Available on Oct. 29 on a variety of platforms, Batman: Arkham Origins promises to deliver the action and excitement the series has in the past while giving players a unique twist on gameplay and a new multiplayer mode. The Guardian has an extensive preview for the game that highlights the many different aspects for the game, including the aforementioned multiplayer mode.
The game is a preview of the previous entries to the series, and takes place five years before the events of Arkham Asylum. Batman must deal with a hit taken out on him by Black Mask with eight different villains trying to kill him. Instead of exploring the criminal hangout Arkham City, players will explore Gotham in full. Players must deal with villains including Bane, Deathstroke, Deadshot and Copperhead, in addition to threats from The Joker, The Penguin, Riddler, Mad Hatter and Killer Croc.
In addition to exploring Gotham, players will gain access to the Batcave, which will be much more important in Arkham Origins than in other games. In the Batcave players can upgrade Batman's abilities as well as character customization and upgrading equipment. Challenge maps are also accessed in the Batcave in addition to reviewing crime scenes to find more clues for solving mysteries.
Players will have to deal with the revamped gameplay mechanics in the game, especially for the boss battles in the game. Boss battles will test different gameplay mechanics individually in an effort to both test a player's ability to use the mechanics and explain how Batman became a master crimefighter.
The multiplayer found in the game offers a unique twist on traditional multiplayer modes. Two different teams of three will play as the thugs found in the game and try to take out the other players. Each game is headed by a villain, such as The Joker or Bane. Players will get the opportunity to play as these villains as well, who will have special abilities. Teams must try to grind down the opposing teams reinforcement counter in order to win the game.
However, a third team will be added to the game, which consists of Batman and Robin. This team must try to win the game by filling up their intimidation gauge. This is filled by taking down bad guys much like in challenge maps using stealth takedowns. Executing enough takedowns causes the Batman and Robin to win the match over the two thug teams.