Today is the release of [amazon_link id=”B00C7103DO” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Batman: Arkham Origins[/amazon_link], the first Arkham game not developed by Rocksteady Studios. WB Montreal had the task of carrying on the Arkham legacy while Rocksteady works on their next-gen game (maybe another Batman, maybe not). The first reviews are mostly agreeing that while this is certainly a valiant attempt at capturing the essence of Rocksteady’s previous two games, there are some missteps.
Our review will be coming when we are finished seeing all of what Gotham has to offer, but until then, let’s see what other sites are saying.
IGN-7.8/10
“Batman games are like pizza: even when they’re not very good, they’re still pretty good. Next to Arkham City, Arkham Origins is a bit of a disappointment in its lack of new ideas and use of win buttons, making it the least interesting of the trilogy. But as excuses to dive back into the excellent free-flowing combat and predator takedowns go, this story isn’t bad.”
Videogamer– 8/10
“Such issues do nothing to take away from Origins’ strengths, though, giving you another chance to revisit a franchise that is surely now one of the generation’s best. Ultimately, this is like a cover song done by a band you’re quite fond of. It may never be better than the original, but it’s a great addition.”
Kotaku– YES
“Origins is an incremental installment, not a transformative one. It doesn’t have the massive leaps forward that differentiated City from Asylum. It’s almost understandable since WB Montreal have been tasked with harmonizing along to someone else’s lead vocals. Right here, right now, the result is good enough.”
Gamespot– 6/10
“The most noteworthy difference between Arkham Origins and its predecessors is a significantly larger open world. But that larger world has little meaning when the things you’re doing in it are the same things the smaller world of the previous game accommodated perfectly well.”
Polygon– 7/10
“While Arkham Origins misses a huge opportunity with its assassins, it handles Batman’s biggest antagonist impeccably. Origins recounts the first meeting between Batman and the Joker and digs deep into the warped psychology of the villain.”
Game Informer– 8.5/10
“Batman: Arkham Origins delivers more of what made Rocksteady’s games great, but doesn’t break new ground. Like a youthful Bruce Wayne, it isn’t as crafty, and it takes its dings during combat, but still puts on a hell of a show when it needs to. Once Joker steps into the spotlight, it becomes a hard game to put down.”
