’S
#1:
Let’s see the Industrial District in work
One of my favorite (if more difficult) environments in Arkham City, the Industrial District was full of surprises (who could forget Scarecrow’s boat?) and what felt at some points like a post-apocalyptic wonderland. Or wasteland. But that needs to change in Arkham Origins. This place can be run down, but it has to be working.
It has been announced that Both New Gotham (past the wall) and Old Gotham (Arkham City) are accessible and explorable in this new game. So obviously we’re going to have to see some industry in the, well, Industrial District. And why not? I’m sure that even Batman can enjoy some time on a merry-go-round, or take down some drug lord hiding out at a shipping yard. Maybe you grapple on to moving cranes? Nothing’s impossible. Except Batman dying.
#2:
Another Bruce Wayne segment
Even the greatest heroes need a break, and Batman is no different. Some may consider being a billionaire playboy a break, but when you look at the taxes... let’s be glad Bruce has Alfred. But when you played as Bruce Wayne in Arkham City, it was awesome. It was Assassin’s Creed type climbing, sliding, ducking, all while telling Alfred about your predicament. I even made an Arkham City challenge called Bruce Wayne Mode, I liked it that much. And I want to see that return.
I was a little disappointed that you couldn’t change back to Bruce, but I did understand it. But here, maybe, just maybe, Bruce will come back. And maybe, it will be for more than just one outing.
#3:
Welcome back to the madhouse
I’m not saying we have to have a whole level dedicated to the Asylum. I’m not saying that we even have to explore it. I just want to visit. Check up on the place. Maybe, after a side mission, we can ‘escort’ the villain to the Asylum. Possibly Blackgate. I just want to see the place again.
#4:
The Gordon family
I want Jim to be greying, not white haired. I want Batman and Jim to meet for the first time. I want Bat-Signal meetings, and some at Gordon’s own house. But above all, I want Barbara Gordon walking. I will not take no for an answer, you give me these things. You give everyone these things. Then, you have my trust to make a Batman game.
But, in all seriousness, who doesn’t want to see the Gordon family? Or at least Jim and Barbara. Barbara has yet to be seen, and I want this to be her proud debut, on two legs. These are Batman’s early days, and there had to have been a Batgirl at some point. I’m not saying I want Batgirl in this game, maybe a sequel, but not here. It’s too early for Batman to get a sidekick. Maybe for the finale...? But never mind that.
I would also like to see a younger Jim Gordon, with greying hair. And to experience meetings between the two? That would be great. I do hope that it is included in Arkham Origins.
#5:
Side missions that aren’t ‘do this / do that’
Okay, I’l say it. The side missions in Arkham City pissed me off. They were nothing like they should have been. It was either, beat these guys up, blow this stuff up, or find the bullet’s point of impact. They weren’t fun, and just reused fights and conundrums in the Main Story. So when I heard that there were side missions in Arkham Origins, I was skeptical.
Tearaway, I beg of you, please give the side missions story, character, and develop them. Don’t make them simple ‘do this’ missions. Make them fun and exciting! Give Batman a reason to do them, and make it cool in the process. Please. For the fans.
#6
Include the entire Falcone family
After so many allusions to the Falcones in Arkham City, and Alberto Falcone being announced, how can you not include Carmine, or any other member of his mob? The family would be great for a side mission after you meet Penguin and Alberto. Multiple mission side missions. Like up there. You know, north? ^^^. Okay, glad we got that covered.
And those are the Do’s. Let’s move on, shall we?
DON’TS
#1
Joker cannot be included!
This is the one don’t, where, if it is included in the game, I will literally scream. I will pick up the disc, put it in, play through the game, and scream. The Joker. Cannot. Be. Included.He was a main character in the last two games, he stole the show, yes, but he can’t be in there. Maybe the Red Hood in Ace Chemicals, but that’s all I’m going to allow.\
If we see the clown’s glass glow smile and signature laugh, I’ll go berserk. Mark Hamill said he was retiring from the Joker. And goddammit, I know he helped the other Arkham games, but I don’t want him in there. He had his time to shine, Hamill has left, and frankly, I don’t want to see him again. I’m serious. He had his glory, but give another villain the spotlight.
#2
Ra’s al Ghul as one of Black Mask’s assassins
Ra’s al Ghul was awesome. He was a complete surprise to me in Arkham City, and that was a very good thing. He stole the show in each scene he was in, and I just wish there was more. But he’s not the kind to be hired.
We know that Black Mask has hired eight assassins to kill Batman, but Ra’s cannot be one of those assassins. It’s out of character, no matter how great it would be to see him. So let’s wait until Arkham City’s sequel until the awesomeness continues.
#3
Make buildings like the GCPD Department and Wayne Tower inaccessible
This one explains itself. There were a few landmarks in Arkham City that we couldn’t get into, and I didn’t like that. Maxie Zeus’ club, Ace Chemicals, exedra, exedra. While I don’t expect the two listed above to be non explorable, I would hope that Wayne Manor, the Steel Mill, and Museum are open.
And there go the Don’ts. Ready for the last group?
MAYBE’S
#1
Batmobile driving
It’s been announced that the Batwing can be used for fast travel in Arkham Origins, but it’s non drivable. What about the Batmobile? Now that Batman isn’t constrained by the limits of a wall, can we use the infamous car? I’m honestly not sure what to think. It would be cool, and upgrades for the car would be nice, but... I’m just not sure. It would be good to have a second mode of transportation in a sandbox game so large.
Yet, something tells me no. I’m not sure if the novelty would wear thin, if it would change the formula too much, or if it would keep players from gliding. All of the above, perhaps. So, I’ll leave it as the solitary maybe.
So what do you think? Agree? Disagree? Did I miss anything? Tell me below! Down there. The opposite of this symbol: ^^^. That’s where it is.
Until next time,
Comiccow6