Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)First thing I want to touch on is Collectors Edition vs. Regular Edition. Last time I tried to put actual price tag numbers in an Amazon review it was censored, so I'll just say take a look, you know Collectors Edition costs quite a bit more than the regular. Is it worth it?

Only if you're a hard-core collector. You get a very beautiful lithograph. Stunning artwork. I may even have to frame it. The comic is nice. Not great, just, nice. It's not so much of a self contained story as much as it's a kind of mural that serves to get you into the story. It's really short, probably not worth a second read. Same with the DVD. It has some really interesting vids about the making of the game and some interviews. It's surprisingly lengthy, but winds up amounting to extras you get on any DVD that you watch once and never again. So that's a rundown of the Collectors Edition extra's. Decide for yourself if you think that's worth it. I like the litho. Everything else I watched/read once and that's it. And the litho, beautiful as it is, probably wasn't worth the extra $$$. Now for the actual game.

Violence:
This seems to be the big sticking point for most MK fans. Most of the people who have something bad to say about this game, it boils down to "they toned down the blood and gore. It's the end of the world!" Well, there is still blood in here and there are still fatalities. Are they toned down from previous MK games? Most definitely! Probably only the first MK game on the SNES would be less bloody. Midway had to tone it down to a Teen rating in order for DC to get on board with the game. But like I said, there is still blood and Fatalities. They really do push the Teen rating to its limit. So parents may still want to be aware. But gamers, unless you're a total gore-hog who has to have the bloodiest, goriest games, this is still plenty brutal.

Controls:
First let me list my credentials on this. I played Deadly Alliance, Deception and Armageddon on the Nintendo systems, all with the Gamecube controller. This is the first Mortal Kombat I've played on a PS3 system. So when I compare, it may or may not be an apples/oranges type thing. One thing I can definitely say is that the mutiple styles per character that was so prominent in the last three games is gone here. Everyone has the same basic move set (aside from special moves). This really does go back to the days before the 3-d games where, no matter what character you played, down and high punch equaled an uppercut, back and low kick equaled a leg sweep.

The past three games got so far away from that basic set up that you never knew what you'd get when ever you tried a new character. Would you get a high punch? Nope. Some kind of kick? Depends on what direction you're holding. It really was that haphazard.

Here they've stream lined it. MK vs. DC is very much taken back to the days of HP, LP, HK, LK. This should make it much easier for casual gamers who are either just getting into MK, haven't played MK in a long while, or are just here for the DC side of things.

Will I like it?:
I personally loved it. The controls are streamlined and easy. Even toned down for a Teen rating, there's no denying the MK roots. Online is very solid. Having wireless instead of wired connection tended to make me lag with other games. Here it's very smooth. If you like fighting games, get this. If you like Mortal Kombat (and aren't going to bemoan the fact that this is slightly toned down in the violence category), get this. If you like DC, get this. Five stars.

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Product Description:
When a cataclysmic force merges conquerors from two universes, conflict is inevitable. Kombat forces friends to fight, worlds to collide, and unlikely alliances to be forged. In order to save all they know, the heroes and villains of Mortal Kombat must wage war against the combined might of the DC Universe (DCU). How can either side prevail when rage blinds them to the dark threat poised to destroy them all? Celebrating the clash of worlds, the Kollector's Edition of Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe features box art hand painted by Alex Ross, as well as bonus video content and a 16-page comic book.

You have the ability to choose sides, challenge friends and take the fight onlineIncludes The Kollector's Edition of Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe features box art that was hand painted by Alex Ross, one of the world's most pre-eminent and respected comic book artists, with a removable print designed by Ross Bonus video content about the game 16-page comic book sketched by John Tobias, co-creator of the Mortal Kombat franchise, that chronicles the shocking, universe-shattering events that lead up to the in-game story

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Batman: Arkham Asylum Review

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(More customer reviews)I just picked up the game a little while ago so these are just my first impressions. I'm not going to discuss in depth gameplay or graphics; these things have been covered to death in the past couple of months. So to get it out of the way, it's a great game, especially if you're a batman fan and it looks great on the PS3.

The meat of this review will be focusing on the collector's edition and it's contents.

First off, the box for it is huge! Not obnoxiously huge, but substantial. The case that holds everything is a nice plastic batarang shape with sturdy feeling hinges. They did a good job there. Inside foam pieces keep everything from moving around.

As stated on the message boards, the batarang is in fact plastic and it is attached to the stand, though it doesn't look like it would take much effort to detach it. It looks like there's just a small tab holding it in. I would have been much happier with a metal version, even if it drove the cost up a bit. Also of note, the batarang (at least the one I got) has what appear to scratches all over it. I'm not sure if this is normal, but this is how mine showed up. I'd be interested in hearing how others' batarangs are condition-wise. Also, I was under the impression it was a gray color. It's actually black.

The leather bound book is decent in quality but the pictures make it look more substantial than it actually is. It's actually quite thin. The book inside is nice though, with matte pages and lots of pictures. Great for reading up on arkham's finest criminals.

As for the game package, they really dropped the ball on this one. I was expecting a nice case, like those that come with metroid prime trilogy or resident evil 5. Not so, you get a cheap looking and feeling cardboard outer sleeve and inner sleeve that holds the game and bonus DVD. Again, I'd have gladly paid more for a metal case. Or even just the regular game case with a slip case for the DVD, like the fallout 3 collector's edition. Being a collector in the truest sense, I removed the DVD and game and put them in standard ps3 cases and put the cardboard case back in the box to prevent any damage to it. Cardboard cases for games are extremely primitive in my opinion. They show wear way to easily.
The discs themselves are also non-standard in that they both look like old film reels and are labeled as disc one and two. Again, give me the retail game and the bonus DVD separate. I might just pick up the retail game later on and put the collector's edition back in the box.

All in all, I love the game but feel iffy about the collector's edition contents. If they would have just included the retail game and not the cheap cardboard box and colorless discs I'd probably have been satisfied. As it is now, I don't regret the purchase at all, I just feel a bit let down by the contents. It'll bug me until I buy the retail version of the game and I know it's just more money thrown at the game but I'm extremely anal about keeping my collectibles in pristine condition.

So my verdict:
The game gets a 5/5. It's a great game and even more so if you're a batman fan.
The collector's edition content gets a 3/5 for being average. The game's packaging is what really let me down here.
So the average is 4 stars and my score overall. If I were reviewing just the game it would get 5 stars.

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Product Description:
Batman: Arkham Asylum is a single player, third-person action/adventure in which the Dark Knight is forced to take on his greatest challenge yet when he is trapped by arch rival, the Joker, within Gotham City's facility for the criminally insane, Arkham Asylum. A blend of exciting arcade style combat and stealth mechanics packed with amazing graphics in a moody, immersive setting, Batman: Arkham Asylum offers diverse gameplay options that push the envelope for all action, adventure and superhero games.

Kick it in combat gameplay.
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And stealth action.
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Match wits with The Joker.
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Utilize utility belt gadgets.
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Take on dangerous bosses.
Viewlarger. Story
Batman: Arkham Asylum features an original story penned exclusively for the game by famous Batman author and five-time Emmy award winner, Paul Dini, whose credits include "Lost" season one and "Batman: The Animated Series." As the game begins Batman is personally delivering his nemesis, The Joker, to the asylum at Arkham Island, but he is uneasy. Although the Arkham asylum is well fortified, he has a nagging feeling that all is not well, which proves to be the case when seconds after turning The Joker over to the guards, the master criminal breaks free of his captors. Even more surprising than this quick turn of events is the revelation that it was never The Joker's intent to escape the vault-like facility, but instead to trap Batman there. Surrounded by an asylum full of dangerous criminals, many of which he put there and all at the beck and call of the Joker, can Batman survive and discover what is behind the Joker's intricate plot?

Gameplay
In Batman: Arkham Asylum players strap on the gadget-heavy utility belt of the Caped Crusader. Gameplay here is a combination of both the knuckle crunching rush of hand to hand combat as you take on the hordes of thugs that infest Arkham Asylum, and stealth gameplay in which you must dispatch individuals from the shadows. Players can expect an engrossing single player campaign in which Batman continually moves forward to face the henchmen, bosses and traps that The Joker has set for him. With regards to opponents, in addition to The Joker who you will hear more than you see, the dark walls of Arkham also hold familiar villains from the the Batman criminal universe including Harley Quinn, Victor Zsasz and Killer Croc, that you will have to deal with, but don't expect a one-dimensional experience. As players progress from environment to environment within Arkham they will have to use varying combinations of muscle, detective skills, gadgetry and a certain degree of light RPG-like leveling of Batman's skills, arsenal and physical characteristics to survive and discover what The Joker's underlying scheme is.

In addition to the story-driven single player campaign Arkham Asylumalso contains various additional play modes. These include an arcade styledcombat mode where players accumulate points by engaging hordes of thugsin a hand to hand slugfest across a series of maps, in which Batman'sphysical strength and agility play a major role. The key here is to chaintogether as many attacks as possible due to the fact that with each successfulcombo players increase the point multiplier associated with their actions.The game also features a time-based stealth mode where players must honetheir ability to strike silently from the shadows. This gameplay, referredto as 'Invisible Predator' utilizes the Dark Knight's skill with gadgetslike the grapple tool, batarang and explosives. These allow for vertical/horizontalmobility, the ability to quickly strike from above and at a distance andto take out enemies and create distractions, even through walls. But rememberthat Batman works solo and is not superhuman. Your enemies will congregatearound trouble areas and work as a team against you, so you must besilent, plan your attacks wisely, strike quickly and discover the valueof encouraging fear within enemies.

Key Features

Utilize the unique FreeFlow combat system to chain together unlimited combos seamlessly and battle with huge groups of The Joker's henchmen in brutal melee brawls.
Investigate as Batman, the world's greatest detective, by solving intricate puzzles with the help of cutting edge forensic tools including x-ray scanning, fingerprint scans, 'Amido Black' spray and a pheromone tracker.
Face off against Gotham's greatest villains including The Joker, Harley Quinn, Victor Zsasz and Killer Croc.
Become the Invisible Predator with Batman's fear takedowns and unique vantage point system to move without being seen and hunt enemies.
Choose multiple takedown methods, including swooping from the sky and smashing through walls, and use the predator camera get a closer look at the action.
Explore every inch of Arkham Asylum and roam freely on the infamous island, presented for the first time ever in its gritty and realistic entirety.
Experience what it's like to be Batman using batarangs, explosive gel aerosol, the Batclaw, sonar resonator and the line launcher.
Unlock more secrets by completing hidden challenges in the world and develop and customize equipment by earning experience points.
Enjoy complete superhero freedom in the environment with the use of Batman's grapple to get to any place you can see, jump from any height and glide in any direction.

PlayStation 3 Batman: Arkham Asylum Collector's Edition Bonus Items Include:

Waynetech Batarang Storage Box.
14" In-Game Design Batarang (stand attached).
Dr. Young's Journal (50 page full color character encyclopedia).
2 Sleeve DIGI-Pack Including:

Game
Behind the scenes 5 chapter series DVD, including: interviewswith Mark Hammil and Kevin Conroy.

Collector's Edition Challenge Map DLC.
PlayStation 3 exclusive Joker Challenge Map DLC.
Joker voice over performed by Mark Hammil to accompany the bonus Jokercontent.
Manual.

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The DC Comics Guide to Digitally Drawing Comics Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I was excited when I first learned about this book coming out because it's difficult for me to set up a normal artist's station in my house. Not knowing who this Freddie Williams guy was, I ended up going to his website and checking him out. It was here that I first became dismayed.

His website has a section labeled "DigiArt Quick Tools," in which one can find several Photoshop tools Freddie has available. These include several variations of his MasterPage file, which tend to cost a little bit of money (the bundle pack that gives you all the Master Pages runs I think about $125). I also noticed a blurb in which Freddie mentions that an entire section of the upcoming book is devoted to the Master Page. I immediately started thinking that the book was going to end up being a $15 commercial for the various tools he has to offer.

Never have I been so glad to be so dead wrong.

The section on Master Pages walks you through the process of making your own Master Page, and while he mentions his website, he never tells the reader to go buy anything. Instead, he teaches you how to do it yourself. In fact, there's only one thing that Freddie tells the reader to download, and that's the perspective tool that he created... and its free (as is a generic version of the Master Page, if you don't want to make your own or pay money for a company-specific Page).

As far as the rest of the book goes, it was a massive wake-up call in regards to realizing how powerful and how fast creating sequential artwork on the computer is. In fact, it seems that Freddie's main goal is to get the reader to create better artwork, faster, and he constantly discusses ways to make your work faster and more streamlined.

Be warned, though... this is NOT a "how to draw" book. If you don't know how to draw, this book won't be that helpful to you. This book is more accurately described as a "how to use the computer to draw" book. Additionally, if you don't know how to do any basic drawing in Photoshop, you might want to learn, quick. I have a very basic understanding of how to draw and paint with Photoshop, and this book has my mind racing with all the possibilities I have available to me now. Be prepared to think and imagine when you read the book.

Not every aspect of Freddie's work method will work for everyone, and he acknowledges fact. He describes his methods to the reader, and for key areas offers alternative paths for the reader to take that may be more comfortable for the reader.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes, I did. Did I learn anything from this book? Almost every step of the way. Would I recommend this book to the serious hobbyist or the artist getting into the comics field? Without a doubt and with no reservations, yes!!!!

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Product Description:
Artists! Gain incredible superpowers...with the help of your computer! The DC Comics Guide to Digitally Drawing Comics shows how to give up pencil, pen, and paper and start drawing dynamic, exciting comics art entirely on the computer. Author Freddie E Williams IIis one of DC Comics' hottest artists and a leader in digital penciling and inking-and here, in clear, step-by-step directions, he guides readers through every part of the digital process, from turning on the computer to finishing a digital file of fully inked comic art, ready for print. Creating a template, sketching on the computer, pencilling, and finally inking digitally are all covered in depth, along with bold, timesaving shortcuts created by Williams, tested by years of trial and error. Step into the digital age, streamline the drawing process, and leap over the limitations of mere physical drawing materials with The DC Comics Guide to Digitally Drawing Comics.

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Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Batman is a cartoon classic, fighting crime in the gritty streets of Gotham City. In this video game, Batman is joined by Robin, Nightwing and Batgirl in his quest to take down Sin Tzu.
The graphics are really stellar in a cartooney sort of way. Batman's cape flows behind him as he moves, headlights show dust particles, the puddles of water reflect their surroundings perfectly as you move around. Birds fly up as you approach, cans tumble out of your way. Shadows lighten and darken as you move through areas.
The fog effects are cool and when you get gassed, the screen becomes woozy in a VERY neat way. I really give this game high marks for its graphic achievements.
On the other hand, being a cartoon, it does seem a bit TOO clean at times. The water doesn't ripple when you go through it. It's more like walking through a Disney version of a "gritty city" - the actual comic was much more gritty. But that's a minor flaw.
The sound feels quite appropriate - both the music and the crunches and thwaps. The attack combos are great and fluid, and you get the little color "splats" when you hit an enemy.
The game is very much like the Two Towers and Return of the King series in that you learn series of combos and after each mission can buy yourself more for the given character you're using. You get rated on how many of each quality type of attack you use, and can replay levels to better your score.
The game for some reason reminds me very much of the old Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles game on the ancient Nintendo console. You're a crimefighter in a dark-but-clean city landscape, battling thugs that pop up out of manholes and out of alleys. You can even do co-op play if you want!
This game isn't a complex RPG or puzzle game, but for anyone who loves comics or the Return of the King style of levelling up and building combos, this is a fun way to spend your time.

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Product Description:
In Batman: Rise Of Sin Tzu, a faceless and mysterious new enemy brings chaos to Gotham -- only Batman and his partners can stop it!

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Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions Review

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(More customer reviews)First of all let me start by saying I haven't finished the game. I have played the intro then the first mission in each dimension and wanted to share my early thoughts with those that are considering whether or not to buy this game. I will edit this review if I find my opinions change after finishing it.
Another word of warning, I am a bit of a spider man fan, grew up with the comics (although I haven't read any for years now) so I'm not sure my review is 100% unbiased. Grain of salt and all that.

STORY

The first thing that I noticed is that there was a lot more care taken with the spider man character than in the previous game (Web of Shadows).He has a lot more personality, his jokes are funnier and, although I wouldn't call the voice acting brilliant, at least he doesn't sound like a constipated teenager anymore. I found myself chuckling at many points in the game from the jokes he throws at his enemies. This has a surprising effect on the heroic feel of the game as well (it's one thing to beat the bad guys up, it is another one entirely to do that while making fun of them).
The overarching story of the game is not all that good to be honest. It feels more like an excuse to check out the different spider man realities than anything else. But it also doesn't take itself too seriously: some of the cutscenes between dimensions are narrated by a voice that I'm pretty sure is Stan Lee using the same type of silver age narrative the old spider man comics had on the 80s. Maybe there will be a plot twist along the way, but I'm not holding my breath. Having said that, the mini stories within each chapter are pretty cool, in the sense that it links together the various events at each stage pretty well and do a good job at keeping you engaged.

GAMEPLAY

If you did your homework you know by now that this is not a sandbox game. You are not given free roam of NYC beating up criminals along the way, which was default the format for spider man games for a long time now. Instead they have chosen a format in which you choose a stage and play that stage from start to finish. So it's less like GTA and more like GoW3.
I think this format works very well with this game. It allows each stage to be more varied, as you are not restricted to being on the same environment all the time. The developers did a good job at making the levels feel varied, so you are never doing the same thing over and over (clear room of bad guys, move to next room, repeat). At one point you are dodging Kraven's sniper rifle, the other you are evading his traps, the next you are falling down a skyscraper canyon in 2099 and a couple hours later figuring out how to get hammerhead from behind his giant gatling gun in the 1930's. That choice is not without a price though, as you lose the thrill of web zipping away into the horizon (although the webzip mechanic is pretty much exactly the same as previous games, the spaces are a bit more constrained). You lose a bit of replay value that the sandbox format tends to have.
Spidey himself handles a lot like Web of Shadows, with a bit less emphasis on wall crawling and aerial combat (although both are still present) and a better combat system overall. One of the new ideas in this game is that you enter a "defensive stance" by holding L2. While doing that Spidey automatically dodges all "regular" attacks, and can only be hit by special moves (which you get advance warning via spider sense to push X and jump out of the way),This is also how you lock the camera on one target.
Another interesting concept is that now you can webzip to specific areas of the stage, like lamp posts or on top of a column. When you face an area that can be targeted this way you will see a small triangle (think the bat hook in Arkham Asylum) and tapping R2 you web zip there automatically. This is handy because it would take a long time (and in some cases pretty precise landing) to get to a these areas that you can now zip to in a second.
The camera is still not 100%, I guess it's always a challenge with spider-man games since you zip around so much and the wall crawling bit is still a bit confusing. But perhaps because there are less emphasis on situations where the camera goes bananas, I haven't felt this to be much of an issue.
I don't agree to say that this is 4 games in 1. The only dimension that really feels totally different in terms of gameplay is the Noir one, which is stealth based. However the other 3 spider man dimensions have enough little things that are different, from the visuals to the speed of the character attacks to some special abilities here and there like the symbiote rage and the 2099 spidey's "bullet time" that each feels unique. The expressions and language used help set the tone as well, particularly in the Noir dimension where the 1930's lingo really helps to flesh out the setting.
The boss battles are really cool too, and they are more like "action puzzles" than real straight up battles, and you always have to figure out how to beat the bad guy, either with simple things like waiting for Kraven to charge before web-zipping in and having at him or zipping the hobgoblin's bombs in the air and throwing them back at him.
Last but not least the upgrading system is pretty nice, you gain points for beating up enemies and breaking crates (sight), but also from completing challenges within each level, like beating 10 enemies by zipping a bench on their head, or doing 5 stealth takedowns in a row without being detected. You also have your mandatory spider tokens scattered around each phase.

GRAPHICS/SOUND

I will admit I'm not a very good judge for that (to me gameplay > graphics), so I'll keep it brief. The game has a cartoonish feel, so you won't see a lot of jaw dropping textures like what you can see in games like Red Dead Redemption or Assassin's Creed. But I think for what they were trying to do the graphics do a pretty good job. What I did notice is that each dimension is a bit different graphics wise, even the Ultimate and Amazing dimensions, which are the most similar, are not exactly the same if you pay attention.

CONTENT

Other than he tutorial, I played 4 mission so far (act I), and on normal they averaged out at ~50 min each to complete. (Amazing and noir took 1 hour, 2099 30 min and 45 for ultimate). If the same can be said about the other acts this should be an 9-12 hour game to beat, which is pretty much in line with other games like GoW, Uncharted 2 etc. After that there's hard mode, and the challenges (which I managed to nail most of them in my first play though each stage, except for the hidden spiders). Again, maybe once I beat the game there will be a surprise for more content, but I'm not expecting this. There are also unlockable concept art, figurines etc.
Basically if you think games like GoW, Heavenly Sword are worth buying (i.e. 9-12 hours of quality entertainement), you won't have a problem justifying this one. If you only buy games that have a lot of replay value, multiplayer etc this will probably leave you wanting for more.

Pros:
-Good action game with, well developed stages
-Great Spider Man characterization
-Nicely delivered acrobatic spider man combat
-Pretty cool boss battles

Cons:
-Replay ability
-Some small camera issues

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Product Description:
Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions is an action-packed adventure encompassing four dramatically different parallel universes, each with its own Spider-Man armed with unique strengths. Each stunning universe has its own detailed art design and thrilling gameplay with challenging skill sets to master in order to unlock powerful new moves. Explore dramatic, stunning environments, wield explosive new powers, and face epic boss battles against extraordinary foes. Experience the legendary Super Hero like never before: Four unique worlds. Four distinct Spider-Men. One unparalleled experience!

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Batman: The Brave and the Bold Review

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(More customer reviews)I will review this as a gamer, before I review it as a fan of Batman.

Batman: the Brave and the Bold is a side-scrolling beat'em-up like the countless others that proliferated during the NES/SNES era. Like any gamer, I've learned to be cynical with games that are based off of movies or TV series, but happily that is not the case with Batman:tBatB. This is a good game.

The combat system is simple, but fun. Mashing the A button creates a punch combo, but there are also grabs, throws, jumps, dodges, and heavy attacks, as well as the Dark Knight's arsenal of weapons, that keep fighting bad guys fresh. The game is divided into four large episodes, each with a specific partner (with his own trademark gadgets) that tags along. Each Episode is then broken down into parts. At the beginning of each of these stages, you can choose to play as Batman or his partner. The game was clearly designed with cooperative play in mind. While two players can't hurt each other directly, there are plenty of floating bombs on every level that you can bat towards your partner. If you don't have two players, the computer controls your partner, and while it's not smart enough to dodge traps, it'll never slow you down and is smart enough to know how to fight. At the end of each part of an episode, the stats are tallied, and whoever achieved the most is crowned winner and receives bragging rights.

Along the way, you'll pick up coins that will let you unlock or upgrade gadgets. Certain gadgets can unlock a few different areas inside the episodes. And playing as the Dark Knight or his partner give the game some degree of replay value.

The unfortunate part is that the game is short. You should be able to beat the game in 12-15 hours. Also, this game is only compatible with the "Wii Remote + Nunchuck" Combo. I doesn't allow the Gamecube, Classic Controller, or sideways Wii Remote play. Why? Because some moves need you to move the Wii Remote, and some of the gadgets need you to point at the screen. But, like I said, the gameplay is simple, but fun. Finally, the game only supports local multi-player action, not online multi-player. As a fan of Batman/DC, this is a really great game. They succeeded in replicating the experience of watching the series. The graphics and story look like they've been lifted straight from the cartoon. They even play the theme song at the start of every episode. Plus getting to play as Guy Gardner, Blue Beetle and Hawkman is awesome. Each episode includes short animation done for the video game. And the witty banter that plays through Blue Beetle and Hawkman's episodes are great fun. And the Alan Scott statue in the Gotham City Park, that's awesomesauce. This is a good video game. This is a great Batman game. Too bad it's kinda short. But the co-op play, I think really saves it. Definitely rent. Maybe even buy. I own it, and I'm not getting rid of it. Expand your Wii Library today. And remember, "Crime doesn't pay."

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Product Description:
Feel the boldness of adventure and the bravery of justice as you become Batman and his superhero teammates in the videogame based on your favorite animated TV series, Batman: The Brave and the Bold. Tread through the exciting terrain of the DC Universe and test your might in this side-scrolling action thrill ride that will take you through crime-filled alleys, strange alien planets, abandoned underground cities, and mysterious island laboratories. Go behind the cowl of the Caped Crusader himself and team up with his superhero friends to solve puzzles, fight dozens of foes, and discover new worlds as you battle to save the day and see if you truly have what it takes to be a superhero!

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Batman Begins Review

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(More customer reviews)I've never been a fan of movie-based video games. You either play the game before watching the movie, and get yourself spoiled, or the other way around. It's a similar story when I was deciding whether to get Batman Begins. This is especially so when reviews on major gaming sites have unanimously slammed this game as an also-ran. Still, I went with my gut feeling and bought it anyhow, and I haven't regretted since.

If you've watched the movie, you'd notice that the plot in this game follows the one in the movie closely. I won't call it an exact replica, but you basically play through the movie, with variations as to how some objectives are achieved. You begin with a prologue, which takes you through some of the basics of the games. This is then followed by the Himalayans training section, which teaches you even more controls. From then on, you pretty much spend your game in Gotham, and boy, what a beautiful city this is.

Gotham is a sight to behold because the graphics in this game are quite awesome. The game takes you to various locales from the movie, like the earlier mentioned Himalayas, the Gotham Docks where Batman downed Falcone, and the Arkham Asylum where the Scarecrow operates, etc. The characters faces are really lifelike, but this is of course expected, since they are modeled after the actors. You also get to see actual footage from the movie, which is a nice touch that pushes the story forward a little in between the levels.

The controls for the game are quite straightforward. With the PS2, you get to kick using the triangle button and punch using the square button. When your enemy is close to expiry, you can use the circle button to "finish" him off. The X button is used for jumping. The shoulders buttons allow you to equip items and use them, as well as blocking an attack and rolling on the ground. It's all quite basic, and overall adequate in undergoing the various missions.

The game itself has several elements. You can call it an action game, but it's also a stealth game. Since an unarmed Batman is often easily wasted by an opponent with guns, you will need to sneak up on these opponents by patiently waiting for your chance, before performing a stealth kill on them. You can also use fear tactics to scare these dudes into dropping their guns, and these include sending boxes of crates towards them, setting off a security alarm (for a few times) and using a crane to lift a car up in midair. All these sound rather confusing, but the design of the game makes it very easy to achieve, and the linear nature of the game means that you're almost always told what to do so you won't get lost.

The game also feels like a Prince of Persia game at times, what with all the jumping around. Finding a way from point A to point B requires a careful scrutiny of the environment, and choosing the only right way to proceed. Therefore, it's entirely possible to miss a jump and fall to your dismal death. The good thing is, you always begin at your last save point, so you won't need to backtrack too much. There are a lot of these save points too, so you can safely maneuver without worrying too much about dying.

There are also two levels in the game that turn the game into a racing game, albeit only for these levels. Much like the Burnout series (now wholly owned by EA), you get to control the Tumbler and set off a journey of taking opponents down (Road Rage), beating a time limit to a destination (Time Attack), and even finding a "boss car" to destroy using the Batmobile's weapons. Way cool, if you ask me.

The audios of this game are also awesome. Having voice-acting from the actual actors from the show is one thing. Making them sound like they actually care, and belong, to the game is another. The soundtrack is also dynamic, providing a really neat tribute to the dark nature of the movie.

My main complaint for this game is the quite frequent slowdown in frame rate. It almost always happens when I'm moving when a conversation by opponents is going on. It's quite frustrating because here you're trying to move quickly without getting noticed, yet the game doesn't let you. The camera angle is also quite clumsy at times, even though you've full control of what you want to see. Apart from these, I'm quite satisfied with the game on the whole.

So, here you have it. A review from a fan who actually played through the game twice. Ok, maybe I'm pleased because I didn't have high expectations. But seriously, for a game that provides so much fun, I think the bad reviews are perhaps a little too harsh. Don't trust me for that though. Get hold of the game and try it for yourself. You may end up being a fan too.

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Product Description:
To be released on the same day as the highly-anticipated movie, Batman Begins follows the film as it explores the origins of the Batman legend and the Dark Knight's emergence as a force for good in Gotham. In the wake of his parents' murder, disillusioned industrial heir Bruce Wayne travels the world seeking the means to fight injustice and turn fear against those who prey on the fearful. He returns to Gotham and unveils his alter-ego: Batman, a masked crusader who uses his strength, intellect and an array of high tech deceptions to fight the sinister forces that threaten the city across 14 Gotham City locales.

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Batman: The Brave and the Bold Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)A fun, 2D fighting game perfect for kids that also attracts Silver Age aficionados who can play as Plastic Man and Green Lantern while fighting lesser-known villains such as Black Mantis, Clock King and Gentleman Ghost.

Whether on film or in games, Batman has recently been out of reach for young fans. Batman: The Brave and the Bold provides parents an age-appropriate entertainment option for kids. I shudder to think how many parents of young fans (6-to-8-year olds) mistakenly bought Batman: Arkham Asylum or rented The Dark Knight only to discover they were designed for mature audiences (i.e. adult language, realistic violence and scenes of terror).

Older players shouldn't compare this DS game to either Arkham Asylum or The Dark Knight, as both delivered the superhero's dark side with more depth and realism.

Batman: The Brave and the Bold succeeds for young fans because it has responsive controls (read: easy to operate), is fun to play and captures the light-hearted spirit of the campy cartoon show.

You can switch between Batman and another superhero by tapping the touch screen. Together, you run along a 2D side-scrolling adventure peppered with challenges, rewards, jokes (visual and verbal) and bosses (mini- and big). There are four episodic adventures: Gotham City; Science Island; London, England; and Outer Space. These break down into eight unique levels with the finale unlocked once you complete the first seven stories. A challenge level is unlocked after each episode is completed that requires you to play as the guest crime fighter without Batman.

Between levels, you return to the Batcave, where you build your arsenal of Batman gadgets by trading in coins collected during play. In addition to the ubiquitous Batarang, there are more than 20 Bat-gadgets from which to choose.

In summary, Batman: The Brave and the Bold is perfect for kids. Older Batman fans should enjoy the nostalgia but will find the game a short adventure compared with games designed for mature audiences. Rating: Five stars.

I should also mention that the first 13 episodes of the cartoon, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, are available on Amazon. Additionally, you can pick up Showcase Presents: The Brave and the Bold - The Batman Team-Ups, Vol. 1, the source material for the cartoon series. The stories are reprinted in black and white but you can't beat the price (less than $15 for more than 500 pages of classic comic book stories).

Finally, if you are looking for one more superhero DS game for a young child, I recommend both LEGO Batman and Ben 10 Protector of the Earth.

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Product Description:
Feel the boldness of adventure and the bravery of justice as you become Batman and his superhero teammates in the videogame based on your favorite animated TV series, Batman: The Brave and the Bold. Tread through the exciting terrain of the DC Universe and test your might in this side-scrolling action thrill ride that will take you through crime-filled alleys, strange alien planets, abandoned underground cities, and mysterious island laboratories. Go behind the cowl of the Caped Crusader himself and team up with his superhero friends to solve puzzles, fight dozens of foes, and discover new worlds as you battle to save the day and see if you truly have what it takes to be a superhero!

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Batman: Arkham Asylum Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Video games haven't been too kind to Batman.Often times when we think of a Batman game, the first thing that comes to mind is that the game just isn't going to be all that spectacular.What is it about the Batman that hasn't always worked in the past?It's hard to point out.What we can point out, however, is that Batman Arkham Asylum doesn't fall into that category.In fact, it is easily one of the best Batman games to be released.From its humble beginnings, the game is fine tuned video game that does most of what it does incredibly well.

Let's begin with the production values.This is by far one of Arkham Asylum's strong points.The game begins with the Joker being caught and taken to Arkham Asylum, but he seems to be pretty non-chalant about it, and Batman doesn't like that one bit.And it turns out he was right to be suspicious.The Joker springs a trap and Batman is caught in the middle.Now he's trapped inside the Asylum with the Joker controlling things, as well as several other adversaries.

One of the nice things about Arkham Asylum is that it presents its story very well.The art style feels comic book like, but it doesn't skimp on the overall visual presentation either.There's a lot of artistic flair and technical goodness to behold with the graphics.Most of the environments look fascinating and will really draw you into the game.The tone is perfect.The other good aspect is the voice acting.If you remember that Batman: The Animated Television series you'll be surprised to see its the same voices.Kevin Conroy is Batman and Mark Hamill is the Joker.And the voices are done very well.The production values of the game are absolutely stellar.

Of course, a game just isn't much if it only goes off of visual flair alone.In the past gameplay seems to be one of the areas in which Batman games often stumble.In the past the games have had a hard time crafting together good gameplay elements or sometimes being unreasonably clunky.This is mostly Batman's past.The games sometimes felt rushed.This isn't the case with Arkham.In fact, the game mostly keeps things pretty simple.The combat is really easy to pick up on, having you string together simple combos.But the game hardly devolves into button mashing.This is because your enemies will take advantage of the situation, and the game makes sure you can't rush head on into things.First and foremost, most of your foes are willing to take advantage of their surroundings.Second, you can't go head to head with several enemies all toting guns at once.This is definitely not a beat 'em up kind of game.In fact, in some areas, caution and stealth are required.

There has rarely been a Batman game where you actually feel like Batman.In some places you'll be able to swoop down and leave your enemies hanging from gargoyles... or perform a glide kick or use some of Batman's gadgets to get the job done.For such simple gameplay concepts, there are actually quite a few ways to implement them into the game.The game also lets you upgrade and improve on your techniques as you progress.So there actually happens to be quite a bit of variety.

At the same time, though, the game is accessible to just about everyone.You can also enter what's called "Detective Mode" if you so choose.Within this mode, Batman can see certain things he otherwise couldn't.You can tell where your enemies are easier and find some hidden goodies.You'll no doubt be playing a large portion of the game in this mode, but it's very worth it to do so.Choosing not to means missing out on some of Arkham Asylum's secrets, and there are a lot of secrets.The most prominent of which is that you can find riddles scattered all over that will unlock lots of different things for you to do.You'll also be able to unlock small character bios and audio samples about certain characters.These are other things that really make the game come alive in its own way.And in the midst of all this, the game doesn't appear too challenging or intimidating.

That's not to say you won't be challenged.You will.Particularly when you reach something new.It's nice to know, however, that the game isn't overly difficult.It's just to say that when trumping through it at least doesn't feel easy.When helping you get acquainted to things, Arkham Asylum is pretty easy going.But once the game takes away the training wheels you may find yourself hitting a few snags every now and then.

The visual look of the game isn't all that adds to the game's atmosphere.So does the music and so do some of the animations when you're fighting.Sometimes it's fun to battle just to look at some of the animations as they take place.Other times exploring can be absorbing because the music really knows how to set the tone.Arkham Asylum has a lot of strength, but the game seems well aware of just what those strengths are.

There's really not much that keeps Arkham Asylum down.In many ways it's exciting to play a Batman game that's good.After getting several Batman games that felt like a throwaway of the license, Batman Arkham Asylum feels like a breath of fresh air.Most of its gameplay conventions have been done before, but it's mostly how the game mixes them together that works well, and the absorbing atmosphere it emits in the process.Batman fans might find themselves pleased by this one.It's a simple game to play, but there is definitely a lot in it that could keep you busy for some time, and a lot to explore.It's great to see a Batman game come to fruition, and to do it so smoothly.

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Product Description:
Batman: Arkham Asylum is a single player, third-person action/adventure in which the Dark Knight is forced to take on his greatest challenge yet when he is trapped by arch rival, the Joker, within Gotham City's facility for the criminally insane, Arkham Asylum. A blend of exciting arcade style combat and stealth mechanics packed with amazing graphics in a moody, immersive setting, Batman: Arkham Asylum offers diverse gameplay options that push the envelope for all action, adventure and superhero games.

Kick it in combat gameplay.
Viewlarger.
And stealth action.
Viewlarger.
Match wits with The Joker.
Viewlarger.
Utilize utility belt gadgets.
Viewlarger. Story
Batman: Arkham Asylum features an original story penned exclusively for the game by famous Batman author and five-time Emmy award winner, Paul Dini, whose credits include "Lost" season one and "Batman: The Animated Series." As the game begins Batman is personally delivering his nemesis, The Joker, to the asylum at Arkham Island, but he is uneasy. Although the Arkham asylum is well fortified, he has a nagging feeling that all is not well, which proves to be the case when seconds after turning The Joker over to the guards, the master criminal breaks free of his captors. Even more surprising than this quick turn of events is the revelation that it was never The Joker's intent to escape the vault-like facility, but instead to trap Batman there. Surrounded by an asylum full of dangerous criminals, many of which he put there and all at the beck and call of the Joker, can Batman survive and discover what is behind the Joker's intricate plot?

Gameplay
In Batman: Arkham Asylum players strap on the gadget-heavy utility belt of the Caped Crusader. Gameplay here is a combination of both the knuckle crunching rush of hand to hand combat as you take on the hordes of thugs that infest Arkham Asylum, and stealth gameplay in which you must dispatch individuals from the shadows. Players can expect an engrossing single player campaign in which Batman continually moves forward to face the henchmen, bosses and traps that The Joker has set for him. With regards to opponents, in addition to The Joker who you will hear more than you see, the dark walls of Arkham also hold familiar villains from the the Batman criminal universe including Harley Quinn, Victor Zsasz and Killer Croc, that you will have to deal with, but don't expect a one-dimensional experience. As players progress from environment to environment within Arkham they will have to use varying combinations of muscle, detective skills, gadgetry and a certain degree of light RPG-like leveling of Batman's skills, arsenal and physical characteristics to survive and discover what The Joker's underlying scheme is.

In addition to the story-driven single player campaign Arkham Asylumalso contains various additional play modes. These include an arcade styledcombat mode where players accumulate points by engaging hordes of thugsin a hand to hand slugfest across a series of maps, in which Batman'sphysical strength and agility play a major role. The key here is to chaintogether as many attacks as possible due to the fact that with each successfulcombo players increase the point multiplier associated with their actions.The game also features a time-based stealth mode where players must honetheir ability to strike silently from the shadows. This gameplay, referredto as 'Invisible Predator' utilizes the Dark Knight's skill with gadgetslike the grapple tool, batarang and explosives. These allow for vertical/horizontalmobility, the ability to quickly strike from above and at a distance andto take out enemies and create distractions, even through walls. But rememberthat Batman works solo and is not superhuman. Your enemies will congregatearound trouble areas and work as a team against you, so you must besilent, plan your attacks wisely, strike quickly and discover the valueof encouraging fear within enemies.

Key Features

Utilize the unique FreeFlow combat system to chain together unlimited combos seamlessly and battle with huge groups of The Joker's henchmen in brutal melee brawls.
Investigate as Batman, the world's greatest detective, by solving intricate puzzles with the help of cutting edge forensic tools including x-ray scanning, fingerprint scans, 'Amido Black' spray and a pheromone tracker.
Face off against Gotham's greatest villains including The Joker, Harley Quinn, Victor Zsasz and Killer Croc.
Become the Invisible Predator with Batman's fear takedowns and unique vantage point system to move without being seen and hunt enemies.
Choose multiple takedown methods, including swooping from the sky and smashing through walls, and use the predator camera get a closer look at the action.
Explore every inch of Arkham Asylum and roam freely on the infamous island, presented for the first time ever in its gritty and realistic entirety.
Experience what it's like to be Batman using batarangs, explosive gel aerosol, the Batclaw, sonar resonator and the line launcher.
Unlock more secrets by completing hidden challenges in the world and develop and customize equipment by earning experience points.
Enjoy complete superhero freedom in the environment with the use of Batman's grapple to get to any place you can see, jump from any height and glide in any direction.

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Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)It seems the more you read people talking about this game they either love it or hate it.I fall in the middle.I am just a casual gamer I play every now and then at night or on weekends, but I don't spend every waking moment with a controller in my hands.So take that into consideration as I make this review.

Overall I think this a fun game.I have been playing Mortal Kombat games for a long time now and I find this one just as enjoyable.I think the mix of character is nice with some of your most popular MK characters with some of the most recognizable DC comics heroes and villains.

The gameplay has been tweaked a bit since the previous MK game, but it is nothing that you can't adjust to, and overall I think it offers more character control.The special moves or super moves as called in the game are a fun mix too with most of your favorite moves form you MK characters kept in with a mix of a few new ones to keep things interesting.

We do have a return of the preprogrammed fatalities, but they have been toned down.No more dismemberment, decapitation, or removal of vital organs.This may be a big deal for you, but I don't require a high level of gore to enjoy a video game.

As far as I can tell there are no hidden characters in the game, other then the unlockable boss characters.So don't expect to find Reptile or the Martian Manhunter.But like most Xbox 360 games the game will support downloadable content in the future.But when new fighters show up is up to the video game publisher.

If you are trying to chose between the kollectors edition and the basica game save your money.The comic book that comes with the game is a quite small and almost just like a pamphlet and does not really add anything to the story.There is a small poster and a making of dvd.but you will probably be able to see all those videos on youtube before too long.

So a hardcore mortal kombat fan or gamer may not enjoy this game too much as it comes up short on gore and hidden characters.But the game still presents and interesting storyline and a chance to play as some of your favorite DC comics characters.I have it I enjoy playing it and hope to have fun with friends playing as superheros and undead ninjas.

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Product Description:
Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe is a fighting game merging the worlds and characters of the Mortal Kombat video game universe and that of DC comics. Featuring a deep storyline developed by top writing talent, iconic fighting arenas from both universes, character specific attacks and moves, two all-new fighting mechanics and single player and multiplayer support, it has something for every fan of the video game arcade fighting genre.

Match-ups you never thought possible.
Viewlarger.
Character-specific abilities.
Viewlarger.
Combine abilities into Fusion powers.
Viewlarger.
50%+ damage in Rage Mode.
Viewlarger.
New Klose Kombat mechanic.
Viewlarger. Story
The story of how the heroes and villains of Mortal Kombat and theDC universe could find themselves not only existing on the same plain, butbattling each other revolves around coincidental victories in the respectiverealms by Raiden and Superman. In Raiden's case it was a victory over ShaoKahn, while Superman bested Darkseid. These occurred at the exact same timeand involved inter-dimensional elements, which somehow merged their twoenemies into one being, Dark Kahn, while allowing the characters of thetwo universes to interact. In this merging the powers of the heroes andvillains are scrambled as well, making some stronger than they ever were,and leaving others vulnerable for the first time in their lives, allowingeach to battle on more or less equal footing. And battle they do withoutrealizing that the uncontrollable rage that they feel for each other isactually the work of Dark Khan.

Gameplay
Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe being a fighter, gameplay consistsof one-on-one battles, both in local play and online, in which playerscan choose a character from either side who will face off against a counterpartfrom the other. Each character has unique attacks and special finishingmoves, and fighting arenas vary depending on whether your character comesfrom the Mortal Kombat or DC universe. Keeping with the reputationfor brutality in the Mortal Kombat franchise, characters from thisside will have access to fatalities, while the historically less overlyviolent DC Comics characters will execute "heroic brutalities," whichare end moves where the opponent while beaten, is not killed. The gamealso features new gameplay mechanics such as: Freefall Kombat, in whichplayers can engage in extended combat while in midair; Klose Kombat, duringwhich the play angle moves to a close-up view of the action; The "TestYour Might" mini-game where you smash your opponent through walls; andRage Mode, which increases the power of a character's attack by 50% andprovides protection against being stunned by an opponent.

Playable Characters
Playable characters in Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe consist of some of the most popular heroes and villains from both universes, with most being available from the beginning of the game and some unlockable throughout. They include the following:

Mortal Kombat

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Batman: Arkham Asylum Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)For years and years, gamers (myself included) have played many different Batman video games and have only been let down time after time.

Now, Batman: Arkham Asylum IS that Batman game that you have always wanted to play.

It satisfies every part of you Batman desires and really gives you the feeling that you ARE Batman.

From the strength and power to the gadgets to the stealth and surprise you can bring toward your enemy, it is quite a marvel that a game developer finally got it right.

Thank you Rocksteady!

I do not want to give away any spoilers from the game so the plot is really basic and simple.

The Joker has taken total control over Arkham island and Batman needs to hunt him down to stop him, but not without going through many of Batman's familiar villians in the process.

Batman's gadgets come in handy often, most of the time you will be using his 'detective mode' which is built into the cowl and gives you the ability to see important items in the room and clues to lead you in the right direction.

There will be some moments where you find yourself just playing with all of Batman' gadgets for 10-15 minutes because there are so many of them to play with. (It feeds your inner dork so it's okay!)

Gameplay mechanics are solid and I have yet to find a defect in them or any glitches.

Fighting is very enjoyable, because you can be surrounded by 6-10 enemies and everytime an enemy is about to attack you hit the counter-attack button and continue to fight off all of them at once. Very fun.

The graphics are amazing and highly detailed like you would expect from a PS3.

Voice-over work is superb and Mark Hamill, as The Joker, really steals the show. If they gave out Oscars for Best Video Game Voice-Over Performance then Hamill would easily win it for this game!

All in all, Batman games have been so poor for so long, it is exciting to see a Batman game done right and this is worthy of a $60 purchase.

Go and get it and play it with the lights off in the dark with the sound blasting.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Batman: Arkham Asylum

Product Description:
Batman: Arkham Asylum is a single player, third-person action/adventure in which the Dark Knight is forced to take on his greatest challenge yet when he is trapped by arch rival, the Joker, within Gotham City's facility for the criminally insane, Arkham Asylum. A blend of exciting arcade style combat and stealth mechanics packed with amazing graphics in a moody, immersive setting, Batman: Arkham Asylum offers diverse gameplay options that push the envelope for all action, adventure and superhero games.

Kick it in combat gameplay.
Viewlarger.
And stealth action.
Viewlarger.
Match wits with The Joker.
Viewlarger.
Utilize utility belt gadgets.
Viewlarger. Story
Batman: Arkham Asylum features an original story penned exclusively for the game by famous Batman author and five-time Emmy award winner, Paul Dini, whose credits include "Lost" season one and "Batman: The Animated Series." As the game begins Batman is personally delivering his nemesis, The Joker, to the asylum at Arkham Island, but he is uneasy. Although the Arkham asylum is well fortified, he has a nagging feeling that all is not well, which proves to be the case when seconds after turning The Joker over to the guards, the master criminal breaks free of his captors. Even more surprising than this quick turn of events is the revelation that it was never The Joker's intent to escape the vault-like facility, but instead to trap Batman there. Surrounded by an asylum full of dangerous criminals, many of which he put there and all at the beck and call of the Joker, can Batman survive and discover what is behind the Joker's intricate plot?

Gameplay
In Batman: Arkham Asylum players strap on the gadget-heavy utility belt of the Caped Crusader. Gameplay here is a combination of both the knuckle crunching rush of hand to hand combat as you take on the hordes of thugs that infest Arkham Asylum, and stealth gameplay in which you must dispatch individuals from the shadows. Players can expect an engrossing single player campaign in which Batman continually moves forward to face the henchmen, bosses and traps that The Joker has set for him. With regards to opponents, in addition to The Joker who you will hear more than you see, the dark walls of Arkham also hold familiar villains from the the Batman criminal universe including Harley Quinn, Victor Zsasz and Killer Croc, that you will have to deal with, but don't expect a one-dimensional experience. As players progress from environment to environment within Arkham they will have to use varying combinations of muscle, detective skills, gadgetry and a certain degree of light RPG-like leveling of Batman's skills, arsenal and physical characteristics to survive and discover what The Joker's underlying scheme is.

In addition to the story-driven single player campaign Arkham Asylumalso contains various additional play modes. These include an arcade styledcombat mode where players accumulate points by engaging hordes of thugsin a hand to hand slugfest across a series of maps, in which Batman'sphysical strength and agility play a major role. The key here is to chaintogether as many attacks as possible due to the fact that with each successfulcombo players increase the point multiplier associated with their actions.The game also features a time-based stealth mode where players must honetheir ability to strike silently from the shadows. This gameplay, referredto as 'Invisible Predator' utilizes the Dark Knight's skill with gadgetslike the grapple tool, batarang and explosives. These allow for vertical/horizontalmobility, the ability to quickly strike from above and at a distance andto take out enemies and create distractions, even through walls. But rememberthat Batman works solo and is not superhuman. Your enemies will congregatearound trouble areas and work as a team against you, so you must besilent, plan your attacks wisely, strike quickly and discover the valueof encouraging fear within enemies.

Key Features

Utilize the unique FreeFlow combat system to chain together unlimitedcombos seamlessly and battle with huge groups of The Joker's henchmenin brutal melee brawls.
Investigate as Batman, the world's greatest detective, by solvingintricate puzzles with the help of cutting edge forensic tools includingx-ray scanning, fingerprint scans, 'Amido Black' spray and a pheromonetracker.
Face off against Gotham's greatest villains including The Joker, HarleyQuinn, Victor Zsasz and Killer Croc.
Become the Invisible Predator with Batman's fear takedowns and uniquevantage point system to move without being seen and hunt enemies.
Choose multiple takedown methods, including swooping from the skyand smashing through walls, and use the predator camera get a closerlook at the action.
Explore every inch of Arkham Asylum and roam freely on the infamousisland, presented for the first time ever in its gritty and realisticentirety.
Experience what it's like to be Batman using batarangs, explosivegel aerosol, the Batclaw, sonar resonator and the line launcher.
Unlock more secrets by completing hidden challenges in the world anddevelop and customize equipment by earning experience points.
Enjoy complete superhero freedom in the environment with the use ofBatman's grapple to get to any place you can see, jump from any heightand glide in any direction.
PlayStation 3 exclusive Joker Challenge Map DLC.

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Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I was a huge skeptic of this game at first, MK VS DC, it was like combining toothpaste with orange juice...."Ugh"!
But Midway pulled it off. I spent probably 3 hours with the game last night (alas no online yet) and was very pleased.
First off the PS3's controller rocked the house as far as response with the D-pad.
Second; The game itself is FUN, not only do you have the standard arcade "Tower of Power" to climb, this MK throws in a neat story mode with beautiful cut scenes and a unique way to play all the characters.
While playing the game, I never even noticed the fact it was "T" rated, blood still flies, body's and costumes get damaged (you can actually knock off Scorpion's mask), and the fighting is just plain brutal.
There's 3 new gimmicks within the matches Close Kombat, Free Fall Kombat, and Test Your Might, which add some flair to the matches.
Free Fall is cool as heck.
Fatalities are here, and even toned down, they look great. I reduced Wonder Woman to skeletal remains with a "Lava Bath" the burned Captain Marvel to a crisp with "Hellfire" both courtesy of Scorpion.
Even blade happy Barraka has cool Fatalities, my favorite is the "Impale", where he knocks an opponent on his back, jumps on top of him, punches him in the chest, then fires his blades into the victim.
Looks awesome, not gory, but looks awesome.
There is going to be a learning curve to take advantage of the combos, and the game can kick your butt even on easy.
All in all this looks and feels like an MK game without a doubt, and definite improvement over all the MK games since MKIII.
I would like to see MK return to it's "M" rated roots, but I'll sacrifice a little gore over game play any day.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe

Product Description:
Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe is a fighting game merging the worlds and characters of the Mortal Kombat video game universe and that of DC comics. Featuring a deep storyline developed by top writing talent, iconic fighting arenas from both universes, character specific attacks and moves, two all-new fighting mechanics and single player and multiplayer support, it has something for every fan of the video game arcade fighting genre.

Match-ups you never thought possible.
Viewlarger.
Character-specific abilities.
Viewlarger.
Combine abilities into Fusion powers.
Viewlarger.
50%+ damage in Rage Mode.
Viewlarger.
New Klose Kombat mechanic.
Viewlarger. Story
The story of how the heroes and villains of Mortal Kombat and theDC universe could find themselves not only existing on the same plain, butbattling each other revolves around coincidental victories in the respectiverealms by Raiden and Superman. In Raiden's case it was a victory over ShaoKahn, while Superman bested Darkseid. These occurred at the exact same timeand involved inter-dimensional elements, which somehow merged their twoenemies into one being, Dark Kahn, while allowing the characters of thetwo universes to interact. In this merging the powers of the heroes andvillains are scrambled as well, making some stronger than they ever were,and leaving others vulnerable for the first time in their lives, allowingeach to battle on more or less equal footing. And battle they do withoutrealizing that the uncontrollable rage that they feel for each other isactually the work of Dark Khan.

Gameplay
Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe being a fighter, gameplay consistsof one-on-one battles, both in local play and online, in which playerscan choose a character from either side who will face off against a counterpartfrom the other. Each character has unique attacks and special finishingmoves, and fighting arenas vary depending on whether your character comesfrom the Mortal Kombat or DC universe. Keeping with the reputationfor brutality in the Mortal Kombat franchise, characters from thisside will have access to fatalities, while the historically less overlyviolent DC characters will execute "heroic brutalities," which are endmoves where the opponent while beaten, is not killed. The game also featuresnew gameplay mechanics such as: Freefall Kombat, in which players canengage in extended combat while in midair; Klose Kombat, during whichthe play angle moves to a close-up view of the action; The Test Your Mightmini-game where you smash your opponent through walls; and Rage Mode,which increases the power of a character's attack by 50% and providesprotection against being stunned by an opponent.

Playable Characters
Playable characters in Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe consist of some of the most popular heroes and villains from both universes, with most being available from the beginning of the game and some unlockable throughout. They include the following:

Mortal Kombat

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Batman: Arkham Asylum Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Overall, this game is great fun and is definitely the best Batman game released on any console so far, but there are a few issues that keep it from being perfect.

First the negatives:

I didn't have any problem installing the game, and since I had already set up a Windows live account for a previous game, that wasn't a problem (I was somehow automatically logged in whenever this game started).But I use a Logitech Cordless Rumblepad 2 instead of a 360 controller, and the game wouldn't work properly with it at first.The y-axis on the left analog stick was reversed, so that pushing the stick forward caused Batman to turn around and walk toward the camera instead of walking forward, and the A and X buttons were swapped with the B and Y buttons.I could have remapped the buttons within the game, but there was no way to invert the y-axis of the left analog stick!The game was unplayable in this state, but by downloading and configuring an xbox 360 controller emulator, I was able to remap all controls to the way it should have been.If you don't use an xbox 360 controller as your PC gamepad, be aware that you may have this issue, but you can find a work-around.

The second problem I had with the game was that the camera follows Batman too closely.When running or fighting, the camera zooms out to give an adequate view, but otherwise, it's so close that Batman takes up about 3/4 of the vertical screen space.I was constantly having to maneuver the camera around Batman whenever I wanted to see what was right in front of me without switching to first person view.This isn't a game-killer, but it is an annoyance that together with the controller issue takes away a star from the review.

But the positive aspects of the game outweigh the negative parts by a large margin.

The graphics are fantastic.I don't know if I've ever seen better, and the game runs smoothly on hardware that isn't state of the art.If your computer meets or exceeds the recommended specs, you are in for some sweet eye candy.The character models are just fantastically good, and the animation is top notch.No complaints whatsoever as far as the visuals go.

The gameplay is also really good.The fighting system is one of the most simple and effective that I've ever played.But despite the simplicity, it is still challenging to rack up large combos, and when done right, the fights look and feel spectacular.They are really reminiscent of the fighting scenes in the two most recent Batman movies, 'Batman Begins' and 'The Dark Knight.'

This isn't a pure action game, however.When facing armed opponents, Batman must keep out of sight, and pick them off one by one without alerting the others.This part of the game requires more patience and strategy, but I found it to be fun, and a good balance is struck between the two parts, so that the game neither becomes too tedious nor degenerates into a button-masher.

The game's atmosphere also perfectly matches the subject material.The plot is engaging, and the cast of characters is amazing.There's the Joker, of course, with Harley Quinn (yay!), Bane, the Scarecrow, Killer Croc, Poison Ivy, and others.

Also, the voice talent deserves special mention.My first real introduction to the Batman universe was through the excellent 'Batman: The Animated Series' of the early '90s, and many of the great voice actors for the series reprise their roles here, including Kevin Conroy as Batman, Mark Hamill as the Joker, Arleen Sorkin as Harley Quinn, and Diane Pershing as Poison Ivy.Their performance is awesome.The game's plot was also written by Paul Dini, a writer and producer on Batman: TAS, so maybe it's no surprise that I enjoyed the game so much.

As for replay value, I'll probably play through the full game again, but since the plot is linear, I doubt I'll get anything new from it.The Riddler has hidden over a hundred trophies throughout Arkham for you to find if you want, and finding them unlocks new challenges.The challenges themselves are fights for you to engage in to try to maximize your score or stealth sequences where you try to minimize your time to pick off all the enemies.These are a fun diversion, but probably not worth spending too much time on.There may be some downloadable content worth checking out, but I haven't looked at it yet, so I can't say.

Overall, I thought this was a really fun game that respects the Batman source material.It was well worth the money, and comes highly recommended.

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Product Description:
Batman: Arkham Asylum is a single player, third-person action/adventure in which the Dark Knight is forced to take on his greatest challenge yet when he is trapped by arch rival, the Joker, within Gotham City's facility for the criminally insane, Arkham Asylum. A blend of exciting arcade style combat and stealth mechanics packed with amazing graphics in a moody, immersive setting, Batman: Arkham Asylum offers diverse gameplay options that push the envelope for all action, adventure and superhero games.

Kick it in combat gameplay.
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And stealth action.
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Match wits with The Joker.
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Utilize utility belt gadgets.
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Take on dangerous bosses.
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Explore moody settings.
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Batman: Arkham Asylum features an original story penned exclusively for the game by famous Batman author and five-time Emmy award winner, Paul Dini, whose credits include "Lost" season one and "Batman: The Animated Series." As the game begins Batman is personally delivering his nemesis, The Joker, to the asylum at Arkham Island, but he is uneasy. Although the Arkham asylum is well fortified, he has a nagging feeling that all is not well, which proves to be the case when seconds after turning The Joker over to the guards, the master criminal breaks free of his captors. Even more surprising than this quick turn of events is the revelation that it was never The Joker's intent to escape the vault-like facility, but instead to trap Batman there. Surrounded by an asylum full of dangerous criminals, many of which he put there and all at the beck and call of the Joker, can Batman survive and discover what is behind the Joker's intricate plot?

Gameplay
In Batman: Arkham Asylum players strap on the gadget-heavy utility belt of the Caped Crusader. Gameplay here is a combination of both the knuckle crunching rush of hand to hand combat as you take on the hordes of thugs that infest Arkham Asylum, and stealth gameplay in which you must dispatch individuals from the shadows. Players can expect an engrossing single player campaign in which Batman continually moves forward to face the henchmen, bosses and traps that The Joker has set for him. With regards to opponents, in addition to The Joker who you will hear more than you see, the dark walls of Arkham also hold familiar villains from the the Batman criminal universe including Harley Quinn, Victor Zsasz and Killer Croc, that you will have to deal with, but don't expect a one-dimensional experience. As players progress from environment to environment within Arkham they will have to use varying combinations of muscle, detective skills, gadgetry and a certain degree of light RPG-like leveling of Batman's skills, arsenal and physical characteristics to survive and discover what The Joker's underlying scheme is.

In addition to the story-driven single player campaign Arkham Asylumalso contains various additional play modes. These include an arcade styledcombat mode where players accumulate points by engaging hordes of thugsin a hand to hand slugfest across a series of maps, in which Batman'sphysical strength and agility play a major role. The key here is to chaintogether as many attacks as possible due to the fact that with each successfulcombo players increase the point multiplier associated with their actions.The game also features a time-based stealth mode where players must honetheir ability to strike silently from the shadows. This gameplay, referredto as 'Invisible Predator' utilizes the Dark Knight's skill with gadgetslike the grapple tool, batarang and explosives. These allow for vertical/horizontalmobility, the ability to quickly strike from above and at a distance andto take out enemies and create distractions, even through walls. But rememberthat Batman works solo and is not superhuman. Your enemies will congregatearound trouble areas and work as a team against you, so you must besilent, plan your attacks wisely, strike quickly and discover the valueof encouraging fear within enemies.

Key Features

Utilize the unique FreeFlow combat system to chain together unlimited combos seamlessly and battle with huge groups of The Joker's henchmen in brutal melee brawls.
Investigate as Batman, the world's greatest detective, by solving intricate puzzles with the help of cutting edge forensic tools including x-ray scanning, fingerprint scans, 'Amido Black' spray and a pheromone tracker.
Face off against Gotham's greatest villains including The Joker, Harley Quinn, Victor Zsasz and Killer Croc.
Become the Invisible Predator with Batman's fear takedowns and unique vantage point system to move without being seen and hunt enemies.
Choose multiple takedown methods, including swooping from the sky and smashing through walls, and use the predator camera get a closer look at the action.
Explore every inch of Arkham Asylum and roam freely on the infamous island, presented for the first time ever in its gritty and realistic entirety.
Experience what it's like to be Batman using batarangs, explosive gel aerosol, the Batclaw, sonar resonator and the line launcher.
Unlock more secrets by completing hidden challenges in the world and develop and customize equipment by earning experience points.
Enjoy complete superhero freedom in the environment with the use of Batman's grapple to get to any place you can see, jump from any height and glide in any direction.

System Requirements:

Minimum Specifications: Recommended Specifications: OS: Windows XP SP2/Vista SP1 Processor: P4 2.8GHz (3.2GHz Vista)/Athlon 64 3000+ (3200+ Vista) Core 2 Duo 2.2GHz processor family/Athlon 64 X2 4400+ (required for MP host) RAM: 1GB (1.5GB Vista) 2GB RAM Video Card: Graphics card with 256MB (SM 2.0b). NVidia 6800 or ATIX700 Graphics card with 512MB (SM 3.0). NVidia 8600 GTS or ATI HD 2900 XT Sound Card: DX9.0c compliant DVD-ROM: Quad-speed (4x) DVD-ROM drive Hard Drive Space: 12GB of free space or more Other: DirectX 9.0C; keyboard & mouse

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