Arkham Origins: First Impressions

My copy of Batman: Arkham Origins was delivered earlier this evening, and I’ve been glued to my couch ever since. As I’m not the fastest video game player, I’m still not incredibly far into the game. However, that does not stop me from loving it.

A Younger Batman

I admit, I began playing Origins expecting to cringe at every cutscene. Kevin Conroy has been voicing Batman for longer than I’ve been alive, so his voice is the one I’m used to hearing. Arkham Origins features Roger Craig Smith as Batman instead. Strangely, though, it hasn’t actually bothered me that much.

With Origins focusing on a younger Batman who is just starting out as a vigilante, I think that having this change in voicing works really well. This Batman isn’t very experienced. He’s still figuring things out and perfecting his techniques. He’s not the Batman we know, so a new voice is actually kind of brilliant, even if I do love Kevin Conroy.

I’ve been really impressed with the graphics in the game. The menu backgrounds aren’t as sleek as they are in Arkham Asylum or Arkham City which, again, I feel is a great way of reinforcing the idea of a less established Batman.

My Favorite Moment

Fighting Deathstroke was definitely the highlight of the game so far. As I’m not that great at video games, I died quite a few times. To be exact, I died five times before I finally managed to beat him. Having a villain that challenges me is always a plus. If I can get through a game without dying at all, then it’s probably way too easy.

It was also incredibly exciting as I grew up watching Teen Titans. Deathstroke, known as Slade, was a recurring villain on the show, so he’s always been one of my favorites. Getting to fight him was a lot of fun, and I can’t wait to play as him in the Deathstroke Challenge Pack.

Arkham Origins has been incredible, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store as the game progresses!