The Batman: Arkham Asylum Thread (Merged)

[Z(+)DIAC]

Alright folks, bare with me here.

For those that have been keeping an eye on this fantastic looking game, know the demo was scheduled to be released on PC/PS3/360 simultaneously tomorrow.

These demos are sometimes released (especially via PSN) earlier to UK'rs, and this one is no different.

Batman Arkham Asylum has been released via the UK PSN (playstation 3 network).

Don't fret kiddes, the US is not technically excluded from downloading this...following these instructions and you should be downloading it in no-time:

1. Go to Create New User for the PS3 then make up a name (I chose Ryuuie UK).
2. Go to the PSN section and create a new PSN account.
3. Select your country as United Kingdom and then go on with the installation process. You will need to use another e-mail OTHER than your main PSN e-mail.
4. It will ask you for your address, I just used:
   kings road 32
   City: London
   Country: England
   Postal Code: LS1 6AD
5. Then finish up and go to the PSN and download the UK demo. You can log off of the newly created account, go back to your main account, and the demo will not stop downloading.

One of the developers has released these "tentative" release times today for the other platforms:

With regard to other live times, the information I have is as follows:

- PS3 (PAL only): Thursday 6th August, 8-10am PT (4-6pm GMT) Huzzah!
- PS3 (NTSC only): Thursday 6th August, 11.30pm ET (4.30am GMT+1)
- X360 (worldwide): Thursday 6th August, 4.30-8.30pm PT (00.30-4.30am GMT+1)
- PC (worldwide): Thursday 6th August, 11.30pm ET (4.30am GMT+1)


(but this is all obviously subject to change and the official line is the demo will be out on the 7th).

I will try to update this post as more confirmation on other platforms comes in.

 

[Indrid Cold]

Very good info to know, I'm gonna be all over this tonight. I also have been picked to take part in the new xbox 360 update, it's pretty sweet too. The Netflix party option is bada$$!

 

[UnionJack]

Played it for a little bit this evening.

So far its very good, love the fight controls and the "Dectactive" view to help find ledges and things.

Will defiantly getting the full game

 

[Z(+)DIAC]

PC DEMO HAS BEEN RELEASED!!!

http://www.nzone.com/object/nzone_batmanaa_downloads.html

Note: Xbox Live is down and has been for about 30 min, so I assume now that we have a PC Demo, the 360 one should follow...

 

[TheBatman072]

Once I pay off my new MacBook PRO I'm seriously considering buying a PS3 again.

 

[Z(+)DIAC]

XBOX DEMO HAS BEEN RELEASED!!!

http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-GB/games/media/66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d802534307f6/?bt=0&sb=1&mt=4&gu=66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d802534307f6&p=1&of=0

 

[[A]]

Woah -- the PC demo is 2gb big

 

[Mookiemoo]

The demo is on the entire PSN at this point

I will say though that it's relatively short. The game is mechanically sound, the voice acting is tremendous and the art is horrific. I think the game design and flow definitely overcome the atrocious art. It's a blast to play and definitely encourages player creativity organically. Rad game. Definitely the best Batman since the original on NES and a major contender to usurp Spiderman 2 for Best Super Hero action game to date.

 

[UnionJack]

The demo is on the entire PSN at this point

I will say though that it's relatively short. The game is mechanically sound, the voice acting is tremendous and the art is horrific. I think the game design and flow definitely overcome the atrocious art. It's a blast to play and definitely encourages player creativity organically. Rad game. Definitely the best Batman since the original on NES and a major contender to usurp Spiderman 2 for Best Super Hero action game to date.

Horrific?!

How so?

 

[bane]

The BAA with physics looks 10X better than the console versions.

 

[austriker]

hows it look? i have thought that in the past the superhero games have been lacking..

 

[Arach Knight]

Well what a well timed query. I just made a fan trailer with various screen shots from Steam (and other sources).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIuXYlmexd8&feature=channel_page

It is a really fun game. Much like the Gotham Knights anime segment that featured Kevin Conroy, I feel that his voice does not quite match up with the way that Batman is portrayed here. But it is not as off as it was in the anime. In fact, it is a very welcome addition. Mark Hamill and Kevin Conroy don't skip a beat. Sounds like they got a new voice actor for Jim though.

Now keep in mind that I was running the game on my super ancient Pentium 4 Desktop with a GeForce FX 6200. Even with such lowgrade hardware I mustered around 19fps and a really good amount of detail. I can only imagine how impressive the game will look (PC wise) with full settings.

Anyways, Harley and Pamela have amazing new costumes. Bruce is looking a bit more armored...and Croc is just prodigious. The best part of this game is that it is the first and only Batman game to truly immerse you in the role. It isn't just a beat em up game like every other Batman game. You truly have to be cautious, use the shadows and use your wits. It feels like playing a more fast paced Metal Gear Solid. I love the fact that I can grapple things in the rafters and then swoop down and snatch people into the darkness (much like the scene in Batman Begins when he goes out on his first mission at the docks). This game is fantastic. I can't imagine anyone on these forums (or anyone who likes video games) not wanting to play this. It will be worth the $50 (because I am going to get it for my new Laptop, come September).

 

[B]

http://forums.superherohype.com/showthread.php?t=309663

 

[Z(+)DIAC]

Heads up PC owners...

It looks like someone compiled a nice little PHYSX demo comparison video...

For those that are not sure of this tech, it's been introduced with several current and some past gen video cards, that enables real physics for items withing a particular game. If you look at the demo, some things pointed out are:

Realistic cloth (Batman's cape moves the way it would in reality, cloth banners hanging that can be torn into using a batarang)

Realistic paper (note that when Batman moves along the hallways, paper lying on the ground moves realistically)

Real-time damage to floors, walls, etc.

Either way, if you have a card that can take advantage of this tech, I'd suggest getting it for the PC...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vINH6Z9kqgI

 

[Caped Crusader]

From Game Informer t:

http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/8589/batmanaagireview.jpg

 

[SheldonLevene]

Are you on the boards of the AA page? Anyhow...yeah pretty awesome. Finally a good treatment of the character in an interactive medium. I'm stoked for the release.

 

[Caped Crusader]

Nooo. why?

 

[Caped Crusader]

More reviews

Xbox World 360 95%
PS3M 9/10
Gamereactor 9/10

 

[gregtestagent]

So he didn't like the ending? how bad can it be? I mean the final battle in Bioshock was kinda lame, but it still was a battle.

 

[Pfeiffer-Pfan]

Considering I'm not a gamer and only buy Batman games... this is nothing but good news for me. t:

 

[SheldonLevene]

Nooo. why?

Just curious, they actually have a nice forum over there.

 

[Drz]

So he didn't like the ending? how bad can it be? I mean the final battle in Bioshock was kinda lame, but it still was a battle.

Basicly the ending itself is awesome, because it opens up for a sequal. What people have found disappointing is the last boss fight itself.

 

[gregtestagent]

Basicly the ending itself is awesome, because it opens up for a sequal. What people have found disappointing is the last boss fight itself.

there's going be a sequel? you're sure? I...am...t:so...HAPPY!

 

[Caped Crusader]

Just curious, they actually have a nice forum over there.

Gotcha.

 

[MightyBatman]

I'm really loving the demo and I'll be getting the game on the 25th.