Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate - Deluxe Edition Reviews
Blackgate is a playthrough for die-hard Batman fans, but not necessarily for die-hard Arkham fans. The combat is definitely fun when running into a large squad of minions to take out and we wish that the game would have embraced the arcadey tradition of side-scrollers and offered more opportunities to punch, kick, and counter our way through foot soldiers.
'Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate' is the platform-based experience the 'Arkham' franchise needs, not what the story deserves.
Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate – Deluxe Edition is as problematic as its title is long. The cinematics are ugly, the controls aren't as responsive as they need to be, and the characters and environments are boring. The most offensive part of all of this, however, is the fact that none of the issues that the original version faced were addressed, leaving players with a sloppily put together platformer that isn't much fun to play. Like the 3DS version that came before it, this game is full of great ideas that are poorly executed, making for a disappointing experience overall.
While series enthusiasts might find Batman and his utility belt a bit lacking due to the absence of certain gadgets and the lack of a proper leveling system, the item based progression and good amount of upgrades for Batman's gadgets, suit, and gauntlets do just about enough to make up for it during the 10-11 hour main story.
Batman: Arkham Origins: Blackgate Deluxe Edition is both fun and frustrating—exactly the kind of game I don't like reviewing. If you can focus on the parts that work (exploration, collectibles) and downplay the stuff that doesn't (the map, the combat), you'll have a good time. I can't recommend this to people who already played it on Vita or 3DS, though—unless you really loved it, it's probably not worth the double-dip.
A good Batman experience that is overshadowed by its bigger brothers in almost every way. Definitely worth playing for anybody who hasn't had their fill from the main series, Batman Arkham Origins: Blackgate - Deluxe Edition doesn't strain to do anything new. There is nothing original to be found in any of the mechanics and the 2.5D perspective is more irritating than worthwhile. This shouldn't be the first game for anyone new to the series, but experts will find enough to like.
Arkham Origins Blackgate seems to have borrowed too heavily from its predecessors and whilst imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, it can also leave you looking pretty undistinguished.
The 2.5D gameplay is a success with the combat and exploration feeling almost as rewarding as the regular console games. However, the galling amount of backtracking and the forced detective mode scanning to highlight weak walls or Batclaw points took the edge off what was otherwise an enjoyable night with the Dark Knight.
Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate Deluxe Edition is a valiant effort of bringing the handheld game to major platforms. However, problematic gameplay, not so good visuals, and original limitations, like the 2.5D perspective, diminish its value. Still, for fans of the series, the story is quite good and plenty of great characters return.
A poor port of a boring handheld cash in. Do yourself a favour and avoid.
Coming from its handheld roots, Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate arrives to the PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 with improved visuals and audio with the Deluxe Edition.