Batman: Arkham Origins and Blackgate Announced

Acting as a prequel to the critically-acclaimed Batman: Arkham Asylum and Arkham City, Arkham Origins will tackle the rise of the Dark Knight and his early challenges. A press release issued yesterday from Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment clarifies:

“Taking place before the rise of Gotham City’s most dangerous criminals, the game showcases a young and unrefined Batman as he faces a defining moment in his early career as a crime fighter that sets his path to becoming the Dark Knight. As the story unfolds, players will meet many important characters for the first time and forge key relationships.”

Criticism has been expressed by fans over the departure of series developer Rocksteady Studios and their unique take on the Batman licence. WB Games Montréal acknowledged this in a video interview by stating: “We are very aware of the fact that we are standing on the shoulders of giants.”

Reid Schneider, Vice President and Executive Producer of WB Games Montréal, added to this by saying: “WB Games Montréal is honoured to have the opportunity to create Batman: Arkham Origins, a new chapter in this amazing franchise.”

A print interview with Game Informer revealed other snippets of information about the new game, including the fact that it will feature a city approximately twice as big as it was in Arkham City and that Batman villain Black Mask will appear as an antagonist.

There was good news for handheld owners as well, as Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate was also announced for Nintendo 3DS and PlayStation Vita. Much like the main Arkham series, Blackgate will borrow many “Metroidvania” structural elements, though this time presented from a 2D perspective. Fittingly, Blackgate is being developed by Armature Studio, whose alumni includes key minds behind the Metroid Prime games.

Both Batman: Arkham Origins and Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate are scheduled for a release on the 25th of October later this year.