Press the Action Button

This post is little different. I’m not looking at a horrible game that I love, instead I’m exploring a parallel between two awesome Batman games.

Since it’s release in August of 2009, Batman: Arkham Asylum has garner great critical acclaim. And rightfully so, the game is a masterpiece. It’s a well constructed, faithful, and loving adaption of the Batman mythos.

One of most well received elements of gameplay is the silent predator mechanic. The game mode encourages players to use stealth, to hide in the shadows. Rather then running headlong into a room full of goons, Batman is most effective when he picks them off one by one. This trailer showcases Silent Predator gameplay:

I adore the silent predator mechanic, it makes the game a delight to play. It truly puts you in the role of Batman, allowing you to clear a room with a keen detective mind and a shattering arsenal of gadgets and strikes. The concept is great but it’s not original. In fact Batman Begins, released in 2005, utilized a very similar mechanic. Take a look at some game play:

I’m not drawing attention to the similarly in order to ruffle feathers. I’m not insinuating that Arkham Asylum “ripped off” the mechanic. To do so would be ludicrous. Arkham built upon the idea, improved it.

Batman Begins received mediocre reviews. As such it has become somewhat forgotten. But I will say that anybody who enjoyed Arkham Asylum may want to take a look at Batman Begins.