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'''''Batman: Arkham City''''' is a 2011 [[Action-adventure game|action-adventure]] video game developed by [[Rocksteady Studios]]. It is the sequel to the 2009 video game ''[[Batman: Arkham Asylum]]'', based on the [[DC Comics]] superhero [[Batman]]. The game was released by [[Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment]] for the [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox 360]], [[Microsoft Windows]] and [[OnLive]]. The game was officially announced during the 2009 [[Spike Video Game Awards]] and was released worldwide for consoles, beginning in North America on October 18, 2011, with the PC version scheduled for November. A [[Wii U]] version is scheduled for release in 2012.
'''''Batman: Arkham City''''' is a 2011 [[Action-adventure game|action-adventure]] video game developed by [[Rocksteady Studios]]. It is the sequel to the 2009 video game ''[[Batman: Arkham Asylum]]'', based on the [[DC Comics]] superhero [[Batman]]. The game was released by [[Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment]] for the [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox 360]], [[Microsoft Windows]] and [[OnLive]]. The game was officially announced during the 2009 [[Spike Video Game Awards]] and was released worldwide for consoles, beginning in North America on October 18, 2011, with the PC version scheduled for November. A [[Wii U]] version is scheduled for release in 2012.


The game was written by [[Paul Dini]]. The game features a main plot and a subplot. Side missions are available instead of an open-world concept. The main plot revolves around Batman being captured and thrown into half of [[Gotham City]], with prisoners of Black Gate Prison and [[Arkham Asylum]], called Arkham City. Batman must stop mishaps around the city, mainly with his arch-nemesis the Joker. Side missions include other characters from the DC Universe, such as the Riddler and Bane, who now serves as an ally to Batman, rather than an antagonist. ''Arkham City'' has received universal acclaim, averaging a 97.5% on GameRankings and a 97% on Metacritic for PS3.
The game was written by [[Paul Dini]]. The game features a main plot and a subplot. Side missions are available instead of an open-world concept. The main plot revolves around Batman being captured and thrown into half of [[Gotham City]], with prisoners of Black Gate Prison and [[Arkham Asylum]], called Arkham City. Batman must stop mishaps around the city, mainly with his arch-nemesis the Joker. Side missions include other characters from the DC Universe, such as the Riddler and Bane, who now serves as an ally to Batman, rather than an antagonist. ''Arkham City'' has received universal acclaim from critics.


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
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''Batman: Arkham City'' received universal acclaim by critics, and as of October 18, it is the best-reviewed game of 2011 according to review aggregator ''[[Metacritic]]''.<ref name="RevBestof11"/> ''Metacritic'' provides an average score of 97 out of 100 for the PS3 version, based on 13 reviews, and 95 out of 100 for the Xbox 360 version, based on 30 reviews.<ref name="MetacritPS3"/><ref name="MetaCrit360"/> Fellow aggregator ''[[GameRankings]]'' provides an average score of 97.5% for the PS3 version, based on 8 reviews, and 94.4% for the Xbox 360 version, based on 18 reviews.<ref name="GRPS3"/><ref name="GRX360"/>
''Batman: Arkham City'' received universal acclaim by critics, and as of October 18, it is the best-reviewed game of 2011 according to review aggregator ''[[Metacritic]]''.<ref name="RevBestof11"/> ''Metacritic'' provides an average score of 96 out of 100 for the PS3 version, based on 13 reviews, and 95 out of 100 for the Xbox 360 version, based on 30 reviews.<ref name="MetacritPS3"/><ref name="MetaCrit360"/> Fellow aggregator ''[[GameRankings]]'' provides an average score of 96.8% for the PS3 version, based on 8 reviews, and 94.4% for the Xbox 360 version, based on 18 reviews.<ref name="GRPS3"/><ref name="GRX360"/>


The Australian ''Official PlayStation Magazine'' awarded a perfect score of 10 stating that the game "is not only the best superhero game ever made, it’s one of the best games ever made...it brings the caped crusader’s world to life better than any comic, movie or television show before it.".<ref name="RevOPMAU"/> ''[[Game Informer]]'' also gave a perfect 10 score, labeling it ""the best licensed video game ever made" and stating "''Arkham City'' not only lives up to the standards set by ''Arkham Asylum'', it bests its predecessor."<ref name="RevGameInformer"/> ''Play3'' (Germany) awarded a score of 92%, calling it "the best superhero game ever made".<ref name="RevGerPlay3"/> ''[[Games Master]]'' awarded a score of 97%, calling it "one of the greatest games ever conceived."<ref name="RevGMaster"/> [[Joystiq]] awarded it 4.5 out of 5, crediting the developers for "breathing life into a staggeringly beautiful world; one which hums not only with opportunity, but ambition", but criticized the dialog as clichéd.<ref name="RevJoystiq"/> ''[[Eurogamer]]'' awarded a score of 9 out of 10, lamenting that it lacks the same "surprise" as its predecessor, but praising the detailed world, the wide cast, and the variety of activities and missions.<ref name="RevEurogamer"/>
The Australian ''Official PlayStation Magazine'' awarded a perfect score of 10 stating that the game "is not only the best superhero game ever made, it’s one of the best games ever made...it brings the caped crusader’s world to life better than any comic, movie or television show before it.".<ref name="RevOPMAU"/> ''[[Game Informer]]'' also gave a perfect 10 score, labeling it ""the best licensed video game ever made" and stating "''Arkham City'' not only lives up to the standards set by ''Arkham Asylum'', it bests its predecessor."<ref name="RevGameInformer"/> ''Play3'' (Germany) awarded a score of 92%, calling it "the best superhero game ever made".<ref name="RevGerPlay3"/> ''[[Games Master]]'' awarded a score of 97%, calling it "one of the greatest games ever conceived."<ref name="RevGMaster"/> [[Joystiq]] awarded it 4.5 out of 5, crediting the developers for "breathing life into a staggeringly beautiful world; one which hums not only with opportunity, but ambition", but criticized the dialog as clichéd.<ref name="RevJoystiq"/> ''[[Eurogamer]]'' awarded a score of 9 out of 10, lamenting that it lacks the same "surprise" as its predecessor, but praising the detailed world, the wide cast, and the variety of activities and missions.<ref name="RevEurogamer"/>

Revision as of 02:27, 20 October 2011

Batman: Arkham City
File:ArkhamCity.jpg
Developer(s)Rocksteady Studios
Publisher(s)Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Square Enix (Japan)[9]
Director(s)Sefton Hill
Writer(s)Paul Dini
EngineUnreal Engine 3
Platform(s)PlayStation 3, Microsoft Windows, Wii U, Xbox 360
ReleasePlayStation 3, Xbox 360'Microsoft Windows'Wii U
Genre(s)Action-adventure, beat 'em up, stealth
Mode(s)Single-player, stereoscopic 3D

Batman: Arkham City is a 2011 action-adventure video game developed by Rocksteady Studios. It is the sequel to the 2009 video game Batman: Arkham Asylum, based on the DC Comics superhero Batman. The game was released by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows and OnLive. The game was officially announced during the 2009 Spike Video Game Awards and was released worldwide for consoles, beginning in North America on October 18, 2011, with the PC version scheduled for November. A Wii U version is scheduled for release in 2012.

The game was written by Paul Dini. The game features a main plot and a subplot. Side missions are available instead of an open-world concept. The main plot revolves around Batman being captured and thrown into half of Gotham City, with prisoners of Black Gate Prison and Arkham Asylum, called Arkham City. Batman must stop mishaps around the city, mainly with his arch-nemesis the Joker. Side missions include other characters from the DC Universe, such as the Riddler and Bane, who now serves as an ally to Batman, rather than an antagonist. Arkham City has received universal acclaim from critics.

Gameplay

File:Strange 02.JPG
Batman defeats an enemy in a demonstration of Arkham City's "Freeflow" combat system.

Arkham City is an open world action video game that incorporates elements of stealth and predator tactics. All of the gadgets previously obtained in the first game are present at the start of Arkham City (with the exception of the Ultra Batclaw, which is replaced with the regular Batclaw and Sonic Batarangs). Most of them have improved or new capabilities; for example, the Cryptographic Sequencer can also track signals, the line launcher now has a feature that allows Batman to flip over and launch another zipline perpendicularly across, switching directions, the remote control Batarang now has a built in brake and boost, and the grappling gun can now be used while gliding to boost Batman further up into the air. Four additional gadgets have been revealed: smoke pellets to confuse armed enemies when spotted by them, the Remote Electrical Charge which is a sniper-like taser gun used to power generators and shock enemies, ice grenades used to freeze enemies and make pathways through water, and a balled rope for tying up enemies. The game incorporates more puzzle elements; the use of Batman's "Detective Mode", which highlights elements such as enemy skeletons and clues on-screen, is used to perform forensic activities such as tracing the origin of a sniper round.

The player also has access to a criminal database that tracks the major villains across the city and the forensic puzzles much like the first game.[10] However, Rocksteady's art director David Hego described the new detective mode as an "augmented reality mode", and game director Sefton Hill has also stated that although enemies and evidence can be seen more clearly, the navigational part is toned down as they found that some players completed Arkham Asylum using detective mode almost throughout the entire game.[11] Optional challenges from the Riddler to collect hidden trophies placed around the city are also present, but require additional effort to locate, such as interrogation of men loyal to the Riddler, and the use of nearly all of Batman's gadgets to disable "traps" and barriers placed around them. After a certain number of trophies are found, Batman must go rescue a hostage that the Riddler has captured, which requires him to disable death traps set by the Riddler.[10][12]

The player controls Batman, making their way around Arkham City to complete mission objectives. In addition to the primary mission, the game introduces secondary missions featuring a number of key characters and their stories. The player can opt to move silently, avoiding inmates and other enemies using a combination of gadgets to sneak up on enemies to incapacitate them. Batman's gliding ability has also been upgraded, allowing players to dive downward and pull themselves back up, making it much faster to move through the air. The grappling gun may also be used while gliding. At other times, the player may be forced to fight inmates using an improved version of the Freeflow combat system from Arkham Asylum, allowing for multiple simultaneous counters, the ability to counter thrown objects, jump attacks, powerful multi-strike beat-downs, upgraded Batarang and Batclaw attacks, and the ability to use gadgets such as the Explosive Gel and line launcher in Freeflow. Movement about the city is made difficult due to the formation of gangs and territory between rival villains, such as Two-Face and the Joker, that causes in-fighting that Batman must avoid.[10]

Catwoman is also a playable character with her own heist-focused storyline at specific points in the game. Her combat is more acrobatics-oriented and features her claws, whip, and bolas.[13] She has her own version of Detective Mode called "Thief Vision" to locate items for stealing. Dax Ginn recently revealed at Gamescom that the game has about 40 hours of gameplay with the main campaign lasting 25 hours and 15 hours for the side missions.[14][15] The game also contains 436 Riddler challenges, which make up one of the multiple side missions that players can embark on at any given point in the game.[16]

The Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of Arkham City include a stereoscopic 3D mode for 3D HDTVs and for 2D HDTVs via Inficolor 3D glasses. It uses TriOviz for Games Technology, which is integrated with Unreal Engine 3. All Arkham City gameplay and cinematics have S3D support.[17]

Synopsis

Cast

Actor Mark Hamill was reluctant to return for the sequel, wanting to leave the Joker role on a "high note", but relented after learning of the involvement of Paul Dini and Kevin Conroy.[18]

Arkham City features a large ensemble cast of characters pulled from the history of Batman comics. Returning characters from Arkham Asylum include Batman (Kevin Conroy),[19] the Joker (Mark Hamill), the Riddler (Wally Wingert),[20][21] Poison Ivy (Tasia Valenza),[22][23] Quincy Sharp (voiced by Tom Kane), Victor Zsasz (Danny Jacobs),[24] and Jack Ryder (James Horan). Former Arkham Asylum antagonist Bane returns as an ally to Batman.[25] Harley Quinn also returns, voiced by Tara Strong, who replaces Arleen Sorkin. Playable characters introduced for Asylum include Nightwing,[22] Robin,[26] and Catwoman (Grey DeLisle).[13] Catwoman takes advantage of the chaos in Arkham City to steal valuable items hoarded by the inmates.[27] According to Hill, several existing characters in Arkham City will not be revealed before the release of the game.[28] Killer Croc also returns to the game.[citation needed] David Kaye replaces Tom Kane for the voice of Commissioner Gordon.[29]

Other characters marking their debut in the series include the warden of Arkham City Hugo Strange (Corey Burton), Two-Face (Troy Baker),[30] and the Penguin (Nolan North).[31] Additionally, Maurice LaMarche and Stana Katic lend their voice talents to the game as Mr. Freeze and Talia al Ghul respectively.[32][33] Alfred Pennyworth joins the cast, supporting Batman by radio. Other characters revealed include Calendar Man,[24] the undead zombie Solomon Grundy, who has been captured by the Penguin, the Mad Hatter,[34] and the assassin Deadshot, who has infiltrated Arkham City to kill a "high-profile character."[35]

Setting

The events of Arkham City take place one year after Arkham Asylum.[36] Quincy Sharp, former warden of Arkham Asylum, has taken credit for stopping the Joker's Asylum takeover, and used the notoriety to become mayor of Gotham City. Deeming Arkham and Blackgate Penitentiary no longer suitable to contain the city's criminals and insane, Sharp has both facilities closed and buys out a large section of Gotham's slums, converting them into an immense open-air prison named Arkham City. The facility is placed in the care of genius psychiatrist Hugo Strange — who is secretly manipulating Sharp[37] — and guarded by a squad of heavily-armed mercenaries hired from a rogue private military firm, Tyger Security. The inmates are given free rein as long as they do not attempt to escape. Batman maintains a vigil over the detention city, concerned that the chaotic situation there will get out of hand.[10] Meanwhile, the Joker is stricken with a potentially fatal disease, mutated by his consumption of, and subsequent transformation by, the Titan formula — an unstable steroid serum which has the ability to turn men into maddened monsters.[23]

Plot

Two-Face devises a plan to publicly execute Catwoman after she tries to steal from him.[10] When Vicki Vale reports on Bruce Wayne's conference on Arkham City & its gangs, TYGER Security soldiers arrive to drive away the reporters. Bruce is knocked out and captured by Hugo Strange, who then throws Bruce into Arkham City. Alfred Pennyworth manages to do an aerial drop of his Batsuit to Bruce in Arkham City. Batman decides to remain in Arkham City to learn of the true nature of Protocol Ten.

Development

Concept

Serious development of the game's story and concept started in February 2009, as teams were brought in from Arkham Asylum to Arkham City's development as they completed the work on that game.[28] The concept of expanding the game from the asylum into the city came early on in Arkham Asylum's development; once the team had programmed the Batman to dive and glide between buildings of the asylum, the adaption of this gameplay to the city was considered natural. Arkham Asylum was completed with the sequel in mind in both story and gameplay; as found by several players, a secret room in Arkham Asylum shows plans for Arkham City, purposely included to help link the story between the two games.[38] Sefton Hill, Arkham City's director from Rocksteady Studios, stated that a key goal for the game was to deliver the "'Batman in Gotham' feeling."[38] The sequel was described by Conroy as "really, really dark". While relating the game's dark nature to the animated movie Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker, Conroy also said, "It involves a lot of the villains and it goes to that area – it's that dark."[19]

Design

As part of the "Batman in Gotham" design philosophy, the arsenal of moves and actions that the player could use as Batman was expanded. Although the team developed several ideas for new moves, gadgets, and abilities to be included, they only went forward with those that they felt would be authentic to Batman.[38] The studio also reviewed the play and combat systems used in Arkham Asylum, and built the new moves as natural extensions of the existing system as a means to "add even more depth and gameplay instead of changing them fundamentally".[38] The number of animations has been doubled to reflect the larger arsenal of moves at the player's disposal.[38]

Another means of giving the player the Batman experience was through the larger game world. Arkham City has a virtual footprint five times larger than that of Arkham Asylum, and the navigational aspects have been improved to give the player the experience of "the freedom and exhilaration of gliding down alleyways and soaring above the skyline".[38] Though the concepts have been compared to an open-world game, Hill notes that such freeform nature would not be appropriate for a Batman game, and have designed Arkham City to challenge the player to think like Batman to survive in the game.[38] To counterbalance the larger game world, the developers also sought to include more challenges and side missions, while keeping the player alert as to the primary story mission, such that the players constantly are aware of "extreme pressure of the challenges that they face".[38]

With the open game world, Rocksteady included more villains not simply to populate the city, but purposely selected those that would create challenges for the player in the role of Batman.[28] Hugo Strange was selected as a primary antagonist as his power and control help to maintain the lockdown on Arkham City when Batman enters it. Strange is further aware of Batman's identity as Bruce Wayne, making Batman "vulnerable and exposed in a way that he has never been before", according to Hill.[28] Hill also notes that Strange is a character many players may have not seen in relation to the Batman mythos, but that Strange's backstory and character are fleshed out over the course of the game.[28] Catwoman was also included due to the long history between Batman and her, although she brings her own agenda to the events within Arkham City.[28]

The presence of multiplayer had been rumored shortly after the game's official announcement, but has since been denied by Rocksteady Studios.[39][40] The developers had considered adding a multiplayer element to the game, but ultimately decided against this. According to Hill, they asked themselves "If we use all of the energy that is required to create multiplayer and instead focus this on the single player, would that deliver a better overall game?", and felt that they could not succeed in this, instead using their efforts to strengthen the single player game.[28]

Developers at Rocksteady have also assured players that they can experience variety as each part of the city has been taken over by a certain villain and each territory is villain-specific. Dax Ginn, Marketing Game Manager at Rocksteady Games has said, "If you move into Joker's territory, you get a very Joker-ized experience, and all the artwork on the buildings – whether that's graffiti, signage, or whatever it might be – gives you a dense kind of Joker experience. So our art team has really put a lot of effort in making that sort of transition between one turf zone to another – really helping the player feel like they're making a physical transition into another emotional space."[citation needed] To develop the expanded environment of Arkham City and build a "natural urban environment" for Batman, Rocksteady expanded its workforce from 75 to over 100 people.[41]

Marketing

A limited series six-issue[42] monthly comic series, also titled Batman: Arkham City was released on May 11, 2011. The series bridges the plot between Arkham Asylum and Arkham City. It is written by Paul Dini with art by Carlos D'Anda.[43] On August 24, 2011 Arkham City's Facebook and Twitter accounts were "taken over" by the Riddler in a marketing campaign. Cryptic messages were created and signed "#EN" for Edward Nigma, the Riddler's alter ego. A special Xbox 360 console was eventually revealed.[44]

Warner Bros. partnered with several retailers and companies globally to provide bonus content as a reward for pre-ordering the game, including: Best Buy, Amazon.com, Gamestop, Game, Gamestation, EB Games, Tesco, and Asda.[45] The content was only made available by pre-ordering the game with a specific retailer or purchasing a product such as a NOS beverage to obtain an unlockable code.[46]

Toys "R" Us in New York City, Time Square released 500 copies of Batman: Arkham City on Monday, October 17, a full day before the game officially hit shelves. Only 500 copies of the game was available at the event, and the first 100 customers who pre-order a copy through the stores "Personal Shopping Department" have a chance to get their game autographed by DC Entertainment co-publisher Jim Lee, Batman voice actor Kevin Conroy, and Arkham City game director Sefton Hill. The latter remaining 400 copies of Arkham City could be purchased at the event, although the player is unable to be entered into the contest.[47]

Release

Batman: Arkham City was first officially released in North America on October 18, 2011 for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3,[2] followed on October 19 by Australia[2] and October 21 by Europe. Australian retailers EB Games and Game broke the official release date two days early, selling the game on October 17.[1] The Windows version had been scheduled for simultaneous release with other versions but in September, 2011 its release was pushed back to November 18 with no explanation given.[7][6]

Pre-order bonuses

A variety of alternative suits for Batman were revealed on August 1, 2011 including suit designs the character has worn in The Dark Knight Returns, Batman: Earth One, the Bronze Age of Comics, Batman: The Animated Series, and Batman Beyond.[48] The Batman: The Animated Series skin is to be initially only available to Gamestop customers in the US with a Power-Up Rewards Membership.[49] A PS3-exclusive Sinestro Corps outfit was revealed in August 2011, that can initially only be unlocked via a unique code obtained with the purchase of the extended cut edition of the Warner Bros. film Green Lantern on Blu-ray from Best Buy.[50][51][52]

Batman's sidekick Robin (Tim Drake)[53] was announced as a playable character, with his own set of moves and gadgets, allowing him to be used in challenge maps. Additional skins were also made available, including his appearance as seen in Batman: The Animated Series and the Red Robin outfit.[54][55] The character also comes with two exclusive challenge maps: "Black Mask Hideout" and "Freight Train Escape".[53] Additionally, the "Joker's Carnival" challenge map was announced, set within the Joker's Sionis Steel Mill base where the player is faced with multiple waves of enemies.[56] The pre-order content was considered an "early access opportunity"[57] for purchasers, with Ginn confirming that all of the content would be made available for download after the the game's release date.[57]

Retail editions

In the United Kingdom, the Robin Edition was announced for sale exclusively through the retailers Game and Gamestation, containing the game and all of the Robin pre-order content including the playable character, skins and challenge maps.[58] A series of "Steelbook Edition" versions of the game were also made available, featuring the standard game with a metallic case. The Joker-themed Steelbook includes the "Joker's Carnival" challenge map, the animated film Batman: Under the Red Hood on DVD (Blu-ray for PS3), and the Silver Age Batman skin DLC.[59] Three other villain-themed steelbook cases were also offered, featuring the likeness' of Two-Face and the Penguin.[45] A fourth steelbook featuring Catwoman was released, containing the Batman: Earth One alternative skin for Batman.[60]

The Collector's Edition contains a Batman statue by Kotobukiya, a collectible art book, Batman: Arkham City – The Album from WaterTower Music, the animated film Batman: Gotham Knight, the The Dark Knight Returns skin and the Penguin-themed "Iceberg Lounge" challenge map.[61][62] In July 2011, the Microsoft Windows version of the game was revealed to use Games for Windows – Live (GFWL) to access online services.[63] Confusion concerning the use of GFWL was raised when a distributor was told by Warner Bros. that the title did not use the Live system, but the use of GFWL was confirmed in late August.[64][65]

On October 13, 2011, it was announced that the Catwoman missions presented as part of the main story campaign would only be available with new purchases via a unique code. Without the code, users are required to purchase the content separately. It was later announced that pre-owned copies purchased from GameStop would also contain the necessary unlock code.[66] A Warner Bros. rep confirmed that playing as Catwoman would not be required to complete the game.[67]

Downloadable content

On October 11, 2011, three Downloadable Content (DLC) packs were announced for release following that of the game. The first DLC is the Nightwing pack scheduled for November 1, 2011, containing Batman's ally Nightwing as a playable character for the game's challenge maps, an Animated Series alternative skin for the character,[68] and two additional challenge maps: "Wayne Manor" and "Main Hall".[69] The second pack is set to support the Catwoman story campaign by adding four new story-missions.[70] The third DLC, the Robin pack, is scheduled for November 22, 2011, and contains the Robin pre-order content: the playable character, alternate appearance skins and challenge maps.[68]

Reception

Batman: Arkham City received universal acclaim by critics, and as of October 18, it is the best-reviewed game of 2011 according to review aggregator Metacritic.[41] Metacritic provides an average score of 96 out of 100 for the PS3 version, based on 13 reviews, and 95 out of 100 for the Xbox 360 version, based on 30 reviews.[85][86] Fellow aggregator GameRankings provides an average score of 96.8% for the PS3 version, based on 8 reviews, and 94.4% for the Xbox 360 version, based on 18 reviews.[83][84]

The Australian Official PlayStation Magazine awarded a perfect score of 10 stating that the game "is not only the best superhero game ever made, it’s one of the best games ever made...it brings the caped crusader’s world to life better than any comic, movie or television show before it.".[87] Game Informer also gave a perfect 10 score, labeling it ""the best licensed video game ever made" and stating "Arkham City not only lives up to the standards set by Arkham Asylum, it bests its predecessor."[75] Play3 (Germany) awarded a score of 92%, calling it "the best superhero game ever made".[88] Games Master awarded a score of 97%, calling it "one of the greatest games ever conceived."[89] Joystiq awarded it 4.5 out of 5, crediting the developers for "breathing life into a staggeringly beautiful world; one which hums not only with opportunity, but ambition", but criticized the dialog as clichéd.[82] Eurogamer awarded a score of 9 out of 10, lamenting that it lacks the same "surprise" as its predecessor, but praising the detailed world, the wide cast, and the variety of activities and missions.[73]

Music

Score

Untitled

The Batman: Arkham City – Original Video Game Score is scheduled to be released on October 18, 2011, by WaterTower Music. The album features 19 songs written for the game.[90] Ron Fish and Nick Arundel, composers for Batman: Arkham Asylum, returned to write music for Arkham City.[91][92]

"Batman: Arkham City – Original Video Game Score" tracklisting
No.TitleContributing artist(s)Length
1."Arkham City Main Theme"Nick Arundel2:47
2."Sorry, Boys"Nick Arundel1:49
3."A Monument To Your Failure"Ron Fish1:56
4."Have You Got My Location"Nick Arundel4:20
5."This Court Is Now In Session"Nick Arundel2:16
6."It Was The Joker"Nick Arundel2:19
7."I Think You Should Do As He Says"Nick Arundel2:35
8."Refusal Will Not Be Tolerated"Nick Arundel2:44
9."Wham. Gotcha!"Nick Arundel3:29
10."Let's Hear Him Squeal"Nick Arundel3:01
11."I Know What You Guys Are Thinking"Nick Arundel3:34
12."It's Initiation Time"Nick Arundel1:59
13."What's He Doing Here?"Nick Arundel2:14
14."How Does It Feel, Pig?"Nick Arundel2:19
15."Call Him Off"Nick Arundel4:36
16."You Should Have Listened To My Warning"Nick Arundel2:10
17."You Need To Think This Through"Nick Arundel2:43
18."Bring Her Back To Me"Ron Fish2:08
19."It's Not Even Breakfast"Nick Arundel & Ron Fish3:51
Total length:52:50

Soundtrack

Untitled

To accompany the original score, WaterTower Music also published Batman: Arkham City - The Album, featuring musical contributions to the franchise by various artists. The album was digitally released worldwide on October 4, 2011, via major electronic retailers iTunes and Amazon MP3. The iTunes Deluxe Edition included a portion of Arundel & Fish's original video game score 14 days before its standalone release.[93] A physical audio CD release accompanied the digital version.[94] The Batman: Arkham City Collector's Edition is also to include The Album via digital redemption, featuring an additional exclusive track.[95] All 12 tracks were included on CD from retailer Best Buy.[96]

On their contribution to the album, Claudio Sanchez from Coheed and Cambria said "I write in a very conceptual format with the stories that surround Coheed and Cambria, but Batman has a much larger, defined history and rules that go along with it" and that "my goal was to find universal themes from Batman’s existing history to help give the lyrics legs and dimension so that the song could live within that world".[97] Panic! At The Disco's involvement with the album was publicised on their website on September 22, 2011, with the announcement of their track "Mercenary".[98]

"Batman: Arkham City – The Album" tracklisting
No.TitleContributing artist(s)Length
1."Mercenary"Panic! at the Disco2:41
2."Deranged"Coheed and Cambria4:26
3."Creature"The Duke Spirit2:32
4."Shadow On The Run"Black Rebel Motorcycle Club4:48
5."Afterdark"Blaqk Audio4:26
6."Oh, Stranger"The Raveonettes3:19
7."The Years"† † † (Crosses)4:01
8."Trophy Widow"The Damned Things3:45
9."Drown In You"Daughtry4:22
10."Losing You"The Boxer Rebellion3:34
11."Total Paranoia"Serj Tankian2:56
Collector's Edition Bonus Track
No.TitleContributing Artist(s)Length
12."In The Shadow"A Place to Bury Strangers 
iTunes Deluxe Edition Bonus Tracks (from the Original Video Game Score)
No.TitleContributing Artist(s)Length
12."Arkham City Main Theme"Nick Arundel2:47
13."This Court Is Now In Session"Nick Arundel2:16
14."I Think You Should Do As He Says"Nick Arundel2:35
15."I Know What You Guys Are Thinking"Nick Arundel3:34
16."Call Him Off"Nick Arundel4:36
17."You Should Have Listened To My Warning"Nick Arundel2:10

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External links

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