Multiplayer mode announced for Batman: Arkham Origins

Of all the utter insanity that usually populates online multiplayer games, one thing I never thought I would experience is a playing a multiplayer game as the caped crusader, Batman. But Warner Bros. Games Montreal will be trying to pull off the unthinkable in “Batman: Arkham Origins.”

Only a few years ago, to think a video game featuring Batman would be worthwhile was a laughable idea. Before “Batman: Arkham Asylum” proved to the video gaming world that it was possible to create a quality game that was actually fun featuring the Dark Knight, the only titles featuring him (or other superheroes for that matter) were usually cheaply made movie tie-ins. The overwhelmingly positive fan and critical response to both “Arkham Asylum” and “Arkham City” have paved the way for a third Batman title in the “Arkham” universe, only this one is set at the beginning of Batman’s crime fighting career where he must fend off the attacks of numerous hitmen and assassins, lured to Gotham City by the villainous Black Mask.

 
Besides “Arkham Origins” being a prequel in the “Arkham” game universe, there is another aspect of its development that sets it apart from the previous two titles. Both “Asylum” and “City” were developed by Rocksteady Studios while this title is being developed by Warner Bros. Games Montreal (single player) and Splash Damage (multiplayer). Though the concept of the game is solid and the preview videos have created quite a stir on the internet, the fact that a new company is taking the reins of the “Arkham” series made me a bit nervous. The addition of multiplayer means that there is a much higher chance that this game will suffer from “great ideas but poor execution.”

But, being that “Arkham Origins” isn’t set to be released until October 25, there is still plenty of time for bother Warner Bros. and Splash Damage to fine tune the title. And I have to give both developers the benefit of the doubt – Invisible Predator Online does sound pretty cool.

The mode will feature eight players competing against each other – three players representing Joker’s gang, three players representing Bane’s gang and two players taking up the mantle of Batman and Robin. Allegedly, the multiplayer story does not cross over with the single player story, meaning you won’t see or be able to play Robin in the single player game. The “2 vs. 3 vs. 3” dynamic is pretty interesting, especially once you hear how the mode plays out.

The playable gang members from Joker and Bane’s outfits aren’t just any thugs off the street. These elite gang members bring powerful weaponry to the table as well as other gadgets to not only battle their rivals but to keep Batman and Robin at bay. The gang members will battle over three control points on the map. Controlling more points than the enemy team will cause their pool of respawns to slowly dwindle. Though, you’ll likely lose more lives to Batman and Robin.

As the gang elite battle below, Batman and Robin patrol the map in a manner similar to the single player game. Stealth in your biggest ally playing as the Dark Knight or Boy Wonder. Sticking to the shadows and executing silent takedowns are tantamount when playing as the caped duo because it won’t be possible to silently take down a gang member if he has recently seen either crime fighter. Just like in the single player game, it will be much harder to take down a foe if he is spooked than if he is completely unaware to your presence.

Taking out enough enemies will cause an intimidation meter to rise and once enough fear has been sown, the warring gangs will beat a hasty retreat, leaving Batman and Robin victorious. However, just as in the single player game, faceless gangsters aren’t the only problems the heroic duo will have to deal with.

Though each game starts with three human-controlled gangsters on each side, at certain points in every game, both Joker and Bane will become available for their respective team. Each villain brings a unique set of skills to the table. Bane, being a hulking behemoth, concentrates on smashing his enemies with an array of melee attacks. While Joker, on the other hand, relies on crafty gadgets and custom weaponry to turn the tide in his gang’s favor.

Tracking down enemies controlled by real life opponents as Batman or Robin should prove to be an absolutely exhilarating experience. Likewise, controlling a gang member on the ground who relies on his teammates and firearms, trying to capture control points all the while looking over your shoulder for either hero should provide for some truly exciting gameplay. Reports have said that team members will be switched up between rounds to give everyone a chance on all teams, but I’d have to imagine that Batman or Robin will be the most coveted characters.

Though the single and multiplayer modes are not said to be connected in terms of the story, completing portions of the single player is said to unlock things for multiplayer. But whether those unlocks are items, skins or new characters remains to be seen.

“Batman: Arkham Origins” was already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated games of the fall. Now, with the introduction of multiplayer to the series, “Origins” could be one of Batman’s greatest triumphs – or biggest failures. Either way, it will be a long wait for October 25.