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Games => General Gaming => Topic started by: Pugnate on Friday, August 21, 2009, 01:57:44 PM

Title: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: Pugnate on Friday, August 21, 2009, 01:57:44 PM
MyD, feel free to edit this post to add more review scores bla bla bla...


9.3 from IGN

http://ps3.ign.com/articles/101/1016585p1.html
Quote
Batman: Arkham Asylum is the greatest comic book videogame of all time. This is an adult Dark Knight story that is well-told, packs some truly fun gameplay elements, has topnotch voice talent, and feel like it's part of Batman cannon


Quote
I love the Dark Knight. Aside from the Flash, he's my favorite comic book character. I know, a lot of people say Batman is their favorite, but I really am an all-out Bat-nut. I have more than 100 Batman graphic novels on my bookshelf. I've read just about every Batman story ever written. I'd like to think I'm a tough critic when it comes to all things Batman. Without question, Batman: Arkham Asylum is the best game based on a comic book and the more true to the Dark Knight than any videogame, TV show, or movie. It's better than a lot of Batman comics to boot.

Though there is some combat, the focus is on Batman's stealth abilities and his detective skills. Rocksteady got every aspect of the big bad Bat right -- from his use of gadgets, to his intellect, to his unwavering will to pummel evil into submission. This game has references to Calendar Man and Maxie Zeus, along with a great cameo by Clayface and an amazing performance by Mark Hamill as the Joker. Top to bottom this is an amazing piece of work and a real tribute to one of comics' greatest characters.

A- from 1UP

http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3175696&p=37

Quote
Having Paul Dini, one of the architects of Batman: The Animated Series and several good story arcs on Detective Comics, writing the story/dialogue is huge; if anyone alive knows Batman and his rogue's gallery, it's Dini. In fact, I'll say it: Dini and Mark Hamill's collaboration on Joker here gives us the best depiction of Joker outside of Alan Moore's The Killing Joke and Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight.


Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: MysterD on Friday, August 21, 2009, 02:06:16 PM
Can't edit your post.
I don't have mod powers.
However, I can though follow your posts w/ my posts.

EDIT:
Eurogamer
X360 Version -- NINE (out of 10) (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/batman-arkham-asylum-review)

CVG
X360 Version -- 9.2 (out of 10) (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=221874)

NZ Gamer
X360 version -- 9.0. (http://nzgamer.com/x360/reviews/941/batman-arkham-asylum.html)

Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: ScaryTooth on Friday, August 21, 2009, 07:26:58 PM
I've played the demo through like 20 times. Have it reserved, and I cant wait to get out of the hospital on Tuesday!
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: iPPi on Friday, August 21, 2009, 08:36:13 PM
It's ridiculously low priced at Future Shop this week... given the reviews and what I tried from the demo, I might buy it now.
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: gpw11 on Friday, August 21, 2009, 10:06:17 PM
Yeah, the demo kicked ass.  I'm so tempted to buy this and a PS3 instead of waiting for the PC release.
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: ScaryTooth on Tuesday, August 25, 2009, 12:43:29 PM
Picked it up on my launch break today.

Hooking up my new Xbox right now. I'm excited.
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: MysterD on Tuesday, August 25, 2009, 03:34:25 PM
GameSpot - 9.0 for X360 and PS3 versions
Video Review. (http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/batmanarkhamasylum/video/6216147/batman-arkham-asylum-video-review?om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary;watch-review)
Written Review. (http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/batmanarkhamasylum/review.html)

G4TV
4 stars from G4TV (out of 5) (http://g4tv.com/games/ps3/53425/Batman-Arkham-Asylum/review/)
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: ScaryTooth on Wednesday, August 26, 2009, 08:14:31 PM
Did anyone else get it? If you have the means, this is a MUST buy. Even if you aren't into Batman.

The game is dominate.
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: Pugnate on Thursday, August 27, 2009, 05:00:04 AM
Got it for my sister on the 360 just now. I have preordered it on PC for myself. I am going to play her *gift* :P and report back.
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: Xessive on Friday, August 28, 2009, 02:58:34 PM
Well, I caved and picked it up for PS3. So far so good.. Soooo good.
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: MysterD on Friday, August 28, 2009, 06:44:49 PM
Well, I caved and picked it up for PS3. So far so good.. Soooo good.

Oh, you gotta let us know how "Being The Joker" is, since that's a PS3 Exclusive.
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: Xessive on Saturday, August 29, 2009, 02:17:30 AM
Oh, you gotta let us know how "Being The Joker" is, since that's a PS3 Exclusive.
The Joker is pretty cool. You get to use him in the Challenge mode, so far I've only done combat challenges (fighting waves of enemis) and he's pretty hilarious hehe
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: ScaryTooth on Saturday, August 29, 2009, 02:10:35 PM
The fighting in this game is so fun. I FEEL like I'm Batman. The animations are really good, and there are a TON of them. I swear you see new moves occasionally all the way through the end of the game.

I need to work on my chain combos though. I've had 18, but thats as far as I've got. Still haven't really got the hang of racking up points in challenge mode. I don't get how some of those predator levels are completed in 35 seconds or so. Thats crazy.
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: Xessive on Monday, August 31, 2009, 07:32:55 AM
Finished it on Normal difficulty. Solved all the riddles and uncovered the Spirit of Amadeus Arkham. Awesome. It is a phenomenal game.
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: MysterD on Monday, August 31, 2009, 03:14:59 PM
Finished it on Normal difficulty. Solved all the riddles and uncovered the Spirit of Amadeus Arkham. Awesome. It is a phenomenal game.

How long did your first run through take (in approximately hours)?
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: Xessive on Tuesday, September 01, 2009, 02:34:33 AM
11-12 hours or so. When you finish the game you can still roam around Arkham Island and solve any riddles you missed before.

I really love the attention to detail RockSteady poured into the game. One little thing that I appreciated (though it's not crucial) was the difference between dead and unconscious bodies. If you look closely at an unconscious body you'll notice the chest expanding and contracting as it's still breathing. It's a very minor thing but it's all these little things that really add to the game's world.
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: Quemaqua on Wednesday, September 02, 2009, 07:42:01 PM
Fuck.  So I just watched a review of this and it looks bloody fantastic.  I'm picking it up for a friend at work because his wife is having a baby (I'm getting you a game for your wife's baby shower because it's the last game you'll ever get to play, har har), but I think I have to get it for me now too.  Damn it.
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: MysterD on Thursday, September 03, 2009, 01:48:39 PM
11-12 hours or so. When you finish the game you can still roam around Arkham Island and solve any riddles you missed before.
Sweet.
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: Quemaqua on Saturday, September 05, 2009, 05:08:14 PM
Well, I nabbed it for PS3, and it's as good as everybody said.  Dang.  It's really cool.  Gives me quite the Riddick vibe at times, and even a little System Shock 2 at a couple points.  There's a little bit of wonkiness present here and there, but you mostly notice it because everything looks and plays so generally awesome.  The character bios, little hidden things, riddles, and the upgrade system are all fantastic, and this is probably the best-looking hand to hand combat I've ever seen in a game.  Even when it slows down and zooms in things almost always continue looking smooth and believable.  I really don't think I've ever seen it done this well before.
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: MysterD on Monday, September 07, 2009, 04:39:10 PM
Rocksteady would really like to work on a sequel to this game. (http://www.actiontrip.com/rei/comments_news.phtml?id=090709_2)

Quote
Batman Sequel, Wait For It!
[Ure "Vader" Paul]
07:13 am EDT @ September 07th, 2009
Filed under: BATMAN ARKHAM ASYLUM

Will Batman: Arkham Asylum get a sequel or not? Judging from a huge number of great reviews and generally positive feedback from fans, it is a strong possibility. On the other hand, development studio Rocksteady isn't prepared to make any official announcements on the matter; at least not until they're sure about the sales.

"We'll have to wait and see if anyone buys this," lead narrative designer, Paul Crocker told CVG. "I hope so. We're just really pleased to have been given the chance to work on Batman. I'm a complete comics nerd, I used to work in a comics store... this is a dream come true for me."

Well, guys, I hope so too, because it's been a while since I've enjoyed a superhero game this much and it would be awesome to get a brand new game (provided they keep things interesting and exciting, which isn't going to be easy).
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: Quemaqua on Monday, September 07, 2009, 08:57:48 PM
The game just keeps getting better.  I would definitely like to see a followup to this.
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: MysterD on Wednesday, September 09, 2009, 12:54:53 PM
Batman: Arkham Asylum - DLC announced.
Still no details on the DLC yet.

It'll be dropping AT THE SAME TIME for the PC, X360 and PS3.
And it'll be FREE. (http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/free-batman-arkham-asylum-dlc-is-multiplatform/)
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: MysterD on Thursday, September 10, 2009, 07:21:38 PM
Make that TWO DLC's planned for Batman: AA. (http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/60396)

First one - Insane Night; coming Sept 14th.
Second one - Prey In The Darkness; coming Sept 24th.
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: gpw11 on Thursday, September 10, 2009, 07:33:29 PM
Okay, what the fuck?  You can't charge for DLC within a month of the game coming out.  That's just wrong.
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: MysterD on Thursday, September 10, 2009, 07:41:38 PM
Okay, what the fuck?  You can't charge for DLC within a month of the game coming out.  That's just wrong.

We don't know if DLC #2 is free or not yet...
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: Quemaqua on Thursday, September 10, 2009, 10:01:11 PM
I hope it's free.  I don't want to have my experience soured, because I freaking love this game.  But I'm not really interested in paying for challenge maps and such.

Nearly done with the game now, though I have a bit to go for pickups and secrets.  This game really surprised me.  Not only did they manage to pack a crapton of supervillains into it, the story seems pretty believable despite it.  I'm really impressed with this thing from the ground up.
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: MysterD on Friday, September 11, 2009, 03:16:44 PM
I hope it's free.  I don't want to have my experience soured, because I freaking love this game.  But I'm not really interested in paying for challenge maps and such.

Nearly done with the game now, though I have a bit to go for pickups and secrets.  This game really surprised me.  Not only did they manage to pack a crapton of supervillains into it, the story seems pretty believable despite it.  I'm really impressed with this thing from the ground up.

If I recall in the GameSpot review, they felt no usage of some of the super-villains in the asylum felt like a missed opportunity.

I bet that'd make some good FREE DLC -- have an encounter within the core game w/ some of the villains that didn't get much time in Version 1.0.

What do y'all think?
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: Xessive on Friday, September 11, 2009, 05:03:50 PM
I was pretty satisfied with the turn-out. I think the major villains that didn't make an appearance ought to be saved for a sequel rather than squandered on DLC. I wouldn't mind seeing some of the less-than-stellar villains crop up in some DLC.

I really liked the way the Riddler was incorporated into the game. He's not in the area but you still get the feedback and the opportunity to defeat him by solving his riddles scattered throughout Arkham Asylum.

The one character I would love to see in a sequel is Catwoman. There's a lot of potential with her for a plot as well as the possibility of a bonus playable character (much like The Joker on the PS3 version).
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: Quemaqua on Friday, September 11, 2009, 11:33:06 PM
Ever since they started doing movies, I've hated every portrayal of Catwoman.  It totally ruined that character for me since I never had all that much exposure to the comics.  All I can picture is this fucking idiotic monstrosity:

(http://catwomanfan.com/en/film/1992/images/1992.jpg)
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: PyroMenace on Saturday, September 12, 2009, 03:52:45 AM
Ever since they started doing movies, I've hated every portrayal of Catwoman.  It totally ruined that character for me since I never had all that much exposure to the comics.  All I can picture is this fucking idiotic monstrosity:

(http://catwomanfan.com/en/film/1992/images/1992.jpg)

Heh, I can picture another actor doing that character even worse. To be honest, I don't know catwoman in the marvel universe very well so I really could give two shits about her and I can almost say the same with almost the entirety of villains in batman but the game still looks fantastic to me.

Quote
Okay, what the fuck?  You can't charge for DLC within a month of the game coming out.  That's just wrong.

Sadly that's not all thats been done in DLC as of recently. The Beatles Rock Band which was just released already has DLC songs put out for it, and I liked Harmonix, I didn't see them pulling this shit.
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: Xessive on Saturday, September 12, 2009, 06:17:00 AM
I like Michelle Pfeiffer! MeOW! Although that portrayal of Catowman was not true to the original Selina Kyle.

This image from the comics is on the right track:
(http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/marvel_dc/images/thumb/7/71/Catwoman_010.jpg/200px-Catwoman_010.jpg)

And here's Selina with her newborn child, Helena (who eventually becomes The Huntress):
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f6/Catwomanbaby.PNG)

EDIT:
I can't believe this one slipped my mind, Adam Hughes (devaintART) did some pretty good renditions of Selina Kyle as well:
(http://fc08.deviantart.com/fs40/f/2009/047/f/f/The_Many_Faces_of_Selina_Kyle_by_AdamHughes.jpg)
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: Quemaqua on Saturday, September 12, 2009, 07:16:46 AM
Yeah, see... that's better.

Though I'm kinda' with Pyro.  I don't really care about villains or Batman all that much, but the game is fantastic even if you aren't really into it (also, Batman is DC, right?).  And actually, it makes a really good introduction to it all, because the more that I play of this, the more interested I am in seeing more.

I always got the impression that it was the more recent Batman stuff that was darker, though it seems like some of the threads go back a ways, so maybe I've been a little off about it.  Either way... man, this game is dark at times.  I love it. 
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: MysterD on Saturday, September 12, 2009, 07:37:40 AM
Man, I so gotta' play this thing...

Have the PC requirements for Batman: AA PC been revealed yet?
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: sirean_syan on Saturday, September 12, 2009, 09:28:56 AM
Just play that demo that came out a few weeks ago. If it runs well enough you're good to go.

I'm actually waiting for the PC release myself. I was able to go pretty much full detail with the PhysicX stuff running as well. While the keyboard and mouse setup worked, I'm thinking it might be a good excuse to get a 360 controller going for my computer.
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: Pugnate on Saturday, September 12, 2009, 10:10:39 AM
Yea I can't wait for the PC release...

We have it on the 360 and my brother finished it... but I am not touching it.
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: MysterD on Monday, September 21, 2009, 06:01:51 PM
At least 2.5+ million copies have been sold so far to retail outlets.

I don't know if that includes any PC copies that were sold...ummm...beginning last week.... (http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/news/50390/Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2-5-Million-Units-Shipped)
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: Quemaqua on Monday, September 21, 2009, 07:51:52 PM
I just finished it up the other night.  Fantastic, fantastic game.  I'm really looking forward to a sequel, and possibly even playing through it again at some point.  If you aren't too anal about trying to find every last thing (which I tried to do the first time around), it's just short enough that you can just enjoy the story and action without devouring a ridiculous chunk of time.  Really great game.
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: gpw11 on Monday, September 21, 2009, 10:28:31 PM
Yeah, picked this up on the weekend.  Damn, one of the funner games I've played in the last little while and certainly one of the games I'd keep (as mentioned in the other thread) for a while.  The combat is so simplistic yet fun and there's so much to do it's great.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: iPPi on Monday, September 21, 2009, 11:48:31 PM
I picked this one up last week as well and am having a blast.  Like gpw, this is one of the games I've had the most fun with in a long time.
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: MysterD on Tuesday, September 22, 2009, 02:16:49 PM
Patch 1.1 Released for PC version -- which adds PhysX Support. (http://www.bluesnews.com/cgi-bin/board.pl?action=viewstory&threadid=102446)

Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: gpw11 on Sunday, September 27, 2009, 03:56:28 AM
You know what else the PC version just got?  Some fucking error that won't let me access my save games. See, when I installed the game I just started playing right away and didn't set my live settings because fuck it, I never do that and it always works.  So, I try to play when I got home tonight and my save games are gone. This has happened before and it's just been a case of the game starting up in the wrong profile for whatever reason. So, I open up the Live menu and try to load up my profile and nothing. Connection problem or something, but that doesn't matter...what does is doing that reminds me that I was playing on an automatically set up offline profile because my internet was out when I installed the game..... an offline profile which is now fucking nowhere to be found. Grrrrreat. 

This could be a computer problem, but still - fuck you Windows Live.  I even kind of liked you up until this point. Now there is a small chance that my memory is just wrong and my saves might be linked to my Live! account, but none of my achievements are so I really doubt it.  This is the first time I've ever dealt with a save file corruption of some sort.  What a pain in the ass....I don't want to go through the first half of the game again.
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: Pugnate on Sunday, September 27, 2009, 04:38:19 AM
Quote
what does is doing that reminds me that I was playing on an automatically set up offline profile because my internet was out when I installed the game..... an offline profile which is now fucking nowhere to be found. Grrrrreat.

This could be a computer problem, but still - fuck you Windows Live.

Man this happened to me with Gears of War PC. It was so absurd because I was halfway through the game and just couldn't be bothered to play it again. It was the exact same problem with the GFW live crap.
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: Xessive on Sunday, September 27, 2009, 05:22:52 AM
Yep, that irritated the shit out of me. The problem I had inititally was with Fallout 3. Then I found the folder where the offline profile was saved and all I had to do was move its contents to the online profile's folder.

It was easier to find with FO3 because of the way the game stores the saves (the filename just uses your character name and the date of the save).
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: MysterD on Sunday, September 27, 2009, 06:12:53 AM
WTF @ GFWL w/ the online and offline profiles bullcrap again.
That crap just shouldn't exist for SP-based games -- FO3, Batman: AA, and GOW PC (SP portion).

EDIT:
The point of SP portions is to be able to play these ALONE and OFFLINE -- so, that's how the saves should work; whether you're online or offline. Shouldn't freakin' matter.

If all these saves are say linked to some G4WL Achievements, when you say decide to hop online to G4WL, it should be up to you to click some button to "Upload Your Achievements to G4WL Account" so that these Achievements you made get uploaded to G4WL Online OR there should be some setting so you can allow G4WL to look at your in-game Achievements whenever you hop online so its post the ones you finished for you.
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: Xessive on Sunday, September 27, 2009, 09:01:25 AM
I actually ended up getting a hacked live.dll that prevents GFWL from loading. Fallout 3 works perfectly but will crash to desktop if you push the LIVE menu entry in the main menu. Basically you always play from the offline profile.

It seems to work with some other titles too but obviously it forfeits online multiplayer options, however some titles just crash while booting up.

If you think it might help you search for Timeslip's Live Fix.
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: gpw11 on Sunday, September 27, 2009, 02:50:21 PM
I'll check that out.  This is a REALLY good game, and it's not like playing through the start again would be UNBEARABLE, but why bother if it's just going to happen again?
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: Pugnate on Sunday, September 27, 2009, 03:38:42 PM
Can't you just run a cheat and skip your way to the level where you were?

My copy of the game hasn't come in the mail yet, so I don't know how it works, or if there even are "levels"...

I'll have to find a way to do a manual back up, because I don't want this to happen to me again. This GFWL problem ruined Gears PC for me.
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: iPPi on Sunday, September 27, 2009, 11:55:44 PM
I finished up the campaign and the riddles tonight.  Phenomenal game.  Time for some challenge maps. 
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: Pugnate on Monday, October 05, 2009, 01:57:46 PM
This game has started really well. Enjoying it.
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: MysterD on Monday, October 05, 2009, 02:01:11 PM
This game has started really well. Enjoying it.

Did you get the G4WL issues straightened out, bro?
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: Pugnate on Monday, October 05, 2009, 02:36:38 PM
No the client keeps crashing and I can't even post on the G4F forums. Whenever I try, it asks me to set a "gamertag" first, which I already have.

There is tremendous neglect for the G4WL thing. If you search G4WL client on google, the first few hits are about people with the same problem as myself.

Anyway the game runs fine... I just have trouble when I try to activate all the extra content which came with the CE.
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: MysterD on Monday, October 05, 2009, 03:39:16 PM
No the client keeps crashing and I can't even post on the G4F forums. Whenever I try, it asks me to set a "gamertag" first, which I already have.

There is tremendous neglect for the G4WL thing. If you search G4WL client on google, the first few hits are about people with the same problem as myself.
That's crazy....

Quote
Anyway the game runs fine... I just have trouble when I try to activate all the extra content which came with the CE.

Wait...
Batman: AA PC has a Collector's Ed?
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: Pugnate on Monday, October 05, 2009, 04:25:59 PM
Yea UK only.

Totally not worth it though. Everything feels really cheap. Eidos really screwed people on it:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Batman-Arkham-Asylum-Collectors-DVD/dp/B00272NH1S

Cost me about 80 bucks and felt like a rip off. Unfortunately it didn't have the leather book from the console editions either...

You can read some reviews here:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Batman-Arkham-Asylum-Collectors-Xbox/dp/B00272NH1I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1254784640&sr=1-2

Quote
First off, let me just say that Arkham Asylum is one of the best games I've played in a very long time. But this review is going to skip completely over that and just concentrate on the Collector's Edition box set. The game itself should be getting 5 stars everywhere!

Now, the boxset -

The Batarang-
Oh, we had so many high hopes for this. After first being told that a batarang was shipping with collector's edition, we all had images of harassing siblings, explaining about the damaged furniture and winning any game of "Knifey Spoony" that you may happen to fall into. All the images on the boxes originally showed a nice slim metal curved blade, shaped in a the familiar bat symbol. So what do we get? A cheap plastic 14" batarang on a stand. Now let me just point out that if it wasn't for the size of this, you would expect to get something of the same quality with a happy meal. It looks and feels tacky, and is incredibly scratched up. This is a common feature with the new "EIDOS HAPPY MEAL BATARANG", as the moulds used were rubbish and everyone pretty much ended up with a cheap plastic batarang, that looked like it had been dragged across a road for about a mile. I really cannot tell you how utterly disappointed I am with this!

"Crime Alley" DLC map-
Great if it works, but EIDOS have acknowledged that a lot of the codes that were sent out with the CE of Arkham Asylum, don't work. I'll let you know what I think when they eventually get mine working!

Digipack sleeve packaging-
A big mistake to make! When people get their lovely Collector's Editions of games, they usually take out the game (in a standard or tin box) and add it with the rest of their collections. However, good luck doing that with this! Again, a cheap cardboard packaging used to house the game and the DVD. This is the sort of thing you would find pre 2000 ISP discs. It's also a lot smaller and very easy to damage, so be careful.

Behind the Scenes DVD-
Not too shabby as it goes, but this alone cannot revive a Collectors Edition from Hell!

Arkham Doctor's Journal-
Great toilet reading material for all of 10 minutes.

All in all, I would recommend to anyone that has actually read through this review, to google the Europe Collectors Edition (not the US edition that comes with leather bound game holder, or batarang case), to read into how poor the CE is and to daydream about beating the EIDOS Marketing team with a £2 batarang that your 5 year old nephew should have got with his happy meal!

None of that is an exaggeration. The Batarang looks less like a display piece and more like a made-in-china toy you get from the dollar store. The box is absolute rubbish and made of cheap cardboard... not even plastic or tin...

I should have researched I suppose, but I just assumed I'd be getting the same quality as I would be from Blizzard.

Thank god the game rocks, or I would have been even more upset.

And yes, the game does rock.
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: MysterD on Thursday, February 25, 2010, 03:09:03 PM
Batman: AA for the PC is 75% off on G4WL starting tomorrow (Friday Feb 26th) until March 1st (next Monday).
It'll cost $12.50 OR 1000 MS points.

EDIT:
So, for those who have used G4WL to download games...

Do they download a zip file and/or installer file for the full game that you can back-up to disc?

Or is it like Steam where it just downloads the entire game straight-up and then you can "Archive" (Back-up) the game to a compressed file and then back-up it to disc?
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: Xessive on Friday, February 26, 2010, 10:51:57 AM
The only game I've downloaded through LIVE little robot one. If I recall it downloaded and installed it entirely through the LIVE interface with no option of storing the installation files.

I don't even recall seeing an archive or backup option once the game is installed.
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: MysterD on Friday, February 26, 2010, 04:22:29 PM
The only game I've downloaded through LIVE little robot one. If I recall it downloaded and installed it entirely through the LIVE interface with no option of storing the installation files.

I don't even recall seeing an archive or backup option once the game is installed.

Okay, for the hell of it, I downloaded Tinker (a free game) through G4WL, just to see how this thing works in G4WL.

Basically, you select to download the game you want - and the result is you get a compressed CAB file. Inside the CAB file was a game MSI install file and also a DirectX EXE - so, yeah, looks like this is what I'm looking for.

Default location of where these files save to is actually listed in your G4WL Settings of where the CAB file gets DL'ed. So, looks like that is what you'd back-up, if you wanted to back a game up.

If you have a program that can un-compress CAB files (i.e. PowerArchiver), looks like you can extract that and go from there.

Or, if you are running G4WL and your game is downloaded, you can just select from your Games list the game you downloaded and tell it to install it.

EDIT:
Okay, guys - I ordered Batman: AA PC through G4WL to download. I'll go through this process and let you know what I think of their process of DLing and installing and stuff, once all goes through...
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: gpw11 on Friday, February 26, 2010, 06:41:59 PM
I can't say for sure, but I think you can decompress CAB files with WinRar as well.  Or at least I can see what's in them using it (.Cabs are installers for windows mobile apps).
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: MysterD on Saturday, February 27, 2010, 07:24:27 AM
Well, worth noting here - after the CAB files are downloaded, this is probably when you should burn them, if you want them. Don't click install YET.

Once you tell it to install (from the CAB files) and it finishes the install, G4WL deletes the CAB files. If I knew that, I would've cut them to disc before I clicked install.

Just so y'all know and stuff.

Found out the hard way.
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: Xessive on Saturday, February 27, 2010, 03:39:47 PM
That explains why I couldn't find the installation files. That's similar to how some CAB installers do it on Windows Mobile.

I can confirm that WinRAR, WinZip, and 7-Zip can all extract CAB files.
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: MysterD on Saturday, February 27, 2010, 03:55:34 PM
I must say, from what I've played so far, this game is kick-ass. I'm playing it w/ m X360 Controller For Windows, I should note - and it controls just fine w/ the gamepad. I just love zipping from gargoyle to gargoyle to avoid attacks of to try and get the drop on enemies - it's just bad-ass.

Outstanding voice-acting. The Joker and Harley Quinn are so far stealing the show for me here. 

I must say - the graphics are absolutely outstanding.

Gonna go play some more, soon enuff - downloading this game's Insane Night Map Pack (Free DLC).


Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: MysterD on Monday, March 01, 2010, 03:49:18 PM
That explains why I couldn't find the installation files. That's similar to how some CAB installers do it on Windows Mobile.

I can confirm that WinRAR, WinZip, and 7-Zip can all extract CAB files.

Easy instructions here on dealing w/ CAB files from G4WL Games on Demand. (http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showpost.php?p=6892375&postcount=145)

Someone on CAG explains that the CAB files from any G4WL Games On Demand version of a game is the same as the disc version, pretty much. Basically, after the DL finishes, DO NOT click install - if you want to cut these files to disc(s). Cut them to disc(s).

So, yes - you can even install these CAB files w/out the need of G4WL or anything - if somehow G4WL does go down, shits the bed, or whatever at some later date. You extract the files somewhere, run the install EXE file, and you're good to go.

EDIT:
Microsoft's Securom DRM terms for many of their G4WL Games On Demands Games - which include Batman: AA PC.

Basically, 5 activations allowed PER MONTH.
After a month ends, your count get reset back to 5 installs allowed. (http://forums.gamesforwindows.com/p/9446/87073.aspx)
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: Cobra951 on Saturday, July 31, 2010, 09:59:06 AM
Outstanding game.  I got it for Christmas, and finally played through it.  (First few achievements are dated 12/31/09.  Fallout 3 got in the way.)  I don't think I've seen this good a technical execution on anything.  It's smooth as glass with nary a hitch.  It's installed to the hard drive, but still.  Animations are stellar and so varied.  Voice acting is as good as on any Batman animated feature.  I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir here.  I just needed to get that said.

I love the darker aspects of the game.  The mood setting is superb.  Oh, and . . .

(click to show/hide)

I'm not a fan of heavy brawling.  What made the game for me was, well, everything else.  All of the Batman facets seemed to be here, very nicely realized.  They were most enjoyable.  Kudos to the devs for their labor of love, lots and lots of talented labor.
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: Myst3rD on Saturday, July 31, 2010, 11:36:17 AM
And I thought I was The Thread Resurrecting King....  :o

You pulled a MyD - trying to bring a dead thread from 2009 back to life in 2010. :P
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: MysterD on Saturday, July 31, 2010, 01:11:54 PM
The Real MyD (me) still needs to play this game and finish it - thanks for the reminder, guys. I kinda need something worth-while to play, that I can actually stick with, since I'm done w/ The Saboteur.




Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: ren on Sunday, November 24, 2013, 02:28:41 PM
I know I'm years late but this game is amazing.

It feels like a hybrid of Riddick, Bioshock and Batman (obviously).

I find myself fighting the controls a decent amount but I think that's more my fault than the game.
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: Cobra951 on Monday, November 25, 2013, 07:36:43 AM
Wow.  Necrobump of the year.  :D

I loved that game.  Arkham City too.  Good times.
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: ren on Monday, November 25, 2013, 05:01:08 PM
There will be a lot more of these bumps soon. End of a generation means I get to pick up all the gems that I've missed for wonderfully low prices.
Title: Re: Batman: Arkham Asylum getting stellar reviews...
Post by: ren on Sunday, December 29, 2013, 12:21:31 PM
The save game seems to have randomly disappeared from the xbox hard drive. I was close enough to the end that I'm considering the game complete.

I really liked the Metroid vibes the Poison Ivy sections where giving me.