Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate

Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate is a video game developed by Armature Studio and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. It is a companion game to Batman: Arkham Origins and is part of the Batman: Arkham series. The game was released for the Nintendo 3DS and PlayStation Vita on October 25, 2013, and later for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii U.

Gameplay

Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate is a 2.5D side-scrolling action-adventure game. The gameplay combines elements of exploration, combat, and stealth. Players control Batman as he navigates through the Blackgate Penitentiary to quell a riot instigated by three of his most notorious enemies: The Joker, The Penguin, and Black Mask.

The game features a Metroidvania-style map, where players must acquire new gadgets and abilities to access previously unreachable areas. Combat is similar to the main Arkham series, utilizing a free-flow system that allows Batman to chain attacks and counter enemy moves.

Plot

The story of Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate takes place three months after the events of Batman: Arkham Origins. Batman is alerted to a riot at Blackgate Penitentiary, where three criminal factions have taken control of different sections of the prison. Batman must work with Catwoman to stop the chaos and bring order to the facility.

Throughout the game, players encounter various DC Comics characters, including Amanda Waller, Rick Flag, and Bronze Tiger. The narrative unfolds through a combination of in-game dialogue and comic book-style cutscenes.

Development

Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate was developed by Armature Studio, a company founded by former members of Retro Studios, known for their work on the Metroid Prime series. The game was designed to complement the main Arkham Origins title by offering a portable experience with a different gameplay style.

Reception

The game received mixed reviews from critics. Praise was directed at its faithful adaptation of the Arkham combat system and the engaging story. However, some criticism was aimed at the repetitive nature of the gameplay and the lack of innovation compared to other titles in the series.