The Batman: Arkham titles are among the most respected superhero games of all time. Sporty, dynamic storytelling, powerful renditions of iconic characters and intuitive gameplay amid an immersive world have given casual fans and DC diehards the ultimate Batman gaming experience. However, almost all of these strengths come from a TV show.
In particular the Arkham games take out different elements Batman: the animated series, an equally prized chapter in Dark Knight history. That inspiration comes partly from writer Paul Dini returning to create the games, but it highlights how impactful and respected the show is within the Batman fandom. Why wouldn’t developer Rocksteady want to recapture that essence?
7/7 voice actors
The most notable similarity between the show and the games is the return of Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill as Batman and the Joker, respectively. They debuted as these characters in the animated series and then reprized those roles in several other DC projects. For many fans, these two are the definitive voices for the Caped Crusader and the Clown Prince of Crime.
That sentiment also applies to certain supporting players. Arkham Asylum brings back Arleen Sorkin, the original voice for Harley Quinn and the one who inspired the character. In addition, Arkham Origins has Robert Costanzo return briefly as Harvey Bullock. Sadly, these guys only stay for one item apiece, but they’re no less suited to these comic icons.
6/7 Voice replacement
While the developers can’t get everyone back from the old show, they compensate with respectable replacements. For several prominent villains, the actors seemingly do impressions of their TV predecessors. Tasia Valenza mimics Diane Pershing’s sultry whispers as Poison Ivy. Troy Baker imitates Richard Moll’s raspy growl as Two-Face. Maurice LaMarche captures Michael Ansara’s cold throat-based delivery as Mr. freeze. That is just to name a few examples.
These performances all achieve a similar tone and nuance to the previous ones. Admittedly, this limits the chance to put your own stamp on a character. However, it’s hard to deny how well these vocal personas fit these fictional figures.
5/7 Classic aesthetic
The Gotham of the animated show is different from the usual city. Art Deco architecture and Gothic motifs permeate the setting and nod to the hero’s 1930s roots. It creates an atmosphere in which a figure like him thrives.
This is why Rocksteady clearly takes notes when designing the Arkham urban sandbox. The Gotham of these games is a modernized metropolis in some parts, but more striking are the older parts of the city. These areas recall the artistic aesthetics of yesteryear with old buildings, monorails and imposing statues. This design philosophy is mainly expressed in Arkham Asylum, which is a real gothic nightmare. Such a style is part of what makes these games so visually striking. The only thing missing is the red sky.
4/7 Music
The animated series, inspired by the 1989 Tim Burton film, had a score composed of classical orchestral pieces. Ghostly strings and triumphant trumpets pepper every track, further emphasizing the theatricality and film noire influence of the setting.
The Arkham titles don’t copy those elements outright, but they do create a similarly evocative atmosphere. More dominant than the orchestra is the moody chorus. The animated series occasionally used such vocals in pivotal adventures such as Mask of the Fantasma, and the games are therefore equally operable. The only exception is Arkham Origins, which uses electronic music and faster percussions. These are suitable for a younger Dark Knight, but ultimately not that memorable.
3/7 Everything about mr. freeze
The voice isn’t the only aspect of the icy villain that gets carried over. The games also bring with them his tragic backstory, which introduced the animated series. After his wife is diagnosed with a terminal illness, Victor Fries places her in suspended animation and does everything he can to find a cure. This leads to his cryogenic accident, rendering him unable to survive outside freezing temperatures. The developers keep that foundation for the character.
Arkham Origins goes one step further. The Cold, cold heart DLC, which depicts the Dark Knight’s first confrontation with Freeze, pulls the plot straight from the “Heart of Ice” animated episode. The characters even literally repeat entire lines of dialogue, and who can blame them? That episode is one of the most gripping of the series and helped cement its respected reputation.
2/7 Crazy Love
With Harley Quinn, of course, comes her origin. No, not the recent rendition where she jumps into a vat of chemicals to copy the Joker. On the contrary, the Arkham games stick to its original backstory, no doubt due to creator Paul Dini’s involvement.
Fans learn how much the character owes him during the Arkham Asylum conversations with patients. The recorded conversations between her and the Joker are straight from “Mad Love”, a comic strip written by Dini and later adapted for an animated episode. The actors even deliver the lines the same way.
Unfortunately, Arkham Origins repeats this somewhat with her rushed introduction at the eleventh hour, but no one says these interviews couldn’t have taken place later. After all, Harley has fallen for this clown’s routine several times.
1/7 costumes
As a treat for fans, the Arkham games feature a myriad of alternate costumes from the hero’s comic, film, and TV career. Among these are skins from Batman: the animated series, complete with a cel-shaded texture to mimic the cartoon-like look. The only other TV series represented here is the iconic ’60s campy show. The developers clearly think the animated entry is just as vital to the character’s legacy.
They demonstrate that further by going beyond the Caped Crusader. The games also include animated skins for Robin, Nightwing, and Catwoman. As if that wasn’t enough, they’re throwing the futuristic suit of Batman Beyond, the sequel show. The only omission is Nightwing’s mullet. That’s a travesty when you consider how ridiculous his hair is Arkham Knight. Haircut aside, these games have plenty to love for 90s fans.
0 Comments