Batman: Arkham Knight has had its fair share of praise and criticism since its release. One aspect that generated mixed feelings among players was the Batmobile. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the Batmobile’s role in the game and whether it deserves all the criticism it received.
Arkham Knight, Not a Day-One Pickup
First off, let’s talk about the release of the game. Batman: Arkham Knight had a slow PC release in 2015, which deterred some potential players from picking it up early. However, for those who waited, it offered a fresh opportunity to dive into Gotham City.
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The Controversy Surrounding the Batmobile
The Batmobile was a significant selling point for the game. It was a new and exciting addition to the Arkham series, but not everyone was pleased with how it was implemented. Some players found the Batmobile’s inclusion excessive, with the game pushing it onto players more than they would have liked.
Breaking Down the Batmobile
The Batmobile is a multi-functional vehicle in the game. It has two primary modes: pursuit mode, which operates like a standard vehicle, and battle mode, where it turns into an armored tank capable of firing non-lethal weaponry. Additionally, it has a power winch to move objects and solve puzzles. While these functions were cool, their use was somewhat limited to specific missions and riddles.
Could Rocksteady Have Handled It Better?
Critics argue that Rocksteady could have utilized the Batmobile more effectively. There were missions where it felt like the Batmobile was forced into the gameplay, and the environments created for it didn’t always mesh with the game’s overall design.
However, there were positive aspects. The Batmobile allowed players to navigate Gotham City more efficiently, and it became the primary mode of transportation. It introduced a unique dynamic to the game, offering faster traversal and adding an exciting dimension to battles.
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The Overestimated Presence of the Batmobile
There was a common misconception that most of the game was spent in the Batmobile. However, the reality is different. The Batmobile segments comprised approximately 20% of the game, so it wasn’t as dominant as some believed.
The Batmobile Battles
One of the significant complaints was the Cloudburst tank vs. Batmobile fights. These battles replaced what could have been intense hand-to-hand combat with another tank mission. Superheroes’ incredible abilities can be tricky to integrate into games without making them overpowered. As a result, these tank battles left many players underwhelmed.
Deathstroke’s Disappointing Return
Another disappointing aspect was Deathstroke’s return. The anticipation for a battle on par with Arkham City’s iconic showdown was met with a reused tank battle, which frustrated fans who expected more from this encounter.
In Conclusion
While the Batmobile did have some lackluster missions, it also brought thrilling moments to the game. Segments like the assault on GCPD and the infiltration of Ace Chemicals showcased the Batmobile’s potential. It breathed new life into the series by offering fresh combat and traversal experiences.
Ultimately, the Batmobile’s impact on Batman: Arkham Knight was more positive than negative. It successfully revitalized the franchise at a point when the gameplay was becoming repetitive. So, while the criticism is valid, it’s essential to recognize the game’s achievements and enjoy the unique experience the Batmobile brought to Gotham City.