Batman: Arkham Origins Multiplayer Reveal

Not sure if many of you have played the Batman Arkham games, but they are amazing, and I highly recommend them. This is the new one coming to Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii U this October and it introduces multiplayer for the first time, and it actually looks kinda fun.




Batman: Arkham Origins Multiplayer Hands-On Preview – Heroes and Zeroes
Written Wednesday, July 31, 2013 By Dan Webb
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I know what you're thinking, “Waiter, I appear to have multiplayer in my single-player soup... I didn't ask for this, can I speak to the manager, please?” Yeah, well, we all thought that when we heard Assassin's Creed was getting multiplayer too, right? And look how that turned out. Granted, for every Assassin's Creed we've had a Tomb Raider, so your hesitation is expected. The difference between those two is ultimately this though: one was a multiplayer mode that played to the strengths and unique qualities of the game's mechanics, the other felt tacked on. I'll let you work out which is which.

That's the key though, creating a mode that compliments the single-player's minute-to-minute gameplay – one that plays to the game's strengths – and brings it forward into a multiplayer environment. In getting multiplayer specialists, Splash Damage, on board to develop such a mode was the correct first step, not only because those guys and gals have been developing them for years, but because it's not going to take away from the single-player developed Warner Bros Montreal aspect of the game.

For Splash Damage the first task was working out what those strengths of the game were, as according to Alastair Cornish, Creative Director of Splash Damage, they “didn't want a tacked on ‘me too’ mode.” What started out as a broad look at the franchise's freeflow combat and invisible predator arenas left them focussing on the Invisible Predator mode asking questions like, “What if the AI were humans?” and “What if there was a third team in the mix?” The result? What they're code-naming the “Invisible Predator Online” mode.



The 8 player, asymmetrical mode consists of 3 teams, all with varying different objectives. The Heroes – playing as Batman and Robin – will spend their time filling their “Intimidation Meter,” done by lurking in the shadows and taking down foes; and the Elites, which consist of two teams of 3 – one team of three playing as Bane's gang; and the other playing as Joker's gang – who will have to capture control points, whilst also eradicating the other Elite team who have a collection of ticket spawns.

It's actually a really complex mode with a lot of nuances that need to be realised before it can be fully appreciated. For instance, as the Heroes, you'll have to spend your time in vents and in the rafters, and what not, trying for a whole variety of different takedowns. Variety is the key to filling the Intimidation Meter. Yes, you have a lot of your gadgets like smoke pellets and explosive gel, including Detective Vision, but against a gun you'll be chopped down in seconds, and dying means that when you respawn your Intimidation Meter will have taken a bit of a pounding, so sticking to the shadows and thinking on your feet is essential.

The Elites aren't just unsuspecting goons or prey for the Heroes either. Oh no. They'll have what Splash Damage are calling “Enhanced Vision,” allowing you to track opposition Elites and of course, the Heroes. It's on a battery though, so you won't be using it all the time. Then there's a whole host of weapons they can choose, grenade boxes to pick-up (which are more important than you think) and even gang leaders to take control of. Yes, you can take hold of the hulk-like Bane, who does Hulk-like smashes, has a rocket launcher, and can basically throw you around like a rag doll; or the Joker, with his hand cannons and his Joy Buzzer; but only if you get to the locker before anyone else on the map. When one of the Elites has control of one of the faction-leaders, you better run for your life!

The depth of the mode keeps on going though. For instance, Heroes can put jammers on the three control points, luring prey into their nest or just slowing down their progress, and they even know about grenade drops before the Elites, so if you're an Elite and want those 'nades, you're going to have to be careful. It's deep, but ultimately more satisfying once you get the hang of it.