![\"Batman](\"http:\/\/mygaming.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/Batman-Arkham-City-Armored-Edition-screenshot-2.jpg\" "\\"Batman")
<\/a>Batman Arkham City Armored Edition<\/p><\/div>\n
Players are treated to all of the best characters from the Batman series: the Joker, Riddler, Poison Ivy, Bane, Harley Quinn, and many others make appearances throughout the campaign. It\u2019s an enjoyable fan-fest of Batman elements and an overall celebration of this iconic superhero.<\/p>\n
In between missions Batman is free to explore the sandbox environment of Arkham City. It\u2019s not as big and varied as your typical free-roam game but the exceptional focus on detail makes gliding through the city fascinating and highly captivating.<\/p>\n
There are loads of side-missions to complete, civilians to save and over 400 Riddler trophies to collect. Getting side tracked from the main mission is inevitable and a highly enjoyable part of the game.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Batman Arkham City Armored Edition<\/p><\/div>\n
While the bulk of the main story remains unchanged from the original, Batman: Arkham City Armoured Edition includes all of the previous DLC including the Catwoman Pack, Harley Quinn’s Revenge and the Robin Bundle Pack. The additional content alone provides hours of gameplay and you definitely get your money\u2019s worth from this game.<\/p>\n
So what does the \u201cArmoured Edition\u201d contribute to the experience? Well \u2013 not much to be honest. If you\u2019ve played the previous \u201cUn-armoured\u201d editions there\u2019s really no need to pick up this game.<\/p>\n
Batman is characterized by his broad array of deadly weapons and gadgets and it seems obvious to employ the Wii U gamepad as a quick access point to these tools. It seems logical to put frequently used items like the Battarang and Batclaw on the touch screen.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Batman Arkham City Armored Edition<\/p><\/div>\n
Unfortunately, innovative thought eluded the developers and you still need to assign items to the D-Pad. Even worse: you have to press \u201cup\u201d on the D-Pad to access the D-Pad customization screen on the gamepad leaving only three slots for gadgets. Why can\u2019t we have nice big icons on the touchpad for all the cool bat-gear instead of assignment to buttons?<\/p>\n
Actually, what did they do with the Wii U gamepad? It displays one of the worst in-game maps I\u2019ve ever used and access to the upgrades menu; there\u2019s no other significant use of the built-in display on the controller. The best feature is that you can switch off your TV and continue playing Batman while taking a bathroom break.<\/p>\n
Some of the equipment like the Battarang tries to take advantage of the gamepad\u2019s built-in motion controls but this is catastrophic at the best of times. As an alternative you can use the analogue sticks but the slightest twitch of the gamepad will register as motion input resulting in the Batarang veering off course.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Batman Arkham City Armored Edition<\/p><\/div>\n
There are a couple of mini-games that play off on the touchscreen but they quickly turn into a novelty due to their repetitive nature and simplicity.<\/p>\n
The only constructive use of the Wii U\u2019s gamepad is the built-in speakers. Communication with Batman\u2019s assistant Alfred takes place through these speakers leaving the main audio channel free to provide ambiance and surround-sound effects. The gamepad also hones in on nearby enemy conversations which adds a cool spy-gear effect. The speakers in your hands greatly contribute to the overall \u201cI\u2019m Batman” feeling, and results in a wonderfully immersive audio experience.<\/p>\n
Graphically, Batman: Arkham City Armoured Edition is on par, if not slightly better, than the first editions. The dark, gloomy visuals paired with the excellent voice acting perfectly sets the tone of this game.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Batman Arkham City Armored Edition<\/p><\/div>\n
One of the biggest hoo-ha\u2019s in Batman: Arkham City Armoured Edition is the new B.A.T. combat mode. This retaliation armour upgrade gives Batman increased power during fist fights and can be triggered when a meter fills up. It\u2019s supposed to make it easier to defeat large groups of enemies but I can\u2019t really feel a difference when activating this enhancement. It might just be because I\u2019m actually Batman and don\u2019t need silly upgrades to win a fight.<\/p>\n
Overall Batman: Arkham City Armoured Edition is just as good as the original and isn\u2019t weighed down by the new features of the Wii U. Unfortunately these new features aren\u2019t optimally used to make this already good game better \u2013 and that\u2019s a shame. There’s loads of wasted potential with the new hardware and too much invested in slapped on gimmicks and features.<\/p>\n
However the Armoured Edition with all the included Batman DLC makes for an exceptional choice if you\u2019ve never played the game before. As a whole it ticks all the right boxes with visuals, story and gameplay and should be considered by all new Wii U owners.<\/p>\n