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[Batman: Arkham Origins doesn't feature Kevin Conroy after all]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/11/batman-arkham-origins-doesnt-feature-kevin-conroy-at-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/11/batman-arkham-origins-doesnt-feature-kevin-conroy-at-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/11/batman-arkham-origins-doesnt-feature-kevin-conroy-at-all/#comments After some confusion, we've clarified Kevin Conroy doesn't feature in Batman: Arkham Origins at all. Origins Senior Producer Ben Mattes told Joystiq, "We've got Roger Craig Smith, he's our Batman. Troy Baker, he's our Joker. Kevin Conroy, he's not part of this game."

Initial reports indicated long-time Batman voice actor Conroy wasn't in Origins. He then announced at the recent Dallas Comic Con that he'd been working on "the next Arkham" game. Shortly after, Craig Smith was officially unveiled as Origins' younger Batman, leading to speculation Conroy might be involved in some kind of retrospective role.

However, it now emerges Conroy was apparently talking about another Arkham game in development, perhaps at series dev Rocksteady Studios - Warner Bros. Montreal is the studio behind Origins.

That would seem to be backed up by Spong's report from last month, which noted a Twitter account ascribed to Conroy tweeted "Confusion in Dallas! I am in new ARKHAM GAME coming soon, NOT ARKHAM ORIGINS coming this fall." The tweet was deleted shortly after being posted - we're not sure if the world's greatest detective is needed for this one.

JoystiqBatman: Arkham Origins doesn't feature Kevin Conroy after all originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Jun 2013 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batman-arkham-originse3-2013microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3Rocksteady-Studioswarner-bros-montrealwii-uxboxTue, 11 Jun 2013 17:27:00 EST<![CDATA[New Batman Arkham game coming this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/new-batman-arkham-game-coming-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/new-batman-arkham-game-coming-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/new-batman-arkham-game-coming-this-year/#comments A new Batman Arkham game is being released this year, although it's unknown if series developer Rocksteady Studios is behind it. The news comes courtesy of the Time Warner Q4 2012 earnings call, as posted by Yahoo! Finance.

"And we also have a strong games release this year, which will include the next release in the Batman Arkham franchise," said John K. Martin, Time Warner chief financial officer and chief administrative officer.

Warner Bros. Interactive and Rocksteady Studios released Batman: Arkham Asylum in 2009, followed by Arkham City in 2011. In that sense, a new Arkham game in 2013 adds up.

According to a Variety report from last year, Rocksteady is developing another Batman game, but it's set in the Silver Age of comic history, and isn't expected to be released until 2014. Maybe Variety and Warner are talking about the same game, but it sounds like they may not be. In any case, we've reached out to Warner Bros. Interactive for more info.

JoystiqNew Batman Arkham game coming this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Feb 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkhambatmanbatman-arkham-asylumbatman-arkham-cityfinancialsrocksteady-studioswarner-broswarner-bros-interactiveWarner-Bros-Interactive-EntertainmentWBIETue, 12 Feb 2013 10:30:00 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[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[Report: Rocksteady's next Batman game to be a Silver Age-based prequel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/11/report-rocksteadys-next-batman-game-to-be-a-silver-age-based-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/11/report-rocksteadys-next-batman-game-to-be-a-silver-age-based-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/11/report-rocksteadys-next-batman-game-to-be-a-silver-age-based-p/#comments Report Rocksteady's next Batman game to be a Silver Agebased prequelRocksteady's next game could be yet another Batman adventure, albeit in a new timeline, Variety reports. According to unnamed sources speaking with the film industry publication, Rocksteady's currently at work on a "new, highly stylized" Bats prequel game "that revolves around Batman's first meeting with the Joker."

This new game - not expected until 2014 at least - is supposedly set in the Silver Age of comics. Warner Bros. has yet to confirm the news, and Rocksteady hasn't said a peep about any new projects since Arkham City wrapped last year. And as far as we know, no one's discovered any hidden rooms in Arkham City that reveal future games. Hey, it wouldn't be the first time!

JoystiqReport: Rocksteady's next Batman game to be a Silver Age-based prequel originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 09:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmandc-comicsreportrocksteady-studiossilver-agevarietywarner-broswarner-bros-interactivewarner-bros-interactive-entertainmentWed, 11 Jul 2012 09:52:00 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[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'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[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[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 Asylum action figures coming to Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/arkham-asylum-action-figures-coming-to-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/arkham-asylum-action-figures-coming-to-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/arkham-asylum-action-figures-coming-to-japan/#comments Not to be confused with the upcoming line of DC figures based on the Caped Crusader's escapades through Gotham and its related institutions, these new figures from Square Enix recreate Batman: Arkham Asylum's Harley Quinn, who happens to come with her own little Scarface, as well as a new armored Batman variant.

Each toy comes with interchangeable hands and accessories and will be available in Japan this May for ¥5,800, or about $76.

Gallery: Batman: Arkham Aslyum (Square Enix Figures 2)

JoystiqArkham Asylum action figures coming to Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-figuresBatmanBatman-Arkham-Asylumdollsharley-quinnjapanRocksteady-Studiosscarfacesquare-enixtoysSat, 04 Feb 2012 13:00:00 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[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[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[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[Batman: Arkham City ships 4.6M in first week, 2M sold]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/batman-arkham-city-ships-4-6m-in-first-week-2m-sold/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/batman-arkham-city-ships-4-6m-in-first-week-2m-sold/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/batman-arkham-city-ships-4-6m-in-first-week-2m-sold/#comments Batman is kind of a big deal, with his latest starring role catapulting Batman: Arkham City to astronomical shipping numbers: an approximate 4.6 million in the first week. LA Times reports that among those shipments, Bats has already slipped into 2 million homes.

By most accounts, Batman: Arkham City is earning those numbers, with reviewers (including our own) praising the sequel's densely packed open world and attention to detail, among other things. And if the rest of those shipped copies eventually end up in consumer's homes as well, the game will have already surpassed sales numbers of its predecessor (4.3 million). Not too shabby for a development studio whose only non-Batman game is about being a random police dude!

JoystiqBatman: Arkham City ships 4.6M in first week, 2M sold originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citymicrosoftpcplaystationps3rocksteadyrocksteady-studiossaleswarner-broswarner-bros-interactivewarner-brotherswbwbiexboxTue, 25 Oct 2011 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman: Arkham City PC system requirements detected]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/22/batman-arkham-city-pc-system-requirements-detected/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/22/batman-arkham-city-pc-system-requirements-detected/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/22/batman-arkham-city-pc-system-requirements-detected/#comments We may have to wait until the eighteenth of November to get our WASD-lovin' keyboard claws on the PC version of Batman: Arkham City, but the extra weeks have given us ample time to make sure our beefy rigs are up to snuff.

Not that we're that worried, mind you: Nvidia has released the minimum and recommended system requirements for the caped crusader's latest romp (after the break), and all told the spec aren't totally outrageous. Maybe we didn't need to spend forty thousand dollars on a replica of Batman: The Animated Series' Batcave supercomputer after all.

Continue reading Batman: Arkham City PC system requirements detected

JoystiqBatman: Arkham City PC system requirements detected originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 Oct 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkhambatmanBatman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-CitycatwomannvidiapcRocksteady-Studiossystem-requirementsSat, 22 Oct 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Batman: Arkham City]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/19/metareview-batman-arkham-city/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/19/metareview-batman-arkham-city/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/19/metareview-batman-arkham-city/#comments
The entire gang is back. Developer Rocksteady studios returns to Gotham City, along with Batman scribe Paul Dini, and Mark "Luke Skywalker" Hamill in what he says will be his "last hurrah" as Joker. And the result is that Batman: Arkham City could very well become Joystiq's top game of 2011, something its predecessor was arguably robbed of in 2009.

Coincidentally, Arkham City sees a similar competitive match-up this year, facing new Assassin's Creed and Uncharted entries, whose sequels were the two titles that defeated the dark knight two years ago. At the moment, though, Arkham City is universally acclaimed as one of the best games of the year.
  • Giant Bomb (5/5): "Getting another chance to use Batman's considerable combat talents as you engage in one of the best fighting systems going today is a joy. The city looks terrific, like it's one step away from just bursting into flames as criminals crawl across every single surface doing... whatever it is that criminals do when they're locked in a city-shaped prison."
  • Game Informer (100/100): "The size of the game is daunting. I still have a ways to go to reach 100 percent, but I wouldn't be surprised if I have invested over 60 hours so far. Throw in the new game plus and a dizzying number of combat challenges for both Batman and his feline friend and this game could be one of the biggest and most enjoyable time sinks of the year."
  • IGN (95/100): "Batman: Arkham City isn't perfect, but listing the little things I didn't like gets in the way of all the stuff I adored. The voice acting, the challenges, the amazing opening, the unbelievable ending and the feeling of being the Dark Knight -- these are the things that standout looking back. I've beaten this thing twice and still want to call in sick and chase Riddler Trophies. "
  • Eurogamer (90/100): "If it's lacking something, it's surprise. Arkham City has nothing that beats the first game's brilliant unveilings and fourth-wall mind-tricks (although it has a go at an equivalent) and it can't trump the central, crucial realization that somebody had finally made a Batman game that was enriched by its license rather than subtly crippled by it. Instead, though, you get refinement: better bosses, slicker animation, and more to think about on a second-to-second basis."

    Gallery: Batman: Arkham City

JoystiqMetareview: Batman: Arkham City originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-CityMetareviewmetareviewsmicrosoftplaystationps3RocksteadyRocksteady-StudiosWarner-BrosWarner-Bros-Interactive-EntertainmentWBIExboxWed, 19 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman: Arkham City swoops to PC on November 18]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/batman-arkham-city-swoops-to-pc-on-november-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/batman-arkham-city-swoops-to-pc-on-november-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/batman-arkham-city-swoops-to-pc-on-november-18/#comments Warner Bros. has deemed today the day to reveal Batman: Arkham City's delayed PC launch date as November 18, one month to the day after its arrival on consoles.

The Games for Windows version was delayed last month via a terse WB announcement, which didn't provide an explanation at the time. We can exclusively reveal why today: Bruce Wayne is exhausted, y'all. He's got a lot going on, between film and TV and video games, and he just needed a few weeks to chill. Okay, that and PC version bug fixes.

Continue reading Batman: Arkham City swoops to PC on November 18

JoystiqBatman: Arkham City swoops to PC on November 18 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citygames-for-windowsgames-for-windows-livegfwgfwlpcq4-2011release-daterocksteadyrocksteady-studioswarner-bros-interactivewarner-brothers-interactivewbwbieTue, 18 Oct 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman: Arkham City review: A world of difference]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/batman-arkham-city-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/batman-arkham-city-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/batman-arkham-city-review/#comments The 72-year-old lore of the Batman universe is about as immutable as comic book icons come. If Batman: Arkham Asylum was evidence of Rocksteady's comprehension of the franchise, then Arkham City is proof of their understanding of its quiescence.

The chiropteran hero hasn't introduced many substantial changes to his modus operandi since his last, incredibly well-received video game outing. The world's greatest detective still spends a fraction of a fraction of his time doing actual detective work, and a vast majority of his time alternating between brutalizing and terrorizing different factions of armed and unarmed goons. Sure, he's got a few new gadgets this time around, but the methods remain the same.

What's changed in Rocksteady's second stab at the timeless DC franchise is the world that surrounds Batman -- the titular prison colony Arkham City. Conceived by the foolhardy, the prisoner-run district may not be the largest open world ever explored in a game, but with an ecosystem of sidequests, challenges and secrets that blanket every square inch of the region, it might just be the densest.

Gallery: Batman: Arkham City

Continue reading Batman: Arkham City review: A world of difference

JoystiqBatman: Arkham City review: A world of difference originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citymicrosoftpcplaystationps3rocksteadyrocksteady-studioswarner-broswbiexboxFri, 14 Oct 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman: Arkham City copies available early at Times Square TRU event]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/06/batman-arkham-city-copies-available-early-at-times-square-tru-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/06/batman-arkham-city-copies-available-early-at-times-square-tru-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/06/batman-arkham-city-copies-available-early-at-times-square-tru-e/#comments The Times Square Toys R Us location will hold an event on Monday, October 17, where 500 copies of Batman: Arkham City will be available a day early. The first 100 customers who pre-purchase a copy of the game through the store's "Personal Shopping Department" (starting now, we guess?), will receive a ticket reserving their copy, and can have their game autographed by Jim Lee (co-publisher at DC Entertainment), Kevin Conroy (the voice of Batman) and Sefton Hill (B:AC Game Director from Rocksteady Studios) at the event.

The other 400 copies will be available for purchase at the event, which officially starts at 4PM, but who knows when people start lining up? The event will include photo ops with actors dressed up as Batman and Catwoman, and game demos.

Obviously, keep your eye on the prize. You could get Batman: Arkham City a day before everyone else, or those with Amazon Prime who longingly stare out the window for any glimpse of the UPS man.

Continue reading Batman: Arkham City copies available early at Times Square TRU event

JoystiqBatman: Arkham City copies available early at Times Square TRU event originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-CityJim-Leekevin-conroymicrosoftplaystationps3RocksteadyRocksteady-StudiosSefton-HillWBIExboxThu, 06 Oct 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Batman: Arkham City villain found in Qore]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/new-batman-arkham-city-villain-found-in-qore/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/new-batman-arkham-city-villain-found-in-qore/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/new-batman-arkham-city-villain-found-in-qore/#comments Batman: Arkham City's character roster is starting to get a little crowded! The new episode of Qore, added to PSN last night, offers a look at yet another villain that will stalk the locked-down streets of Gotham.

YouTube user MrKQGaming captured the relevant segment of Qore, which you'll have to watch closely to catch the new villain (amongst all those other villains). We've got a screencap after the break, just for those of you daring enough to see the villain's identity before the game launches later this month.

Continue reading New Batman: Arkham City villain found in Qore

JoystiqNew Batman: Arkham City villain found in Qore originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citymicrosoftpcplaystationps3qorerocksteady-studioswarner-bros-interactivexboxWed, 05 Oct 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Achievements reveal playable Nightwing in Batman: Arkham City]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/achievements-reveal-playable-nightwing-in-batman-arkham-city/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/achievements-reveal-playable-nightwing-in-batman-arkham-city/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/achievements-reveal-playable-nightwing-in-batman-arkham-city/#commentsMore Achievements for Batman: Arkham City have swooped dramatically out of a dark corner, this time for DLC. Two achievements make reference to a "Nightwing Bundle Pack," featuring a playable version of Nightwing (the original Robin, Dick Grayson, all grown up).

The (unofficial) reveal of Nightwing brings the playable cast to four, including Batman, Robin, and Catwoman, with Robin and Nightwing exclusive to downloadable content. If you're concerned about too many characters crowding out your brooding time as Batman, you can always ... just not get the DLC.

[Image: DC Comics]

JoystiqAchievements reveal playable Nightwing in Batman: Arkham City originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 11:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementsBatman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citymicrosoftnightwingnintendopcplaystationps3Rocksteady-Studioswarner-bros-interactivewii-uxboxMon, 03 Oct 2011 11:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Catwoman's Sins in Batman: Arkham City]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/catwomans-sins-in-batman-arkham-city/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/catwomans-sins-in-batman-arkham-city/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/catwomans-sins-in-batman-arkham-city/#comments So, why Catwoman?

I know it's something nice and extra for the fans, and in the context of Batman: Arkham City's story, I'm all for Catwoman, but why? Why include just about every Batman character ever this time around?

Dax Ginn, marketing game manager for Rocksteady, told me that players nowadays don't always want to be the good guy. "It's not always fun being the righteous arm of justice, so we wanted to explore what it was like to be a criminal within Arkham City, as well. Catwoman became a great option to explore that."

But maybe it's simpler than that. "We kind of look around at other games," Ginn said, "and it's obvious that some players like breaking the rules."

Gallery: Batman: Arkham City (9/29/11)

Continue reading Catwoman's Sins in Batman: Arkham City

JoystiqCatwoman's Sins in Batman: Arkham City originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Cityeidosmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Rocksteady-StudiosxboxFri, 30 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman: Arkham City PC delayed until November]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/batman-arkham-city-pc-delayed-until-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/batman-arkham-city-pc-delayed-until-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/batman-arkham-city-pc-delayed-until-november/#comments Batman: Arkham City for PC has been delayed until November, Warner Bros. announced this morning. This will not affect the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions, which are still scheduled to burst from the shadows and pummel the rogues of Gotham on October 18.

No reason was given for the delay ... but if your theory has publisher WBIE and Ubisoft conspiring to diminish potential piracy with 11th hour delays, who are we to argue?

Meanwhile, place your bets on the arrival time of that Assassin's Creed: Revelations PC delay.

Continue reading Batman: Arkham City PC delayed until November

JoystiqBatman: Arkham City PC delayed until November originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citydelaypcrelease-daterocksteadyRocksteady-StudiosWarner-Bros-Interactive-EntertainmentWBIETue, 20 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[OnLive Labor Day sale includes $0.99 Batman: Arkham Asylum]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/05/onlive-labor-day-sale-includes-0-99-batman-arkham-asylum/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/05/onlive-labor-day-sale-includes-0-99-batman-arkham-asylum/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/05/onlive-labor-day-sale-includes-0-99-batman-arkham-asylum/#comments Harvey Batman, Salesman of the Month If you've yet to play Batman: Arkham Asylum, or if you've wanted to try OnLive, today might be the day to pull the trigger. Having reached 45,000 "Likes" on Facebook, the service is now offering the game at the criminally insane price of $0.99 as part of its Labor Day Sale. Simply enter the code "99cents" at checkout and Arkham Asylum is yours. Act fast though, the batty offer is only available today.

Additionally, having reached its goal, OnLive will now donate $1 to Child's Play for any more "Likes" received for the rest of the day.

Now, if you haven't played Arkham Asylum and you've been itching to try out OnLive, try to remember this day, because it's all down hill from here.

JoystiqOnLive Labor Day sale includes $0.99 Batman: Arkham Asylum originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BatmanBatman-Arkham-AsylummacpcRocksteady-StudiosWarner-BrosMon, 05 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman: Arkham City achievements leaked]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/03/batman-arkham-city-achievements-leaked/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/03/batman-arkham-city-achievements-leaked/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/03/batman-arkham-city-achievements-leaked/#comments Holy leakin' 'chievos, Batman! We may have to wait until October 18 for The Dark Knight clean up the mean streets of Gotham in Batman: Arkham City, but you can check out a list of the cloak and cowl's forthcoming accomplishments after the break.

Continue reading Batman: Arkham City achievements leaked

JoystiqBatman: Arkham City achievements leaked originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AchievementsBatman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citymicrosoftpcplaystationps3Rocksteady-StudiosxboxSat, 03 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman: Arkham City supports Games for Windows Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/batman-arkham-city-is-supports-games-for-windows-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/batman-arkham-city-is-supports-games-for-windows-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/batman-arkham-city-is-supports-games-for-windows-live/#comments For Batman, capturing criminals and maintaining safe, clean streets in Gotham is its own reward. For those of us lacking giant inheritances and cavernous basements, the incentive to do good just for the sake of being good isn't really enough. We need something we can hold; something we can point to and say, "I did that, here's my proof."

Achievements! It was just our roundabout way of saying Batman: Arkham City will support Games for Windows Live on PC, according to a Warner Bros. rep speaking to VG 247 today. We assume, just like its predecessor, the game will also be sold through Steam, though there has yet to be a games page created for it. We've contacted Warner Bros. for clarification. Achievements and DRM for Arkham City will be handled by Microsoft's platform.

JoystiqBatman: Arkham City supports Games for Windows Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citydigital-distributiongames-for-windows-livemicrosoftpcrocksteady-studioswarner-brosTue, 30 Aug 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Xbox 360 PAX deserves, but not the one it needs: Custom Batman: Arkham City console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/the-xbox-360-pax-deserves-but-not-the-one-it-needs-custom-batm/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/the-xbox-360-pax-deserves-but-not-the-one-it-needs-custom-batm/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/the-xbox-360-pax-deserves-but-not-the-one-it-needs-custom-batm/#comments One lucky PAX attendee will be able to walk away with the custom console above. Warner Bros isn't saying much on how you can win this custom Batman: Arkham City Xbox 360 at Seattle's to-do, though the Facebook page announcing the promotion does offer hope to those who aren't Seattle-bound: Xbox will apparently be giving away the same console at an unspecified later time.

Feel free to glide on into our gallery below to drool over the thing. On one side, Batman; on the other, Joker. Way in the back, envious that they can't win this thing for themselves: the Joystiq staff.

Gallery: PAX 2011 (Custom Batman: Arkham City Xbox 360 console)

JoystiqThe Xbox 360 PAX deserves, but not the one it needs: Custom Batman: Arkham City console originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 06:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citymicrosoftpaxpax-2011pax-prime-2011Rocksteady-Studioswarner-brosxboxFri, 26 Aug 2011 06:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman: Arkham City supports 3D whether you have a 3DTV or not]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/batman-arkham-city-supports-3d-whether-you-have-a-3dtv-or-not/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/batman-arkham-city-supports-3d-whether-you-have-a-3dtv-or-not/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/batman-arkham-city-supports-3d-whether-you-have-a-3dtv-or-not/#comments
You won't have to wait for a "Game of the Year" version to play Batman: Arkham City in 3D. When the game ships in October, it'll have two varieties of 3D support built in. The Xbox and PS3 versions will be playable in stereoscopic 3D on compatible televisions, using active-shutter glasses. The PC version will include Nvidia 3D Vision tech to support 3D output on compatible TVs or monitors, if you happen to have a GeForce GPU.

In addition, the game supports regular old anaglyph 3D when played on an HDTV with "3D glasses available for the video game." This is likely the same TriOviz tech used in Arkham Asylum. So even if you don't have a fancy 3DTV (and just a fancy HDTV), you can see some cape virtually up in your face.

Continue reading Batman: Arkham City supports 3D whether you have a 3DTV or not

JoystiqBatman: Arkham City supports 3D whether you have a 3DTV or not originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3danaglyphBatman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citygamescom-2011microsoftnvidia-3d-visionpcplaystationps3rocksteady-studioswarner-brosxboxTue, 16 Aug 2011 09:30:00 EST