Batman: Arkham Origins reviews point to Lukewarm Response

[dropcap]W[/dropcap]ith Batman: Arkham Origins releasing on Friday, reviews for the game have been pouring in over the weekend and the general reaction from critics point to a somewhat lukewarm response.

Arkham Origins, the brand new instalment of the Batman: Arkham franchise, launched yesterday worldwide. It was the first game not to be developed by Rocksteady Studios, the developers of the previous Arkham Asylum and Arkham City instalments, and was taken over by Warner Brothers Games Montreal and published by Warner Brothers Interactive.

Whilst previous instalments were incredibly positive, scoring numerous 10 scores and winning numerous awards such as Bafta, Spike TV and Joystick awards, the reaction to Arkham Origins seems to point a somewhat surprising reception.

Some publications were incredibly impressed with the game. The Official Xbox Magazine highly praised the game for it’s detailed world, story and gameplay and awarded it with a 9 out of 10. Game Informer somewhat agreed, awarding the game an 8.5 for its graphics and story.

Video Gamer gave the game of a little lower score of 8 out of 10 praising it for the combat system, story and “spine-tingling Bat moments”.

Other publications were mostly disappointed with the game. IGN rated the game a 7.8 praising the story and gameplay but criticised the “lifeless city” and called it “low point for the series”. Computer and Video Games agreed saying it wasn’t as memorable as the previous games and criticising Online mode as not compelling, awarding it a 7.

EuroGamer awarded the game a 7 as well saying that they felt the game was “slightly flat” but praised it for its story. Polygon also scored the game with a 7 saying that the game still features a strength that made previous instalments, but lacks ambition.

Gamespot awarded the game with a disappointing 6 out of 10, praising it for gameplay and story, but ultimately cited the lack of surprises and innovations to help boost the gameplay.

Batman: Arkham Origins is out now for PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U and PC.