Video Games: ‘Brave,’ ‘Batman: Arkham Asylum’
Written by Michael Siebenaler | | news@toledofreepress.comBatman Arkham Asylum (Eidos Interactive)
So does Batman Arkham Asylum deserve the Guinness World Record title of ‘Most Critically Acclaimed Superhero Game Ever’? Yes it does. Players can expect strong action and problem solving amid the creepy Arkham Asylum setting as the Joker unfolds another master plan. This game matches Christopher Nolan’s amazing film series as Batman voiced again by Kevin Conroy, must fight his way out of the asylum now controlled by the Joker, voiced by Mark Hamill …y ep, Luke Skywalker himself.
Batman and Joker
The Joker gets some inside help from Harley Quinn, voiced again by Arleen Sorkin, while a great set of villains including Killer Croc, Bane and Poison Ivy also factor into the gameplay. Batman has his partner Robin, but gets some help via his communicator from Commissioner Gordon’s daughter, a.k.a. Oracle, voiced by veteran game voice talent Kimberly Brooks.
This near perfect game only needs some storyline expansions. For example, a reward for some open ended rescue attempts could counteract some predictable scenarios. Gordon is always a target, but Batman can’t always get to him. Why not have the ability to grab crucial ‘good guy’ characters and isolate them in a safe place? Developers could then show alternative cut scenes replacing the saved character with a nameless guard for Batman to save. The graphics are clean except for a few clipping and camera angle issues which occasionally block views of the amazing finishing fight moves.
Easy fighting mechanics and gadgets like explosive gel and the grappling hook keep the core Batman action intact. The expanded detective mode/environmental analysis vision (hold L2) allows Bats to scan evidence and track Joker’s lackeys while assessing enemy numbers and their mental state. Players can also fight in this special vision, which automatically switches back to normal after all enemies have been beaten down.
Jump, swings and ledge climbs have locked mechanics, so if players hit the correct movement button or don’t intentionally walk off the edge, they can easily avoid any pitfalls. Be patient and wait for reveals otherwise you’ll create unnecessary trial-and-error frustrations. Composer Ron Fish (God of War II) creates a strong musical score which culminates a great use of audio in ambient noises and dialogue (subtitles available).
Experienced players can conquer this caped crusader game in single digit hours, but the extensive unlockable bonus content prompts more methodical mayhem where Batman explores every area for a fuller experience. Other great extras include an in-game Riddler’s challenge, the Batcave outpost on PlayStation Home and additional game trailers and behind the scenes exclusives. Players can also play as the Joker in Challenge Maps via a free PlayStation®Network download (***1/2, rated T, also available on PC and Xbox 360 with special collector’s editions on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360).
Brave: A Warrior’s Tale (SouthPeak Games)
A young Native American fights to save his village in a rich story which incorporates flashbacks and protection of the Native American community. Brave and Courage have a special warrior connection as the hero characters who must quell the evil Wendigo in various outdoor settings including forests, plains, rivers and the spirit world. The weapon set predictably include axes, longbows and tomahawks while players can mimic and even embody animals to reach specific areas or battle against large wolves and bears in the wild.
Brave
This one player Nintendo Wii version incorporates remote and nunchuk actions for spear fishing, fire lighting and climbing. Environmental layouts and responsive controls, especially in jumps and other movements, offset some camera angle issues which create some frustrating navigation. Players can swim, climb and dodge through environments filled with vivid ambient background sounds. The exploration format really opens up this world with unlockables, collectible totems, puzzles and special bonuses (**1/2, rated E10+, also available on Xbox 360 with a planned future release on the PSP).
