Batman: Arkham Asylum Review #2: Into The Nuthouse

This is part two of our two part “Batman: Arkham Asylum” review series. For another view on the game, check out Nat X7’s review.

Batman doesn’t need an introduction: whether you read about him the comics, watched the cheesy TV episodes, or saw him in the latest Dark Knight movie, chances are you know about about the Caped Crusader. However, Arkham Asylum is something many casual Batman fans don’t know much about, and Eidos has decided to give a ten hour tour of the place in their latest game. With Batman’s theme being littered with stealthy situations, kung fu battles, and hi-tech gadgets, does this game meet the expectations of Batman fans or do you need to be insane to enjoy “Batman: Arkham Asylum”? [Continue Reading]

Batman: Arkham Asylum Review #1: This Dark Knight Shines Brightly

This is part one of our two part “Batman: Arkham Asylum” review series. Check out MarkyX’s take on the game.

Months ago, DC Comics killed off Bruce Wayne. A three-part mini-series, entitled “Battle for the Cowl,” followed his death, in which multiple heroes and villains from the Gotham universe battled to wear the suit of the famous, Caped Crusader. Now, a new entity dons the bat suit, and a total reinvention of the Batman storyline has begun. While “Batman: Arkham Asylum” still has you exploring Gotham’s most storied penitentiary from behind the eyes of Bruce Wayne, it draws many parallels with it’s comic brethren, as it’s a total reinvention of Batman in the gaming realm, and brings with it many innovative features that should be mainstays in the third-person, action genre. [Continue Reading]

Batman: Arkham Asylum Demo Impressions

The history of the caped crusader in games is not one to brag about. With a few exceptions, most of Batsy’s forgettable forays into the gaming realm have been met with underwhelming reception, but all that may be about to change. Finally, after waiting for what has seemed like an eternity, the release of a downloadable demo for PC, PS3, and Xbox 360 owners now, finally, have the chance to sample “Batman: Arkham Asylum,” and this ain’t you’re daddies Batman. [Continue Reading]

Who Watches the Watchmen? We Do!

Finally, the time is almost upon us, where I can sit down in a movie theater, look up at the big screen, and see my favorite ink-blot, mask-wearing hero tear up some baddies. Yup, The Watchmen comes out on Friday, and I hope you’re all planning on going to check it out. If you haven’t read the comics, don’t feel bad; the movie is in the capable hands of director, Zack Snyder, and early reviews are saying that the film does the graphic novel justice.

If you’re unfamiliar with the story, I will try to clue you in without giving anything away. The story takes place in a world where super heroes are outlawed, and society no longer seems to think they need them around. The Watchmen are a group of superheroes who, mostly, moved on to other endeavors after the government outlawed masked vigilantes. Suddenly, someone starts offing these ex-heroes, and it’s up to the remaining few to solve these crimes before it’s too late. I can’t say too much more, other than I knew very little about the comics when I picked them up, and after I finished, it was easy to see why some consider it the greatest comic of all time.

On the gaming front, the first episode of the downloadable series, “The Watchmen: The End is Nigh,” was released today for XBLA, and will be out tomorrow for PSN. So, if you’re fans go check it out. Reviews for the game have garnered mixed feelings, but the overall consensus seems to be that if your a fan, the $20 dollars is worth it.

I hope your all getting as excited as I am, and don’t forget to go see the film when it comes out this Friday.

Must See: Hot New Watchmen Trailers!

I think it’s safe to say that the era of horrible comic book/ super hero movies may be seeing its end. With the recent string of good to excellent movies (”Hulk,” “Ironman,” “300,” “Hancock,” “Hellboy 2,” “Dark Knight”), Hollywood seems to have hit its’ stride with this genre, and it looks like next year the trend is going to continue with the “Watchmen”. Based off of Alan Moore’s award winning graphic novel of the same name, “Watchmen” tells the story of “masked” vigilantes during an alternate version of the 1980’s (were Richard Nixon is still president) who must unravel the mystery behind the death of one of their former teammates. They also have to deal with the public, who hates them, and a legislation bill which was passed outlawing these “masked” heroes. The law forced most of them to have to either retire, work for the government, or continue fighting crime outside of the law. Obviously, the plot goes much deeper than what I’ve explained (it’s won several awards),  but I don’t want to spoil it for ya’. [Continue Reading]

Hands On With Final Version Of MK vs. DC + New Footage!

Is it safe to say the Mortal Kombat franchise is back to it’s former glory? Well after hands on time with the final build of MK vs. DC i have a feeling it’s just about there. The first thing that stood out to me while playing, was how well the DC and Mk universe meshed together. Now i know there’s alot of haters out there, but guys give it a chance. I doubt you’ll agree that the whole concept is ridiculous or stupid once you’ve played the game. And speaking of play, some of you old school Mk fans will feel right at home with the familiar attacks and moves input, hell even the good old uppercuts have returned.

What’s also cool is the ease of pick up and play. Having been away from the MK games for years, I was able to get in along with a friend (who rarely plays games to begin with) and start brawling with out having to resort to using cheesy moves. Now don’t take this as the game being way to easy. Like all fighting games, Mk vs DC has moves which will require some time to master. Moves like reversals and the use of the analog stick to move on a 3d plane. And no… you didn’t hear wrong, the analog stick is used to move or “side step” your character towards the foreground or away in the background. While playing it’s easy for someone to forget they can move around like that. Having to switch from the digital to the analog control is alittle awkward and may turn off players. Thankfully the Mk gods saw it fit to support the recently released arcade sticks for the ps3 and x360. If they didn’t i think I would’ve had to raised some hell! In my opinion, arcade sticks are the only way to go for fighting games.

Another cool feature worth mentioning is the chat rooms they’ll have setup for players. As quoted to “bring back that arcade feel” of the crowds that would gather round the arcade cabinets watching the fights. The chatrooms will allow players to talk or brag to each other about thier skills before the next match or during a match in session. This is a nice little addition that should be a standard for all fighting games going forward.  All in all Mk vs DC looks to bring the franchise back out of the darkness from which it lurked. Stripping away all the silly bloated content…ahem kombat karts anyone?…ahem and taking players back to it’s bare bones roots of good ‘ol mk fun albiet with a splash of superheroes in the mix. Dare i say it?…ahhh screw it..MOOOOORTAL KOOOOOOMBAT! Damn now i gotta go and listen to that movie soundtrack….

Still won’t take my word for it? check out 2.0’s impressions plus footage explaining what’s new to the series.

Get Over Here! Over 8mins Of New Mk Vs. Dc Footage

Still think the upcoming MK vs. DC fighting game from Midway is gonna suck? Check out this video with over 8 mins of new footage showcasing some cool ass moves, destructible environments/clothing, brutalities,fatalities, and new combo system. Plus an explanation of just how much control you have over your character even while being grabbed or thrown! Midway has stated time and time again about how they’re going back to their roots with this latest iteration of Mk and it’s apparent from this video. Check it out below and peep the scene were old Bats gets burned by fan favorite Scorpion…GET OVER HERE!!!

2.o spent some time with the game at the event as well, check out his impressions.