Batman: Arkham Origins – Taking the Series in the Wrong Direction

CADMUS

Tim Drake’s psychotic rebirth isn’t the only way the iconic, laughing villain would have risen from the grave. In Harley’s DLC, we see the word “CADMUS” all around as well as “CADMUS LABS. Building a brighter tomorrow.” Assuming Joker’s body hasn’t been destroyed or that Harley had some of his DNA, the Cadmus Project may have led the resurrection of The Joker in the third Arkham title. Although this would downplay Arkham City’s impactful ending, it would have still been nice to get some clarification on Rocksteady’s context in a third entry.

Azrael

It seems we won’t be finding out what Hell Batman was destined to fight off anytime soon. The mysterious Azrael appears in a few spots throughout Arkham City, further detailing the Dark Knight’s pivotal role in the grim events set to take place in the near future. The following message is given by Azrael:

“I bring a message: dark days are coming, Batman. The Prophecy is coming true, you are the warrior who will close the gates of Hell, you are the one who will save this day, and in doing so, events will occur that you cannot stop, from the ashes of Arkham the fires will rage and Gotham will burn, and you, you will burn too.”

I don’t know about you, but I’m extremely eager to play as Batman as he overcomes these trials and his own death. Having made such a huge deal out of “The Mysterious Watcher”, it’s a shame that we won’t be donning The Caped Crusader’s outfit as we face insurmountable odds in a desperate attempt to fulfill the heroic role as prophesied all the while knowing that our progress is leading to our unavoidable death… or so we would think.

Scarecrow

Scarecrow was kind of a big deal in Arkham Asylum, but not so much in Arkham City. That is, unless you knew where to look. You could find his mask lying about, but that would have been a nod to the predecessor at best. It’s through the decryption of number sequences that reveals these foreboding messages:

“You will pay for what you have done to me.”
“I will return Batman.”
“Fear will tear Gotham City to shreds.”

Clearly, Jonathan Crane is up to something. This is only further confirmed once you find his boat with a secret hatch that reveals loads of insects and one tortured thug. Also, shipping invoices can be seen on either side, telling us that Crane is preparing for a massive comeback. Scarecrow’s step back into the spotlight in a new Arkham game was gearing up to be something grand, and it’s something we won’t be seeing in this year’s game.

Now, I’m not worried that Arkham Origins is going to be a terrible game because it doesn’t continue the current storyline. I’ll never say no to getting more time playing as Batman. But I can’t help but feel that Rocksteady’s loyal fans have been pushed to the sidelines. The community constantly dug for new Easter eggs and hints following Arkham City’s release. What came out of all the hard work was a handful of titillating discoveries and in-depth theories. Arkham Origins isn’t going to confirm or deny our predictions and explanations. Instead, we’re left to further ponder their true meaning, if there was anything there beyond simple fan service. Rocksteady has said that they are currently working on a game that they aren’t ready to reveal. It may be that Warner Bros. Montreal is giving us a Batman game to tide us over until Rocksteady is set to unveil the true follow-up to Arkham City. Only time will tell. Until then, we can only hope (and analyze more clues).

10 thoughts on “Batman: Arkham Origins – Taking the Series in the Wrong Direction

  1. You couldn’t have put it better. I really hope Rocksteady is on the hush-hush with the new bats title. I’m definitely getting AO, but all of those possible story routes, plus the endless others, would be more epic. Can’t wait to see if your theory is true though.

  2. I call it bulsh*t. You have no idea what so ever how to take forward a story. Your writing was typical of anything that can be read on the internet. You tried hard enough to sound deep. You tried very hard to make the reader feel that you have original ideas. But I’m sorry to tell you that you are NOT!

    The origins story can be a great one. The gameplay can be amazing given the studio handles it right. You are outright bashing something you don’t even know about. At this point all we know is WB Montreal is not as experienced with Batman-Arkham franchise and may or may not handle it well.

    Although I do agree to one of your point which is: HUSH. I felt Arkham 3 would revolve around HUSH being main antagonist with misc characters. But this doesn’t could the fact that you’ve called the game BAD even before knowing anything about it…. right in the title of the damn article!

    After saying all this I’d like to see who’s right and who’s not.

  3. @Bruce Wayne

    At no point do I state that Arkham Origins is going to be a bad game. In fact, the title says that it’s simply taking the series in the wrong direction. At the end, I even state that ” I’m not worried that Arkham Origins is going to be a terrible game because it doesn’t continue the current storyline.” All I point out is that it continues to leave Arkham City players in the dark regarding Rocksteady’s hints.

    Do I believe Arkham Origins will be a solid title? Yes, I have faith in it. Taking a stance on its direction and its quality are two different things. I was not focusing on the latter (unlike several other outlets) like you seem to think. Even if Rocksteady was making this prequel entry, I would have stuck to my points.

  4. Some good points about the unfinished business/fans left hanging as to what happens next.

    I feel you should highlight the fact that the quote between Batman and Jim Gordon can only be seen when playing the Harley Quinn DLC, and not the main game.

  5. I see your points on the origins taking it in the wrong direction but I don’t think I agree with you. Remember that Rocksteady hasn’t announced what they’re working on. They could be working on a next gen batman arkham title that is a follow up to arkham city. Also pointing out that this next batman game could also be a back story to the future arkham game Rocksteady could be working on. Arkham Origins could have a story to tell that has importance to the game that’s set after Arkham City. Truthfully, it’s too early to judge a game we haven’t seen anything of. The only thing we have seen is a few screenshots and I think most people would agree that they look great. Everyone is all worried that this next game isn’t going to be good just because Rocksteady isn’t working on it. It worries me a little but WB Montreal has full access to the custom unreal 3 engine and other multiple things used by Rocksteady on the previous games. Plus Rocksteady said they’re very confident in WB Montreal saying: “We are confident this talented team will craft a fantastic experience, bringing the origins of the Arkhamverse to life.” That gives a little reassurance if you ask me. Yes, you will have to continue to wonder about all the learned secrets in Arkham City but I think in the long run we will be satisfied with this new game.

  6. @Ed – You claim you don’t agree with me, then go on to say exactly what I said at the end of my article:

    “Rocksteady has said that they are currently working on a game that they aren’t ready to reveal. It may be that Warner Bros. Montreal is giving us a Batman game to tide us over until Rocksteady is set to unveil the true follow-up to Arkham City.”

    Also, as I said to commenter Bruce Wayne, I’m in no way saying that Arkham Origins is going to be a bad game, it’s the narrative’s focus I’m looking into. To help everyone understand, it’d be similar to someone discussing the new Devil May Cry reboot. Some people were upset by the new Dante and his story. However, claiming you don’t agree with the series’ evolution doesn’t mean you’re calling out the gameplay simultaneously. You can have a separate opinion of each. It’s the same basic case here. Pointing out a missed opportunity to extend the rich narrative is not me predicting that Arkham Origins is going to flop.

    Hopefully that clears up people’s confusion. There seem to be a lot of people that believe I’m condemning this game as a failure.

  7. I don’t believe the Arkham games will be done with this Origins game. I see (at least) 4 games in the franchise. This prequel will simply add more depth to some of the lesser and side characters. An assassin based story implies Ra’s al Ghul could be involved. Penguin, Deadshot & Black Mask (a character who wasn’t utilised very in City) can be given more depth also. Same with Talia, and Bane, Two Face, Catwoman and Riddler (who could continue his side character status). These plots that are outlined in Arkham City can be made more impacting if they (or additional ones) are foreshadowed from years prior. Azrael, Hush, Scarecrow & Red Hood could definitely enter into the equation for a 4th game down the track set AFTER City. Even Ra’s al Ghul and Talia could be brought back with the whole Lazarus pit thing. There are alot of casual fans that aren’t sold on the idea of a ‘Joker-less’ Arkham game though. Origins could help show how that could work. I think a Scarecrow, Hush, Riddler 4th entry, and then a Red Hood, Ra’s al Ghul, Talia 5th Entry which could also serve to introduce Damian. Then think about the Azrael story they could do as well. Arkham is far from over my friends. :)

  8. I find it funny how uptight everyone is getting about the time period this game is taking place in. the “Arkham” series has no real direction to improve on. the first game took place in the Asylum, and they followed that with the idea of Arkham city, and as a great a game as it was, it cornered itself with the events that took place toward the end of the game, so it only makes real sense to backtrack a bit now and play from a fresh perspective, and finally focus on the true setting of Batman, Gotham City. The good thing about this franchise is that it has done a great job of blending elements from every media of Batman, comic, movie, and cartoon. I think it’s a great idea to take it back and play from an earlier period, I want to see what they can bring to the table this time. My biggest concern is how sudden the game was announced and it’s already due to come out this year. I don’t want a rush job to ruin this franchise.

  9. I agree with all statements that have been said, I’m extremely extatic for the game.
    Minus the fact so far it seems as though there will be no joker or not Harleen Quinzel.
    That was a big let down, I hope they at least surprise us with maybe a little story line or maybe
    Even hints as to what’s going on with them.

  10. I have to say as much of a fan of Batman I am I would be a bit disappointed if Divk Grayson isnt donning the Robin outfit in AO.

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