Batman: Arkham Origins - Initiation is an action-adventure title that allows players to experience the origins of the Dark Knight in a gritty and chaotic open world. Released in late 2013, the game is available on PC and PlayStation 3, offering a distinct chapter in the Batman saga. It serves as a prequel to the main series, exploring the character's earlier years and vulnerabilities in a way that previous games could not.

Story and Setting

The narrative is set eight years before the events of Batman: Arkham Asylum. The story focuses on a younger and less-refined Batman who is forced to face a dangerous bounty. The crime lord Black Mask places a bounty on the Caped Crusader, which draws eight of the world's greatest assassins to Gotham City on Christmas Eve. Batman must navigate this dangerous holiday to bring Black Mask to justice. Simultaneously, he is being hunted by the police and must contend with other supervillains who take advantage of the chaos to launch their own schemes, including the Joker and Anarky. The game world is divided between Old and New Gotham, allowing players to explore familiar locations and buildings that have been edited to represent the city prior to the construction of the Arkham Wall.

Gameplay Mechanics

The gameplay centers on Batman's combat and stealth abilities, along with his detective skills and gadgets. The navigation is designed to be smooth and precise, with the introduction of a new fast travel system that makes moving around the city easier than ever. The combat system returns with a smoother feel, rewarding players for building combos and executing takedowns. Players must carefully select opponents one at a time, utilizing special moves and takedowns that depend on the specific type of thug and the situation. The game introduces new types of enemies and new gadgets to add fresh elements to the action.

Boss fights have been improved to feel more serious, although players may find them somewhat repetitive due to the limited number of encounters. The final boss is described as feeling less like a climactic finale and more like a standard encounter compared to the more challenging fights that precede it.

Batman: Arkham Origins - Initiation Features

Batman: Arkham Origins - Initiation introduces several key features for investigation and exploration that enhance the detective experience. The game includes the following notable additions:

  • Crime Analyzer: The Detective mode is enhanced with a new crime analyzer that allows Batman to virtually recreate crimes. This tool plays back parts of the crime, aiding the player in investigating the scene and detecting clues like a real crime investigator.
  • Predator Challenges: The Predator challenges return, now accompanied by new missions and gadgets. These gadgets can be used to create various takedown scenarios.
  • Training Faculty: A new training faculty is included to help train new players in the basics of the game.
  • Multiplayer Mode: The game features online play, allowing players to engage in a gang war between the Joker and Bane. Players can choose to play as Batman or Robin as heroes, or take on the roles of gang members.

Technical Aspects and Target Audience

While the game provides a comprehensive experience, it is important to note that the version developed by WB Games Montréal contains various glitches. Some of these are game-breaking, preventing players from progressing or completing the game 100%. Players must be aware of the following issues:

  • Falling through floors or getting stuck in rooms.
  • The inability to unlock towers.
  • Enemies getting stuck in challenge rooms or running back and forth.
  • Missable challenges that must be completed in the main story to unlock afterwards.

This game is best suited for hardcore fans of the series and action enthusiasts. It explores the vulnerability and lack of experience of the Batman character, offering a different perspective on the superhero's history compared to earlier installments in the franchise.