This review is well overdue… I know… but in my defence the game took me in and never let me go, I mean really. Man what a roller-coaster.
Let’s kick off with the graphics or visuals, Rocksteady have really used the next gen console’s capabilities as best as one could. From the way the rain slicks of the cape to the landscaping of the city. The city is what I believe Gotham should look like on screen. There is so much to take in, one can just take the time to go sightseeing, however considering the use of the Batmobile the streets could have been made a little more sensible. But there is plenty to explore.
purrrrr
“Oracle… the time is off on the Watchtower”
The Story…
This is what a Batman story should be, the odds stacked up against him in every possible way and a multitude of villains doing everything to compound those odds. This game was equal parts comic, movie and gameplay. The plot twists had me stunned as the game took Batman characters to places we never expected. This game is rich with character development, which is just as vital as stunning visuals. There is so much I just want to blurt out here, but I have been spoiler warned by the powers that be, so its zip lips for now.
Fast and Furious
The Batmobile
This is one of the biggest draws of the game, how often does one get to throw the Batmobile around the streets of Gotham. The car is a nice combination of Nolan’s Tumbler, the forthcoming variant from Batman V Superman and pure comic book insanity. Don’t expect GT like handling this isn’t a racing game or simulator but there are plenty of races one can undertake. The car has 2 modes which one can switch up anytime. The first is the normal car mode where you have speed and minor weapons and there is the battle mode which essentially makes you a tank. The car is fun to use to get around the city but I still prefer gliding around.
Surprise!!!
Gameplay
The controls are easy to learn but can feel loose at times especially during close combat, the Batmobile as I mentioned is pretty basic car control with nice power slides and a afterburner turbo boost but the battle mode has decent manoeuvrability, the targeting feels off and never precise. Gliding is easy to pick up but takes some mastery for those moves and precision landing. If you have already played any of the previous titles then it’s like riding a bike and if not then just give it some time. The default settings are fitting, I know there were some arguments that its best to set your own style but I felt they hit it spot on (or maybe my style is default setting 1..LOL) Again is pretty responsive and nothing negative to report that will hamper your experince
2 Guys, a girl and one crazy b….
Botox, a must for the modern super villain
Villains
Err…almost every villain makes an appearance in the final instalment of the trilogy. By now we know it will be focused on Scarecrow and the Arkham Knight, but fear not many other fan favourites have sizeable roles to play in this game. Sadly 2 of mine never even show face, namely Bane and Mr.Freeze but hey I only completed the main story so far and may be surprised yet. The villains are designed superbly mixing elements of realism and pure cartoon madness.
Pokemon… Gotta catch ém all
Problems?
Well firstly was the day one patch which meant I had to wait at least 20mins before starting as the 2GB plus patch installed (no bandwidth isn’t that fast, but PS4’s play as you download start is awesome). Then games difficulty starts of mild but then starts to intensifies very quickly, while the upgrades help to kerb some of them, it does get a bit frustrating. Then there are the weird glitches, like the one that occurs when you smack in the middle of a fight and the screen distorts and you in limbo. Riddler’s challenges will make you question (pun intended) you very capability as a gamer, when I say they hard, they friggin hard. The season pass (I opted out for now) is a joke, almost R600 for a six month pass? I would be happy to pay that extra for a premium version that has that included but these season passes are a joke, especially when they let us down so bad for the Batmobile version and threw some cheap skins on our face.
shots fired
Verdict
This game now resides as the second best title of the PS4 of all time (so far), GTA 5 still holds on to that Number 1 spot. The game succeeds not because of the superb graphics or the use of the Batmobile or gameplay or what not, it succeeds because it does one simple thing, it makes you feel like you are the Batman, jumping roof tops and gliding around a gothic metropolis (too much?). Be the Batman? Indeed!
But really how good is this game, well put it this way, I intended to write this review after 10% story play, I am now 100% complete on the core story. Yeah its that good.
Yo Affleck… catch! You it!
4/5
