Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Arkham City Wii U, Far Cry 3, AC3 on sale at Best Buy this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/07/arkham-city-wii-u-far-cry-3-ac3-on-sale-at-best-buy-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/07/arkham-city-wii-u-far-cry-3-ac3-on-sale-at-best-buy-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/07/arkham-city-wii-u-far-cry-3-ac3-on-sale-at-best-buy-this-week/#comments Batman Arkham City: Armored Edition, the Wii U version, is $20 at Best Buy as part of its weekly deal offer. Also on sale are the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of Far Cry 3 and Assassin's Creed 3 for $30, or PS3, Xbox 360 and PC editions of Black Ops 2 for $40 each.

We found the Wii U version of Arkham City to have some cool features, such as the WiiPad audio function whenever Batman picks up a conversation on his earpiece. Otherwise, it's definitely not the prettiest way to play a Batman game.

JoystiqArkham City Wii U, Far Cry 3, AC3 on sale at Best Buy this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Apr 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-3Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-CityCall-of-Duty-Black-Ops-2far-cry-3microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3wii-uxboxSun, 07 Apr 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman Arkham City: Armored Edition review: Wonderful toys]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/18/batman-arkham-city-armored-edition-review-wonderful-toys/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/18/batman-arkham-city-armored-edition-review-wonderful-toys/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/18/batman-arkham-city-armored-edition-review-wonderful-toys/#commentsFor Wii U re-releases of existing games, we're republishing our original reviews with added evaluation of the new material.
Batman Arkham City Armored Edition review Wonderful toys
Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition brings a little bit more to the excellent 2011 game than some action figure-looking armor. For what is supposed to be the marquee feature, the B.A.T. armor isn't really a big deal - except for the nice side effect of covering up Catwoman appropriately for cold weather. Poor Catwoman.

A meter fills as you punch people, representing stored kinetic energy. This can be released by tapping an icon on the GamePad or clicking both analog sticks, temporarily increasing your strength. It's a nice feature for big fights, but not really a big deal.

What is a bigger deal is the GamePad integration. This ranges from the usual "DS port" stuff like a persistent map screen and a touch menu interface to upgrade Batman's abilities, both of which are very appreciated, to AR tweaks like tilt-controlled Batarang aiming. I found these additions, and the use of augmented reality to search crime scenes in Detective Mode, pretty useful and natural. Aiming in particular augments analog stick targeting with tilt fine-tuning in the same way Uncharted: Golden Abyss did, and it's welcome.

The coolest use of the GamePad, however, is in the environmental audio. When Batman receives radio transmissions from Oracle or overhears a conversation with his surveillance equipment, the audio comes in over the GamePad, simulating Batman's earpiece. As you get close enough to a conversation that Batman would be able to hear it unassisted, it shifts over to the TV audio. It's cool.

You can also play the entire game directly on the GamePad, which is an absolute boon for absentminded Riddler trophy searching while watching TV.

These extras - along with the presence of all previously released DLC - would all be fine reasons to opt for the Armored Edition over the normal, uh, Spandex Edition on other consoles, but there is one Bat-Caveat that must be noted. The framerate is nowhere near as smooth as it is elsewhere. Armored Edition doesn't really have slowdown - instead, there's a consistent choppiness to animation. I hope this is a problem Unreal Engine 3 developers get sorted out quickly. In any case, it's not a reason I would avoid Armored Edition (it still looks great), but be aware you're not getting the best-looking version.

Original Batman: Arkham City review by Griffin McElroy:

Continue reading Batman Arkham City: Armored Edition review: Wonderful toys

JoystiqBatman Arkham City: Armored Edition review: Wonderful toys originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Nov 2012 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citynintendowii-uwii-u-launchSun, 18 Nov 2012 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[London Games Festival exhibition art being auctioned for charity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/london-games-festival-exhibition-art-being-auctioned-for-charity/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/london-games-festival-exhibition-art-being-auctioned-for-charity/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/london-games-festival-exhibition-art-being-auctioned-for-charity/#comments Entire London Games Art Exhibition being auctioned for charityOrganizers of The London Games Festival's large exhibition of video game-related art, which concluded in October, are going to auction off all of the pieces on display for charity's sake. There are over 100 works going out, covering games like Batman: Arkham City, Fable 3, and Dishonored. All of the profit from the auction will go to support SpecialEffect, a charity dedicated to improving the quality of life for anyone with disabilities.

You can browse through the gallery of art on the Festival's website right now, and they're also taking bids on all pieces at this time. Not all of the art is available for auction right away, but eventually it'll all be up for offer, with new weekly pieces up until December 3. If there's something in there that floats your boat and you feel like paying a little bit of money to charity for some great art, bid away.

JoystiqLondon Games Festival exhibition art being auctioned for charity originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artauctionBatman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citycharityconcept-artlondon-games-festivalrocksteady-studiosTue, 13 Nov 2012 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman: Arkham City GOTYE now on Steam, 20% off until Tuesday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/07/batman-arkham-city-gotye-now-on-steam-20-off-until-tuesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/07/batman-arkham-city-gotye-now-on-steam-20-off-until-tuesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/07/batman-arkham-city-gotye-now-on-steam-20-off-until-tuesday/#comments
Now and then I think of buying games on PC,
like maybe something with some action or some stealth?
But how to know which game is right for me?
So many different gaming companies,
Been burned before and it's an ache I still remember.

You can get addicted to the purchase of games on Steam,
especially when there's a sale, always a sale.
So when I found Batman: Arkham City,
including every piece of DLC,
well I'll admit that I was glad it was 20 percent off.

But you didn't have to kill them both!
Shot them dead behind the theater and now I'm an orphan.
I've still got my butler though,
The Joker tries to kill me and it feels so rough.

No you didn't have to stoop so low,
try to poison all of Gotham just to find your answer.
But I guess I need that antidote,
now I've spent some money that I used to own.
On Batman: Arkham City
On Batman: Arkham City
On Batman: Arkham City
Now I've spent some money that I used to own.

JoystiqBatman: Arkham City GOTYE now on Steam, 20% off until Tuesday originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Sep 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citygame-of-the-year-editionGOTYEpcRocksteady-StudiosSteamWarner-Bros-Interactive-EntertainmentFri, 07 Sep 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Catwoman is also armored in Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition (plus: Wii U boxes are blue!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/16/catwoman-is-also-armored-in-batman-arkham-city-armored-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/16/catwoman-is-also-armored-in-batman-arkham-city-armored-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/16/catwoman-is-also-armored-in-batman-arkham-city-armored-edition/#comments Catwoman is also armored in Batman Arkham City Armored Edition plus Wii U boxes are blue!The tablet technology included with the Wii U allows Batman to have fancier armor in Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition. We don't understand how it works either - just go with it. A new image released by WB today shows that Catwoman will also benefit from this increased armor tech. Now she's more covered up.

Speaking of Wii U and being covered up, the box art image sent by WB reveals something interesting: not only do Wii U game covers have a blue bar on top - the actual boxes appear to be light blue. That'll be hard to miss on the shelf.

Gallery: Batman Arkham City Armored Edition (Box Cover and Catwoman)

JoystiqCatwoman is also armored in Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition (plus: Wii U boxes are blue!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citybox-artboxartnintendowii-uThu, 16 Aug 2012 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Paul Dini explains absence from next Batman game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/06/paul-dini-explains-absence-from-next-batman-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/06/paul-dini-explains-absence-from-next-batman-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/06/paul-dini-explains-absence-from-next-batman-game/#comments Here's how Paul Dini got removed from writing more Batman gamesBatman: Arkham Asylum and Arkham City writer Paul Dini isn't working on the next Batman game from Rocksteady, but we already knew that much. However, other than some vague tweets, we didn't know why that was the case. The reason turns out to be much less thrilling than any of his Batman scripts:
"The last talk I had with Warner Interactive about future games was while I was doing promotion for Arkham City last September. Naturally as there was such a rush of interest about Arkham City, everyone was asking me about a third game, and frankly, I had been wondering about that myself. When I asked about the possibility of working on a third game I was told that as Rocksteady had just finished wrapping the second one, it would be a while before everyone was ready to sit down and discuss future plans. That said, it was intimated that for future games, Warner and Rocksteady might not be looking as much to freelance writers, the message being, that if I had something else interesting coming my way, I might want to take it."
Dini says he wasn't included in Arkham City's DLC projects, and he hasn't been tapped for work on the rumored Silver Age-themed Batman game, said to be Rocksteady's next project. He's since taken on other work that makes him "unavailable to take on anything new until 2013." He's not bitter, though, even noting that "If we wind up working together again at some point, that would be cool, too."

JoystiqPaul Dini explains absence from next Batman game originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Aug 2012 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batman-arkham-asylumBatman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citypaul-dinirocksteadyrocksteady-studioswarner-bros-interactivewarner-bros-interactive-entertainmentwarner-brothers-interactivewbwbieMon, 06 Aug 2012 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Paul Dini not returning to Rocksteady's Batman universe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/paul-dini-not-returning-to-rocksteadys-batman-universe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/paul-dini-not-returning-to-rocksteadys-batman-universe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/paul-dini-not-returning-to-rocksteadys-batman-universe/#comments Paul Dini not returning to Rocksteady's Batman universePaul Dini, famously known for writing and producing the classic Batman Animated Series, will not continue his work with Rocksteady on the Batman Arkham franchise. Dini was credited with penning the story of Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City.

"Kinda hoped I'd be doing another Arkham game in London during the Olympics. Esp, as I had a good source for tx. Ah, well," Dini tweeted late last month. In response to questions on Twitter, Dini said that, while Arkham City was slated to be his last writing gig in the Rocksteady franchise, he would love to return. "I would if I could," he wrote, "It's not my call."

According to a recent Variety report, the next Rocksteady-developed Batman game will take place during the hero's Silver Age.

JoystiqPaul Dini not returning to Rocksteady's Batman universe originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Aug 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-CityBatman-Arkham-SeriesPaul-DiniRocksteady-StudiosWarner-Bros.InteractiveThu, 02 Aug 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The last Catwoman Riddler trophy is exclusively at Comic-Con]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/19/the-last-catwoman-riddler-trophy-is-exclusively-at-comic-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/19/the-last-catwoman-riddler-trophy-is-exclusively-at-comic-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/19/the-last-catwoman-riddler-trophy-is-exclusively-at-comic-con/#comments The last Catwoman Riddler trophy is exclusively at ComicConYou might think you've collected all of Catwoman's Riddler trophies in Arkham City, but you're wrong! It turns out the Riddler has crafted one more puzzle, hiding one last trophy at the upcoming San Diego Comic-Con. There's only one way to unlock these 8-pound, LED-lit replicas, and that's to put down a $100 pre-order at the TriForce booth. Granted, that's not really much of a riddle, but there's certainly an element of challenge associated with opening your wallet.
Only 100 of these puppies (kittens?) will be manufactured and, to make them even rarer, Comic-Con will be the only opportunity to place a pre-order. The full price to throw one of these real trophies onto the pile of digital trophies you've already collected? $400. Me-yow.

Check out a high-resolution image of the trophy in the gallery below.

Gallery: Batman: Arkham City (Pink Catwoman Riddler Trophy Replica)

Continue reading The last Catwoman Riddler trophy is exclusively at Comic-Con

JoystiqThe last Catwoman Riddler trophy is exclusively at Comic-Con originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jun 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citycomic-concomic-con-2012microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3san-diego-comic-con-2012sdcc-2012triforcewii-uxboxTue, 19 Jun 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition takes us on a virtual tour]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/06/batman-arkham-city-armored-edition-takes-us-on-a-virtual-tour/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/06/batman-arkham-city-armored-edition-takes-us-on-a-virtual-tour/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/06/batman-arkham-city-armored-edition-takes-us-on-a-virtual-tour/#comments
You may be wondering what exactly is so special about Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition, the Wii U port of Rocksteady's excellent 2011 game. Well, this video overview should be able to answer most of your questions, so long as you're asking whether you can control a batarang with the WiiPad or not.

Yes, young ward, you totally can.

Gallery: Batman Arkham City Armored Edition (E3 2012)

JoystiqBatman: Arkham City Armored Edition takes us on a virtual tour originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jun 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citye3-2012nintendorocksteadyRocksteady-Studioswarner-broswbiewii-uWed, 06 Jun 2012 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman: Arkham City 'Armored Edition' headed to Wii U [Update: Includes all DLC]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/batman-arkham-city-armored-edition-headed-to-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/batman-arkham-city-armored-edition-headed-to-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/batman-arkham-city-armored-edition-headed-to-wii-u/#comments We already knew Bats was headed to Nintendo's Wii U, but we didn't realize that Arkham City would get a full re-treatment care of Warner Bros. Batman: Arkham City "Armored Edition" is headed to Nintendo's Wii U with a set of new WiiPad-specific controls. WB didn't give the game a date or detail how much extra content (if any) will come with it, but we'll be sure to bug WB for more info this week.

Update: Warner Bros. has sent out a press release confirming that all DLC for Batman: Arkham City will ship with the Armored Edition for Wii U, in addition to the fancy armored duds for Bats and Cats seen during the Nintendo E3 press conference.

JoystiqBatman: Arkham City 'Armored Edition' headed to Wii U [Update: Includes all DLC] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armored-editionBatman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citybatman-arkham-city-armored-editione3-2012nintendowii-uTue, 05 Jun 2012 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Harley Quinn's Revenge begins today on PSN and Xbox 360 [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/psa-harley-quinns-revenge-begins-today-on-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/psa-harley-quinns-revenge-begins-today-on-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/psa-harley-quinns-revenge-begins-today-on-psn/#comments ImageHarley Quinn's rampagement begins today on PSN and Xbox 360, and runs through PC in early June. The DLC is part of the Batman: Arkham City Game of the Year Edition, which includes previous packs featuring Catwoman, Nightwing and Robin.

Harley Quinn's Revenge is a plotty affair, beginning with players as Robin as he tracks down Batman, who has gone missing after Arkham City's final moments. Control shifts between Robin and Batman, but is contained to the DLC's world and any previously released challenge maps.

We assume the closed-world setting is a metaphor for the psychological cage that Harley constructed during her time with The Joker, but hey, we're not the psychiatrists here. She is.

Update: Yes, it looks like Harley has made her way to Xbox 360 today as well. Also, Spoiler: There are clownish thugs in Harley Quinn's Revenge.

JoystiqPSA: Harley Quinn's Revenge begins today on PSN and Xbox 360 [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citybatman-arkham-city-game-of-the-year-editiongame-of-the-year-editiongotyharley-quinnHarley-Quinns-Revengemicrosoftpcplaystationps3psaxboxTue, 29 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Mark Hamill and Kevin Conroy record for Arkham City, destroy the fabric of reality]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/watch-mark-hamill-and-kevin-conroy-record-for-arkham-city-destr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/watch-mark-hamill-and-kevin-conroy-record-for-arkham-city-destr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/watch-mark-hamill-and-kevin-conroy-record-for-arkham-city-destr/#comments Image
This voice acting-oriented episode of Inside Rocksteady Studios is the first time we personally have ever seen either the Joker or Batman's voices come out of real human bodies, and suffice to say that oh man is it weird.

It's almost like Batman and the Joker are providing voiceovers for Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill, instead of the other way around. Seeing the Joker's spooky laugh come out of a hunched-over Mark Hamill is an image that'll stick with us for a while, and his cheshire cat grin didn't help much either. The video also features Stana Katic (Talia in Arkham City and Detective Becket on Castle), but seeing her perform isn't so much of a head trip, considering that it's basically just Detective Becket with an undercover accent.

JoystiqWatch Mark Hamill and Kevin Conroy record for Arkham City, destroy the fabric of reality originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-CityKevin-Conroymark-hamillmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3Rocksteady-Studiosstana-katicvoice-actingvoice-overWarner-Bros-Interactive-Entertainmentwii-uxboxFri, 25 May 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Harley Quinn is still really upset in the latest Arkham City DLC trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/harley-quinn-is-still-really-upset-in-the-latest-arkham-city-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/harley-quinn-is-still-really-upset-in-the-latest-arkham-city-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/harley-quinn-is-still-really-upset-in-the-latest-arkham-city-dlc/#comments Image
Poor Harley Quinn. First the Joker breaks her mind, and then The Batman breaks her heart. It's nice to see that she's not wallowing in self-pity, though, and that she's got the initiative to get back out in the world and make a name for herself. Granted, she's using homicide to do so, but still, good for her.

This latest trailer for Ms. Quinzel's starring role as an Arkham City DLC antagonist gives us a look at the various brow beatings Batman and Robin will dispense to the citizenry of Gotham's beating lunatic heart, as well as somewhat unsettling introduction from the man in white himself.

JoystiqHarley Quinn is still really upset in the latest Arkham City DLC trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmanBatman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Cityharley-quinnHarley-Quinns-Revengejokermicrosoftpcplaystationps3robinthe-jokerxboxFri, 18 May 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Play as both Robin and Batman in Harley Quinn's Revenge]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/play-as-both-robin-and-batman-in-harley-quinns-revenge/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/play-as-both-robin-and-batman-in-harley-quinns-revenge/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/play-as-both-robin-and-batman-in-harley-quinns-revenge/#comments Image
The Harley Quinn's Revenge DLC coming to Batman: Arkham City has been detailed, and it sounds like a departure from the game. Instead of an open-world affair, the DLC is story driven, initially placing you in Robin's boots and tasking you with finding Batman, who's been lost chasing Harley Quinn after the final events of the main game. The story time-shifts, explaining where Batman is and what he's been up to by switching viewpoints a few times.

Robin still doesn't have the chance to wander Arkham in full - he'll only be able to explore this content and any previously released challenge maps. Harley Quinn is scheduled to get her revenge on May 29, for $9.99 on PSN, or 800 Microsoft Points on Xbox Live.

Gallery: Batman: Arkham City (Harley Quinn's Revenge Pack)

JoystiqPlay as both Robin and Batman in Harley Quinn's Revenge originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmanBatman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citycontentdlcharley-quinnmicrosoftplaystationps3robinstoryxboxFri, 11 May 2012 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Harley Quinn's Revenge to commence on May 29]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/harley-quinns-revenge-to-commence-on-may-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/harley-quinns-revenge-to-commence-on-may-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/harley-quinns-revenge-to-commence-on-may-29/#comments ImageYou may have noticed that April 30 came and went without so much as a peep from the young Miss Harleen Quinzel, and that her purported plans for vengeance have yet to procure reparations for, well, you know.

That's because the original date we had listed for the Batman: Arkham City add-on, Harley Quinn's Revenge, was incorrect. The tweet that originally gave us the April 30 date has been amended, listing May 29 as the content's correct worldwide release date. In hindsight, that makes a bit more sense considering that the Game of the Year Edition also hits that day.

Though our minds know another month isn't that long of a wait, our hearts are just as broken as Harley's. Come, ease the pain with this absurdly high-resolution version of the cover art seen above.

JoystiqHarley Quinn's Revenge to commence on May 29 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-CityDLCHarley-Quinns-Revengemicrosoftplaystationps3release-dateRocksteady-StudiosWarner-Bros-Interactive-EntertainmentxboxFri, 04 May 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Big Batman deals on Steam this weekend, small Batman not on sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/big-batman-deals-on-steam-this-weekend-small-batman-not-on-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/big-batman-deals-on-steam-this-weekend-small-batman-not-on-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/big-batman-deals-on-steam-this-weekend-small-batman-not-on-sale/#comments Image
The Steam signal burns in the night sky and Batman answers the call, probably because he isn't wearing his glasses and the clouds make the Steam logo look like a diagonal bat if he squints. Batman: Arkham City is half off ($15) and Batman: Arkham Asylum GOTY Edition is 66 percent off ($7) this weekend on Steam, sale ending Monday, May 7.

You'd think Bruce would have the money to get Lasik, wouldn't you?

JoystiqBig Batman deals on Steam this weekend, small Batman not on sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2012 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BatmanBatman-Arkham-AsylumBatman-Arkham-Asylum-2batman-arkham-asylum-game-of-the-year-editionBatman-Arkham-CitylasikpcsaleSTEAMsteam-saleThu, 03 May 2012 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman: Arkham City GOTY Edition includes Harley Quinn content, Year One movie [update: Harley Quinn DLC on April 30]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/batman-arkham-city-goty-edition-includes-harley-quinn-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/batman-arkham-city-goty-edition-includes-harley-quinn-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/batman-arkham-city-goty-edition-includes-harley-quinn-content/#comments Image
The Harley Quinn-related teases have led to this: today's announcement of a "Game of the Year Edition" re-release of Batman: Arkham City. Coming to PS3 and Xbox 360 May 29, the new version contains the "Harley Quinn's Revenge" expansion, along with the previously released Robin, Catwoman, and Nightwing packs and a set of alternate skins.

In addition to all the in-game content (henceforth referred to as "those wonderful toys") the GOTY edition will contain a download of the Batman: Year One animated movie.

Update: You don't have to wait until May, or buy the game again, to get the Harley Quinn DLC. It'll be sold separately starting April 30.

Gallery: Batman: Arkham City (Game of the Year Edition)

Continue reading Batman: Arkham City GOTY Edition includes Harley Quinn content, Year One movie [update: Harley Quinn DLC on April 30]

JoystiqBatman: Arkham City GOTY Edition includes Harley Quinn content, Year One movie [update: Harley Quinn DLC on April 30] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 09:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citydlcgame-of-the-year-editionharley-quinnmicrosoftplaystationps3q2-2012xboxMon, 23 Apr 2012 09:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Arkham City News teases Harley Quinn DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/arkham-city-news-teases-harley-quinn-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/arkham-city-news-teases-harley-quinn-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/arkham-city-news-teases-harley-quinn-dlc/#comments ImageIt looks like that unannounced, Harley Quinn-oriented DLC pack for Batman: Arkham City we caught wind of earlier this month has moved one step closer to becoming official. The Arkham City twitter account tweeted the above teaser image of feet and hammer earlier this morning, immediately proceeded by an unattributed quote: "Don't worry. This is all part of of my plan."

Very mysterious, but given Harley Quinn's historical propensity for comically large mallets, we think inferring her involvement is justified. Personally, we're keeping our fingers crossed for a collection of Whack-A-Mole minigames staring Ms. Quinzel.

JoystiqArkham City News teases Harley Quinn DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkham-citybatmanBatman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-CityDLCharley-quinnmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 20 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Trophies suggest Batman: Arkham City getting Harley Quinn DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/trophies-suggest-batman-arkham-city-getting-harley-quinn-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/trophies-suggest-batman-arkham-city-getting-harley-quinn-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/trophies-suggest-batman-arkham-city-getting-harley-quinn-dlc/#comments ImagePerhaps the extremely curvy chunk of Batman: Arkham City featuring Harley Quinn simply wasn't enough for you, or maybe you just like your DLC with an extra splash of Fran Drescher-esque voice acting? We can't be sure, but you specifically will be happy to hear that 10 PlayStation 3 Trophies were dug up by PS3Trophies.org which reveal a yet-to-be announced DLC pack featuring Ms. Quinn.

No other description is given for the content other than "Harley Quinn DLC," nor is release date or pricing info, though Robin is noted in one Trophy as a playable character. Moreover, that Trophy addresses an event known as, "Harley Quinn's Revenge," which sounds to us an awful lot like the potential name for the content. We've reached out to WB for more info, and will keep an eye on the sky for any Bat clues.

[Thanks, Josh.]

JoystiqTrophies suggest Batman: Arkham City getting Harley Quinn DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citydlcdownloadable-contentharley-quinnplaystationps3rocksteady-studiostrophiestrophywarner-broswarner-bros-interactivewarner-bros-interactive-entertainmentwb-interactivewbieTue, 03 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Arkham City PC patched to fix save file problems]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/arkham-city-pc-patched-to-fix-save-file-problems/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/arkham-city-pc-patched-to-fix-save-file-problems/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/arkham-city-pc-patched-to-fix-save-file-problems/#comments "I just don't get it, Alfred. These test results show significant signs of save file corruption, Achievement problems, and all sorts of issues with Crossfire/SLI configuration and 32-bit memory in the PC version of the game. I've never seen anything like this before!"

"Surely it can wait until you take a break, sir? I've just made some tea, and I've noticed a hole in your cape that needs patching as well."

"Alfred, there's just no time! Wait? Did you say 'patch'? That's it! We'll send out a patch on Steam, available right now. That will fix all of these issues and more!"

"Very well, sir. The tea will go cold, I gather."

JoystiqArkham City PC patched to fix save file problems originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmanbatman-adventuresBatman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-CitypatchpcsteamWed, 21 Mar 2012 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live's Deal of the Week is all about the Batman, his boy wonder]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/xbox-lives-deal-of-the-week-is-all-about-the-batman-his-boy-wo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/xbox-lives-deal-of-the-week-is-all-about-the-batman-his-boy-wo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/xbox-lives-deal-of-the-week-is-all-about-the-batman-his-boy-wo/#comments Strike fear into the hearts of Xbox Live's ne'er-do-wells this week with a handful of discounted Batman-themed items. Outside of a few Avatar props, select DLC for Batman: Arkham City has also been reduced in price.

The Nightwing Bundle Pack and Robin Bundle Pack have both been knocked down to 360 MS Points ($4.50) from their respective usual 560 MS Points ($7) asking price. Each comes with a handful of character skins and exclusive challenge maps, and unlocks each character for play in all of Batman: Arkham City's challenge maps.

JoystiqXbox Live's Deal of the Week is all about the Batman, his boy wonder originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citydeal-of-the-weekmicrosoftrocksteadywarner-broswbiexboxxbox-live-deal-of-the-weekTue, 14 Feb 2012 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Rocksteady's Sefton Hill shares Arkham recipe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/rocksteadys-sefton-hill-shares-arkham-recipe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/rocksteadys-sefton-hill-shares-arkham-recipe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/rocksteadys-sefton-hill-shares-arkham-recipe/#comments
Rocksteady Studios co-founder and game director Sefton Hill shared his recipe for making Arkham games at DICE 2012. Beyond the basic ingredients listed, all you'll need is a major license, a supportive publisher and millions to fund the project.

Sefton's Arkham recipe:
  • Make the game instantly fun and accessible. "We believe it's our job to entertain," Hill said, adding that the free-flow combat of Arkham was meant to instantly convey the feeling of being Batman.
  • Deep core mechanics, with a contant, incremental challenge to maintain engagement. "We developed combat by introducing new enemy types ... it keeps giving you more, it keeps challenging you."
  • Complementary Orthogonal Design. Boiled down, it's that systems like navigation, combat and story "all have their own distinct and strong uses." Essentially, he encouraged designing complementary design elements that don't step on each other.
  • Authenticity. "The restraints of the character define the character." Hill said certain elements may seem like a pain the ass, but that one must embrace those constraints. The fact that Batman can't kill anyone was something the team had to maintain at all times. "It stops us from falling back on a lot of game cliches." Takeway: Celebrate and explore the limitations of characters and what makes them unique.

So, there you go. Oh, you'll also need an engine. We're sure if you write a really nice letter to the guys at Epic, they'll let you license the Unreal Engine at a good price.

JoystiqRocksteady's Sefton Hill shares Arkham recipe originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citymicrosoftpcplaystationps3rocksteadyRocksteady-StudiosSefton-HillxboxFri, 10 Feb 2012 02:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman: Arkham City shipped 6 million in 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/batman-arkham-city-shipped-6-million-in-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/batman-arkham-city-shipped-6-million-in-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/batman-arkham-city-shipped-6-million-in-2011/#comments Tucked away in the dark, crowded bowels of Time Warner's financial results statement for fiscal 2011 is news that Rocksteady's blockbuster, bat-centric beat-em-up (that would be Batman: Arkham City) has shipped 6 million units, as of December 31, 2011. Now, "shipped" is a much different statistic than "sold," but it's a strong figure nonetheless.

It's difficult to tell how Warner Bros. Interactive did on its own in 2011, since its financial results are lumped in with two other Time Warner subsidiaries, (Warner Bros. Pictures and Warner Bros. Television), both of which brought in astounding amounts of money with their respective Harry Potter and Big Bang Theory licenses. Overall, Time Warner's "Filmed Entertainment" (tv, movies and gaming) reported revenues of $12.6 billion; a 9 percent year-over-year increase.

The statement also mentions Mortal Kombat and "several LEGO titles" as key contributors to the division's successful year.

JoystiqBatman: Arkham City shipped 6 million in 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citymicrosoftmortal-kombatMortal-Kombat-2011pcplaystationps3Rocksteady-Studiostime-warnerwarner-brosWarner-Bros-Interactivewarner-bros-pictureswarner-bros-televisionxboxWed, 08 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Arkham action figure line includes Titan Joker, Killer Croc and the Bats]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/arkham-action-figure-line-includes-titan-joker-killer-croc-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/arkham-action-figure-line-includes-titan-joker-killer-croc-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/arkham-action-figure-line-includes-titan-joker-killer-croc-and/#comments DC Comics is releasing a new line of action figures based on the lead and supporting casts of Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City, though you'll have to wait a while to get your hands on them. The line is segregated into regular and "deluxe" figures; the five regular figures (Batman, Ra's Al Ghul, Azrael, a Clown Thug and The Penguin) will find their way to comic shops and toy stores this September.

Two of the deluxe figures, Mr. Freeze and Killer Croc, will launch this June, while Titan Joker -- everyone's least favorite part of Arkham Asylum -- won't be available until November.

Gallery: DC Comics Arkham Asylum/City action figures

JoystiqArkham action figure line includes Titan Joker, Killer Croc and the Bats originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-figureaction-figuresazraelbatmanBatman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citydc-comicsjokekiller-crocras-al-ghulrocksteadyRocksteady-Studiosthe-penguinThu, 26 Jan 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Top 10 of 2011: Batman: Arkham City]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/joystiq-top-10-of-2011-batman-arkham-city/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/joystiq-top-10-of-2011-batman-arkham-city/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/joystiq-top-10-of-2011-batman-arkham-city/#comments This might sound familiar. In 2009, Joystiq awarded Batman: Arkham Asylum its number three spot in that year's top ten list of games and here we are, two years later, giving that game's sequel the same honor. But it's not the same honor.

Referencing the failure to launch of Pandemic's open-world Dark Knight movie tie-in game, I identified Rocksteady's success as one primarily of scale: "Instead of building an open-world Gotham City, they built an intimate (and immediately captivating) Arkham Asylum, as full of history and lore as you'd expect the comic book icon to be." Of course, Batman: Arkham City is an open-world game.

Continue reading Joystiq Top 10 of 2011: Batman: Arkham City

JoystiqJoystiq Top 10 of 2011: Batman: Arkham City originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Cityjoystiq-best-of-2011microsoftpcplaystationps3Rocksteady-StudiosWBIExboxWed, 04 Jan 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam has that game you didn't buy during the Holiday Sale on sale again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/01/steam-has-that-game-you-didnt-buy-during-the-holiday-sale-on-sa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/01/steam-has-that-game-you-didnt-buy-during-the-holiday-sale-on-sa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/01/steam-has-that-game-you-didnt-buy-during-the-holiday-sale-on-sa/#comments The final day of the Steam Holiday Sale has embraced us, our families and the sad pile of change left in our gift funds. Today is "Encore Day," where Steam offers the biggest deals of the entire sale one more time, including Skyrim at 33 percent off, Bastion at 66 percent off, Batman: Arkham City at 50 percent off, and tons more.

This is really a very clever strategy. Face it -- you've been haunted by that one game you resisted buying over the past week; that one time you said, "No, Steam, this is my money!" has been burned into your psyche as you imagine the joy you could have had at a reasonable price during these cold winter months. And now it's back. You have a second chance to own that game. Go. Go, and be at peace with your Steam Sale. You are forgiven.

JoystiqSteam has that game you didn't buy during the Holiday Sale on sale again originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BastionBatman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-CityEncore-Daymacpcskyrimsteam-holiday-sale-2011steam-saleSun, 01 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Batman: Arkham City skin, unlock code offered as a 'thank you,' new DLC for sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/free-batman-arkham-city-skin-unlock-code-offered-as-a-thank-y/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/free-batman-arkham-city-skin-unlock-code-offered-as-a-thank-y/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/free-batman-arkham-city-skin-unlock-code-offered-as-a-thank-y/#comments Rocksteady is giving us all a free Batman Inc.-style Batman skin for Arkham City, as a "thank you all for your incredible support before, during and after the game's release," according to a statement from director Sefton Hill. With that costume, you'll be all set to travel the world and recruit some international Batmen, although, of course, you won't actually be doing that. The costume will be offered as a free download tomorrow on Xbox Live, PC, and PS3.

The world has opened up for us in other ways, however. Along with this announcement, Hill shared a code that will allow you to use any downloadable skin in the campaign without having to complete it first. At the main menu, after choosing your save slot, press left, left, down, down, left, left, right, up, up, down. Then all the costumes you've bought or otherwise acquired will be available. Old school!

If you really feel like buying stuff, you have a couple of options there, as well. The "Arkham Bundle" collects the Nightwing Bundle Pack, Robin Bundle Pack, and the Arkham City Skins Pack for 1200 MSP ($15); there's also a Challenge Map Pack including the new Batcave map, the Joker's Carnival, and the Iceberg Lounge, for 240 MSP ($3). Both are due today.

[Thanks, Nick!]

Continue reading Free Batman: Arkham City skin, unlock code offered as a 'thank you,' new DLC for sale

JoystiqFree Batman: Arkham City skin, unlock code offered as a 'thank you,' new DLC for sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citymicrosoftpcplaystationps3Rocksteady-StudiosWarner-Bros-InteractivexboxTue, 20 Dec 2011 11:05:00 EST<![CDATA[12 Days of Joyswag: Batman: Arkham City game, controller, shirt]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/12-days-of-joyswag-batman-arkham-city-game-controller-shirt/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/12-days-of-joyswag-batman-arkham-city-game-controller-shirt/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/12-days-of-joyswag-batman-arkham-city-game-controller-shirt/#comments Another year, another 12 days of holiday giveaways! Starting today and running through Christmas Day, we're doing the one thing that makes us feel truly alive: giving. Specifically, we're giving you fine folks some of the swag we've managed to collect in our cluttered home offices. And the good will and merriment doesn't stop here! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for even more chances to win!

To kick things off, we're assembling a Batman: Arkham City prize worthy of three wise men but, instead of going to a bunch of bookworms, it's going to one of you. You'll get a copy of Batman: Arkham City for your Xbox 360, a Power A Batman: Arkham City controller for your hands, and a Batman: Arkham City t-shirt for your curiously unclothed torso. How do you win a prize of this magnitude? Head past the break for the answers to all life's questions.

Continue reading 12 Days of Joyswag: Batman: Arkham City game, controller, shirt

Joystiq12 Days of Joyswag: Batman: Arkham City game, controller, shirt originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12-days-of-joyswag-2011Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-CitymicrosoftRocksteady-StudiosWBIExboxTue, 13 Dec 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WB Montreal focusing on great DC Comics games, 'forget the movies']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/wb-montreal-focusing-on-great-dc-comics-games-forget-the-movie/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/wb-montreal-focusing-on-great-dc-comics-games-forget-the-movie/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/wb-montreal-focusing-on-great-dc-comics-games-forget-the-movie/#comments The most successful games based on DC Comics properties, like, say, the two recent Batman games, aren't based on movies. Unsurprisingly, then, Warner Bros. sees no particular reason to cross-promote with DC games.

Warner Bros. Montreal executive producer Reid Schneider told Canadian Business that WB isn't pushing the studio to tie into movies. "No, we're not going in that direction," Schneider said. "It's really about make the game what it needs to be and forget the movies."

In fact, it's avoiding movie deadlines, he said, that helps the games become great. "If you look at the similarities between [Batman: Arkham Asylum and Neversoft's 1998 Spider-Man game], they weren't based on movies per se," Schneider said. "They were just taking that really rich fiction from the comic books and exploring the characters. It's not about hitting the movie date or some arbitrary date-it was giving the game the time it needs to be successful and really just concentrating on the quality of it." It's been successful enough that the games are getting their own tie-ins.

JoystiqWB Montreal focusing on great DC Comics games, 'forget the movies' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Dec 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citydc-comicsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3reid-schneiderWarner-Bros-Interactivewb-montrealxboxFri, 09 Dec 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Laundry day: Batman Arkham City 'Skins Pack' DLC available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/laundry-day-batman-arkham-city-skins-pack-dlc-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/laundry-day-batman-arkham-city-skins-pack-dlc-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/laundry-day-batman-arkham-city-skins-pack-dlc-available/#comments
Batman's costume gets torn up pretty severely over the course of Batman: Arkham City. We can only imagine how filthy it gets, and what Batman smells like by the end. So do him a solid and replace it with the fresh new ones in the Arkham City Skins Pack, newly available on Xbox Live, PSN, and Games for Windows this week.

The $5 pack collects all the previously retailer-exclusive (and NOS energy drink-exclusive) alternate looks for the Dark Knight, including 1970s, Year One, The Dark Knight Returns (aka Fatman), Earth One, Batman Beyond, Sinestro Corps, and the delightfully incongruous Animated Series skin.

Gallery: Batman Arkham City (Skins Pack)

Continue reading Laundry day: Batman Arkham City 'Skins Pack' DLC available

JoystiqLaundry day: Batman Arkham City 'Skins Pack' DLC available originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkham-city-skins-packBatman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citydlcmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Rocksteady-StudiosWarner-Bros-InteractivexboxWed, 07 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman: Arkham City PC patched, DX11 fixed for some]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/batman-arkham-city-pc-patched-dx-11-fixed-for-some/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/batman-arkham-city-pc-patched-dx-11-fixed-for-some/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/batman-arkham-city-pc-patched-dx-11-fixed-for-some/#comments A new PC patch for Batman: Arkham City corrects debilitating performance issues associated with DirectX 11 -- for the most part. Though some players may now enable advanced graphical effects without penalty, the documentation considers DirectX 11 off-limits for 32-bit versions of Vista and Windows 7 until another patch can be issued.

Gotham's unsavory penitentiary has been in need of correctional facilities since its launch on PC, well after the acclaimed console versions. This latest patch addresses a few more errors, including a progress-halting boss glitch and -- our favorite -- "a crash that occurred when selecting 'Press Start' immediately when available at the Title Screen." There should be some kind of punishment for skipping past that lovely title screen music, but that's a bit harsh.

JoystiqBatman: Arkham City PC patched, DX11 fixed for some originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citydirectx-11games-for-windows-livepatchpcRocksteady-Studiossteamwarner-brosWarner-Bros-InteractiveWed, 07 Dec 2011 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[New Arkham City DLC pack lands Dec. 20, takes us to the Batcave]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/27/new-arkham-city-dlc-pack-lands-dec-20-takes-us-to-the-batcave/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/27/new-arkham-city-dlc-pack-lands-dec-20-takes-us-to-the-batcave/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/27/new-arkham-city-dlc-pack-lands-dec-20-takes-us-to-the-batcave/#comments Well, we don't know for sure that the Batcave challenge map included in the next Batman: Arkham City DLC pack isn't the one Adam West and Burt Ward called home, but it seems far more likely that we'll be beating down Gotham's worst in something a little more contemporary.

According to this tweet, the pack arrives December 20 and also includes two previously available maps: Iceberg Lounge and Joker's Carnival. No pricing information has yet been revealed, though we feel safe in assuming that the sum total will cost more than nothing and less than a hundred billion dollars.

JoystiqNew Arkham City DLC pack lands Dec. 20, takes us to the Batcave originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkham-citybatcavebatmanBatman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-CityDLCmicrosoftplaystationps3rocksteadyRocksteady-StudiosxboxSun, 27 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman: Arkham City PC performance issues linked to DX11, patch incoming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/25/batman-arkham-city-pc-performance-issues-linked-to-dx11-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/25/batman-arkham-city-pc-performance-issues-linked-to-dx11-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/25/batman-arkham-city-pc-performance-issues-linked-to-dx11-patch/#comments Having waited over a month for Warner Bros. and Rocksteady to tidy up the PC code for Batman: Arkham City, players have expressed frustration with severe performance issues encountered in the game. Warner has confirmed that a stuttering framerate is tied to DirectX 11 features, which should be disabled while a patch finds its way to Gotham's cordoned-off criminal depository.

Disabling DirectX 11 (under "Settings" in the Games for Windows launcher, and "Configure PC Options" in your Steam library) will drop the game down to DirectX 9. It's not as disfiguring as it sounds, but let's not make excuses for a game launching in such an unsteady state. We'll be sure to let you know when the punitive effects of tesselation and horizon-based ambient occlusion have been eliminated.

JoystiqBatman: Arkham City PC performance issues linked to DX11, patch incoming originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Nov 2011 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citygames-for-windowspatchpcRocksteady-Studiossteamwarner-brosFri, 25 Nov 2011 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Robin DLC Boy Wanders into Arkham City today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/robin-dlc-boy-wanders-into-arkham-city-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/robin-dlc-boy-wanders-into-arkham-city-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/robin-dlc-boy-wanders-into-arkham-city-today/#comments

If Robin's brief appearance in Batman: Arkham City -- in which Batman yells at him for showing up and then dismisses him on an errand -- isn't enough for you, you'll be able to put the Boy Wonder through his paces in his own DLC, out today on PS3 and Xbox 360, with the PC version presumably available alongside the game this week.

The Robin Bundle pack costs 560 Microsoft Points ($6.99) and contains two new challenge maps and two "alternative" Robin skins. Don't worry, Batman will be equally impatient with all of them.

Continue reading Robin DLC Boy Wanders into Arkham City today

JoystiqRobin DLC Boy Wanders into Arkham City today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citydlcmicrosoftpcplaystationps3robinrobin-bundle-packWarner-Bros-InteractivexboxTue, 22 Nov 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman gets a big head in this Arkham City Easter egg]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/batman-gets-a-big-head-in-this-arkham-city-easter-egg/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/batman-gets-a-big-head-in-this-arkham-city-easter-egg/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/batman-gets-a-big-head-in-this-arkham-city-easter-egg/#comments
Wondering how to take Batman's already Arkham-sized head and make it into something more Gotham-sized? The Rooster Teeth folks have figured it out, releasing a tell-all video (watch out for the F-bomb!) on Batman: Arkham City's "Big Head Mode," which can apparently be applied using the Cryptography Sequencer.

The guys warn that the mode is only available in "Normal or higher" difficulties, though it'll also work in New Game Plus mode. Essentially, by holding down both triggers and maneuvering each analog stick in opposite circles of movement, the Big Head mode Easter egg will activate, rendering all forms of Batman and Catwoman (as well as enemies) with enormous noggins and puffy hands. And yes, in case you can't watch the video above just yet, it is absolutely adorable.

[Thanks, Geoff.]

JoystiqBatman gets a big head in this Arkham City Easter egg originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citybig-head-modeeaster-eggmicrosoftpcplaystationps3rocksteadyrocksteady-studioswarner-broswarner-bros-interactivewarner-bros-interactive-entertainmentwarner-brothers-interactivewbiexboxWed, 16 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[WB acknowledges Batman: Arkham City save glitch, asks for user reports]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/15/wb-acknowledges-batman-arkham-city-save-glitch-asks-for-user-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/15/wb-acknowledges-batman-arkham-city-save-glitch-asks-for-user-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/15/wb-acknowledges-batman-arkham-city-save-glitch-asks-for-user-r/#comments Batman: Arkham City players have been experiencing save data loss on Xbox 360 since the launch of the game. Publisher WB hasn't had anything to say regarding the extremely unfortunate bug until last night, when it published a survey on its official forum asking afflicted users for details.

In the survey, WB seeks information about the Xbox 360 model, storage method, and system software used to play Arkham City. If you can overcome the rage from having your save data randomly destroyed, please email support@wbgames with the answers to the questions listed after the break. It might help Rocksteady tune its cryptographic sequencer, which it will then point at a computer to fix the issue.

I was using a "phat" Xbox 360, running the latest release of the system software (not a preview), and had only the Catwoman DLC installed when I lost all my progress, in case anyone there happens to be reading.

Continue reading WB acknowledges Batman: Arkham City save glitch, asks for user reports

JoystiqWB acknowledges Batman: Arkham City save glitch, asks for user reports originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citymicrosoftrocksteady-studiosWarner-Bros-Interactivewb-gamesxboxTue, 15 Nov 2011 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman: Arkham City PC receives mini delay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/batman-arkham-city-pc-receives-mini-delay/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/batman-arkham-city-pc-receives-mini-delay/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/batman-arkham-city-pc-receives-mini-delay/#comments Batman: Arkham City's official November 18 launch date for PC in North America has been slightly shifted to November 22. Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment also stated the PC version will be available November 23 in Australia, November 24 in France and Benelux, and other European territories beginning November 25.

Although WBIE wouldn't confirm, a major South African retailer has stated the game won't launch on PC until December in the region.

The PC launch will occur just as the "Robin Bundle Pack" hits the digital distribution circuit.

JoystiqBatman: Arkham City PC receives mini delay originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-CitydelaypcRocksteadyRocksteady-StudiosWBIETue, 08 Nov 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Talk to Calendar Man in Batman: Arkham City today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/psa-talk-to-calendar-man-in-batman-arkham-city-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/psa-talk-to-calendar-man-in-batman-arkham-city-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/psa-talk-to-calendar-man-in-batman-arkham-city-today/#comments Eager Trophy and Achievement hunters likely already know the deal: today is Halloween and Calendar Man, a Batman villain obsessed with holidays and dates, is looking for a little company. If you talk to him in Batman: Arkham City on twelve different specific holidays (you can see the exact dates on a calendar next to his cell in the basement of the courthouse), you can earn the Story Teller Achievement/Trophy.

Of course, you could cheat your way through this by changing the date on your console, though we'd hardly condone that. The Batman is not known for taking shortcuts.

JoystiqPSA: Talk to Calendar Man in Batman: Arkham City today originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmanBatman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citycalendar-manmicrosoftplaystationps3rocksteadywarner-brosxboxMon, 31 Oct 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA adds Warner Bros, Capcom and THQ to Origin]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/ea-adds-warner-bros-capcom-and-thq-to-origin/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/ea-adds-warner-bros-capcom-and-thq-to-origin/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/ea-adds-warner-bros-capcom-and-thq-to-origin/#comments EA recently announced a partnership which would bring some fellow third-party publishers' games to its recently launched Origin gaming platform. The list is short, but auspicious: Warner Bros. Interactive, THQ and Capcom will begin adding their major releases to the service, with November heralding the arrivals of Batman: Arkham City, Saints Row: The Third and others. "Additional titles" are also promised for the coming months.

These games mark the first non-EA-branded titles to appear on the platform, joining over 100 of the mega-publisher's games currently on offer.

JoystiqEA adds Warner Bros, Capcom and THQ to Origin originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citycapcomeaoriginpcsaints-row-the-thirdthqwarner-brosWarner-Bros-InteractiveThu, 27 Oct 2011 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Nightwing DLC footage is electric, sticks Nov. 1 landing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/nightwing-dlc-footage-is-electric-sticks-nov-1-landing/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/nightwing-dlc-footage-is-electric-sticks-nov-1-landing/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/nightwing-dlc-footage-is-electric-sticks-nov-1-landing/#comments
Nightwing, the original boy wonder grown into twenty-something slugger, will be available as Batman: Arkham City DLC come November 1. The pack includes Dick Grayson in Nightwing costume, two additional challenge maps, Wayne Manor and Main Hall, and an Animated Series Nightwing skin for $6.99.

As was accidentally revealed a couple weeks back, the "Robin Bundle Pack," featuring the Dark Knight's third Robin (don't ask about the second, it's a sore subject), Tim Drake, will hit on November 22 for $6.99.

[Thanks, Garrett M.]

JoystiqNightwing DLC footage is electric, sticks Nov. 1 landing originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 13:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citydick-graysonmicrosoftNightwingpcplaystationps3RobinTim-DrakexboxWed, 26 Oct 2011 13:07:00 EST