Arkham Origins: Blackgate is the 2D Metroid game Nintendo fans have been begging for since the 1990s. Developed by former Retro employees that worked on Metroid Prime, the handheld game feels line an on-rails version of Arkham City. We played through a level that had us chasing Catwoman through a series of buildings, and came away mighty impressed with how original this unique entry into the Arkham franchise felt, while still maintaining the Arkham-style gameplay we know and love.
Despite existing on a two-dimensional plane, Blackgate manages to feel like a 3D game thanks to clever level design and strong controls. While most 2D games exist on giant, flat levels, Blackgate had us exploring backgrounds, moving around corners, climbing ledges, and working our way through a very 3D world. At one point we came to a traditional stealth segment, with three armed guards patrolling a rooftop. We were able to take them down by using gargoyles and swoop kicks; it’s standard fare for an Arkham game, but we were shocked at how well it worked in two dimensions. Combat, too, adapted well, with battles that felt remarkably similar to the console version’s. Batman’s signature style of fist-fighting was intact, with the caped crusader diving between enemies and countering their attacks.
We were genuinely impressed with what Blackgate had to offer. Whereas we expected a typical 2D Metroidvania, the developer presented a more robust, on-rails version of the Batman franchise we love, and we’re excited to see how it plays out when the game releases on the 3DS and Vita this October.
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