John-ShepardThe rumors turned out to be mostly accurate. And Batman fans can rejoice!
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Entertainment have announced Batman: Arkham Origins and Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate . The former will be available for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U and PC, and Blackgate is headed to the PlayStation Vita and Nintendo 3DS. Both titles are scheduled to launch worldwide on October 25.
For the record, Arkham Origins is not being developed by Rocksteady Studios, the team that delivered the previous Arkham games. At the helm is WB Games Montreal and Rocksteady is already on the record saying they're "confident" the new developer will create an excellent Batman adventure (via CVG and Game Informer).
The new effort for PS3/360/PC will boast an expanded Gotham City and will introduce an original prequel storyline set a few years before the events of the first title, Arkham Asylum . On display is a "young and unrefined Batman" and he'll have to face a "defining moment" in his rising career as the Dark Knight. As for Blackgate , that will be a 2.5D action title and it's being created by Armature Studio. This will continue the storyline of the console version so it'll act as an interesting sequel…which comes out the same day as Origins , so hardcore fans will definitely want both.
Said Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment president Martin Tremblay:
"Batman: Arkham is a huge triple-A videogame franchise and we are delighted to expand the experience with Batman: Arkham Origins,. WB Games Montréal has an incredibly talented team building upon Rocksteady’s award-winning gameplay and technology to deliver a deep, immersive, quality experience fans will love.”"
Okay, so Rocksteady isn't on board but that's okay. Now the question is- what are they making…?
Related Game(s): Batman: Arkham Origins
Yeah, now that there's been a hand-off what on earth could the uber talented Rocksteady be doing? Something else in the DC universe? A new IP would be amazing.
A friend of mine told me rumours about Rocksteady working on a Superman video game with the UT engine. Honestly, I haven't researched it, though.
Awesome if true!
I was just saying the other day how I wish Rocksteady would make a Superman game with their Arkham City engine (or maybe even a better one).
This is really unfortunate. Arkham City was one of the very few day 1 purchases I made this gen, but Rocksteady's uninvolvement has drastically reduced the chances of Origins repeating. I'm a giant Batman fan, so I'm sure I'll eventually get it, but changing devs is always risky for a quality franchise.
Would be hilarious but kinda awesome if they were making a Superman game, maybe break the spell or horrible aformentioned games huh, huh?
The movie is due soon. I'm not really sure but I'm interested to find out what.
Rocksteady delivers the two best Batman games so what's the logical thing to do? Hand things off to a new, mediocre studio, good call WB.
Last edited by Gamer46 on 4/10/2013 6:23:38 AM
BATMAN!!!!!!!!!!!
so, so, so excited!
but no rocksteady?
oh come on, isent it too early to worry people?
come on rocksteady saved the batman franchise, and proved comic book games CAN be f*cking awesome!
and now there leaving it?
after only 2 games?
🙁
well, montreal has one HELL of a big boot to fill!
thats all ill say………..
I wonder if they'll make a version for PS4 at launch as well? Games like these will make it tough to decide whether to jump right in with a PS4 at launch or savor the last wave of major releases for PS3. Between this and GTA V, it's going to be a very tough decision indeed.
I wonder if the 3DS version will cause the VITA version to be less…. well.. just less of a game. Considering the DRASTIC difference in specs.
That's my fear too. Unfortunately since 3DS sells better, it's likely the lead platform and it will be a lesser game because of it.
To borrow a phrase from Hidoeo Kojima about Rocksteady NOT making Batman: Arkham Origins – "nothing good will come of this".