Batman Begins

Written by Nick Doukas  on January 24, 2005

First Impressions: No more nipples on the Batsuit. This Batman's no Joker...

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There is perhaps no darker hero in comic book history than Batman. Despite attempts to make him an innocuous joke - as in the television series from the 60's, or Joel Schumacher's horrific freak show Batman and Robin, which effectively killed the film series Ц the original Batman is a bad mofo, one who strikes wicked fear into the heart of criminals everywhere. Fortunately, it looks like that Batman is back, as developer Eurocom is hard at work on Batman Begins, a new game set to debut with this summer's upcoming major motion picture. Finally, someone can rescue Batman from using the УBat VisaФ (undoubtedly the most cringe-worthy moment in that last onscreen debacle) and return him to what he does best Ц stalking the night and taking out the trash.

So, how to take the Dark Knight and set him back on the right path? It's actually quite simple Ц create a Batman who behaves as an icon of fearЕ a shadow at your back, a cold grip of terror wrapped around your throat. The kind of hero who'd hang an adversary from a 50 story building to get the information he needs. To achieve this end the developers are crafting a character and game environments that take advantage of Batman's unique style. For instance, imagine dropping onto the wall surrounding Arkham Asylum, watching from your perch and gazing at the guards, numerous approaches to taking them out and getting inside before you. Should you simply leap into the fray and take them all head on? Perhaps it would be better to use a Batarang, or another one of Batman's wonderful toys to create a distraction. Maybe drawing them apart and tackling them one at a time is the best approach. Whatever you do though, the whole idea is to create fear. When enemies are startled and frightened, a reaction shot pops up in the corner of your screen, and in another interesting play mechanic, your adversaries will show heart rate via an EKG, so you can tell just how far into a heightened state of terror you've driven them. Scared thugs will be a cakewalk for Batman to take out, as their fright causes them to throw punches erratically, thereby opening themselves up to easy attack.

Speaking of combat, Batman will be equipped with a solid repertoire of kick ass moves, both weak and strong attacks that can be linked in combos to devastating effect. Batman will also have the opportunity to learn new techniques throughout the game, and players can expect his fighting style to be gritty and effective Ц using knees, elbows and other vicious means to brutally kick the crap out of his unfortunate adversaries. Likewise interrogation will play a large role here, and Batman will use a variety of methods to get what he needs. Hanging criminals from lofty heights, to properly applied УpressureФ - for want of a better term Ц you'll have all the tools you need to get the job done. The Batcape (yesЕyou'll be able to glide with it) Batarangs, as well as other tools of the trade such as optic cables and flash bang grenades will also be yours to use when the time comes. Eurocom is toiling diligently to give the Dark Knight a great move set that truly does justice to the character, and equally impressive environments in which to use them.

Dark and dirty Gotham City is the stage set here of course, and early screenshots indicate a wonderfully realized urban environment, full of flair and bursting with atmosphere. From the images I've been privy to the city's gloomy, foreboding vibe is quite accurately captured. As well, the character model of Batman is very impressive, boasting solid detail and clean lines. As for Gotham Ц it's very vertical, designed as a sandbox for the Bat to use his agile moveset to swing and climb among the gothic skyscrapers and other buildings, snatching his victims and carrying them up and away. You'll be able to hang from pipes and shimmy along them, slide down zip-lines, and generally perform top-notch stealth moves throughout. As you enter new areas, you'll be prompted to use Batman's skills as the world's greatest detective to size up a situation, decide how best to approach it, and use your fighting chops, gadgets and cunning to get the job done. Objects that are interactive will be subtly highlighted, and enemies will also have tell-tale behavior that will help you decide how to deal with them. Overall, it seems like someone has finally gotten the entire idea Ц the essence, and certainly the image - of Batman just right.