“Batman: Arkham Origins,” developed by WB Games Montréal, is a prequel to the much-acclaimed “Batman: Arkham Asylum” and “Batman: Arkham City.” On Christmas Eve, the installment in the Arkham series looks back at the early days of Batman in the area of crime fighting. With a darker makeup and a new story, “Arkham Origins” investigates the complexities of Bruce Wayne’s becoming the Dark Knight and then exposes players to a cast of unfamiliar villains and allies. This review is an even deeper introspection into the plot of the game; stressing the narrative structure while examining character development and thematic choices.
1. The Introduction to the Plot
The plot of “Batman: Arkham Origins” takes place five years prior to “Arkham Asylum,” which depicts the beginning of Batman’s career protecting Gotham City. The storyline spans a Christmas Eve crime spree masterminded by the criminal called Black Mask, who would allow a $50-million bounty on Batman’s head. An ensuing deadly game ensues, during which various assassins converge on Gotham and thereby give rise to a series of confrontations that further influence the evolution of Batman.
Themes of identity, legacy, and the consequences of Batman’s actions upon Gotham are explored in this game. The narrative itself is meant to give perspective into Batman’s early struggles and the formative trials that pure him into a position of a true hero.
2. Act One. On Batman.
2.1. Prologue: A Cold, Cold Heart
The tale begins with a chilling prologue, set in the Gotham City Police Department. Here, Batman goes incognito through the GCPD, following a lead on Black Mask, who is supposedly planning some huge crime. The prologue walks you through the mechanics and sets the mood for the rest of the story.
The Major Plots:
Introduction to Black Mask: The prologue introduces us to Black Mask (Roman Sionis), a ruthless crime lord who has placed a bounty of $50 million on the Batman. The events triggered by this act form the basis of the plot.
First Encounter With Conflict: This sets up Black Mask and Batman’s early conflict as a way to establish character motivation and begin to embroil the players in the main conflict. Black Mask’s capture provides the clue that he is not the actual antagonist but rather a pawn in a much bigger game.
2.2. The Main Story Opens: Tracking the Joker
Post-prologue, it is revealed that it is the Joker who is behind the incidents, and the story shifts toward Batman investigating him. Batman learns that the Joker is creating mayhem in Gotham and is behind putting a contract on his head.
Key Points:
Introduction of the Assassins: A $50 million contract attracts several deadly assassins, with different skills and motives. This distinctly contrasts with Batman, who must now face these assassins and work to unravel the Joker’s plan.
Batman Character Development: Batman’s engagement with the assassins and the Joker reveals his growing determination and skills; emphasis is placed on his evolution from the fledgling vigilante to a present-day protector of Gotham.
3. Act 2: Gotham’s Underworld and Major Foes
3.1. The Penguin and the Underworld
Going deeper into the filled-in crime world of Gotham, Batman meets with Penguin-Major Player, and the Penguin, now his partner in crime, complicates the mission and throws new challenges at Batman.
Key important points:
The Penguin’s Role: This incarnation of the Penguin represents Oswald Cobblepot as a cunning, ruthless gangster with potent influence over Gotham’s criminal activities. His association with Batman highlights his ambitions and provides a glimpse into the city’s criminal set-up.
Tensions Rise: Batman’s first encounters with the Penguin and his henchmen increase tensions and sow the seeds for bigger confrontations later in the plot, emphasizing the intricacies involved in Gotham’s criminal ecosystem.
3.2. Encounters With Assassins
Throughout Act 2, Batman fights against a number of assassins, and each one presents different styles of fighting and tactics that give insight into the Joker’s plan and the greater criminal scene.
Main assassins:
Deathstroke: The mercenary professional boasts a combat system so refined that his confrontation with Batman is so demanding of strategic planning that it can be described as difficult.
Copperhead: A swift and agile assassin with poison in her arsenal. Batman’s reflexes and tactics are tested by her kind.
Important points:
Character Development: The interactions with the assassins can be a great tool in demonstrating more of Batman’s character, illustrating his sheer will, resilience, and adaptability.
Unraveling the Joker’s Plan: Every single encounter with one of the assassins brings Batman closer to realizing what the Joker’s grand scheme is, filling the story with great meaning.
3.3. Return of Black Mask
In the middle of the second act, Black Mask returns, revealing to have been used by Joker. This rekindling of interest on the Joker allows for the set up of the game’s final act.
Important points:
Black Mask’s Manipulation: The plot twist that Black Mask is manipulated by the Joker complicates the plot further; it shows how manipulative the Joker really is-truly in control over any criminal elements in Gotham.
Setting the Final Confrontation: Batman’s discovery of the actual plan of the Joker readies him mentally and physically for the final act in which the climactic confrontation occurs.
4. Act 3: The Climax and Resolution
4.1. The Joker’s Scheme Unfolds
By the third act, Batman sees the full extent of the Joker’s bloody crime operation. Several days of crime spree and chaos are created for Gotham.
Key Points:
Joker’s Master Plan: The plan is to use the chaos of Christmas Eve to his advantage by setting up a whole lot of distractions and crises to distract Batman from putting an end to them.
The Role of the Asylum: The Gotham City Asylum is the key location in the last act where the Joker’s scheme comes to its conclusion. The setting of the asylum enhances the tension and stakes of the story.
4.2. The Final Showdown
The incredible final confrontation between Batman and Joker is multi-leveled and tests Batman’s abilities and resolve to the extreme. This moment is the climax that crescendos from the conflicts and resolves the main plot of the game.
Key Points:
The Battle with the Joker: Final boss fights are intense and need players to use the whole spectrum of Batman’s abilities and gadgets available. The Joker’s mad acts and ever-changing tactics force players into thinking and brute strategizing.
Resolution of the Plot: The resolution of the plot offers closure to the conflict and elaborates on the themes of identity and legacy. The actions Batman takes in the final battle have repercussions felt in Gotham and on his role as the city’s hero.
5. Character Growth and Themes
5.1. Batman/Bruce Wayne
The plot of “Batman: Arkham Origins” delves deeply into character study, focusing on early struggles and development.
Key Themes:
Identity and Legacy: The game deals with Batman’s struggle with his identity and how his actions affect Gotham. It presents the story of his metamorphosis from a frenzied vigilante to a symbol of hope for the city.
Determination and Resilience: Determination to thwart the Joker and protect Gotham is the central theme of the game. The entire plot revolves around Batman’s resilience against all odds and his unwavering quest for justice.
5.2. The Joker
The Joker’s position as the main antagonist is crucial to the plot as it provides the antithesis to Batman’s character and propels the story forward.
Key Themes:
Chaos and Anarchy: The Joker’s scheme revolves around generating chaos and dismantling order. His actions reflect his intent to sow chaos in Gotham and confront Batman’s notion of justice.
Manipulation and Control: Through the manipulation of others, including Black Mask, the Joker shows just how far he is willing to go to maintain control.
5.3. Supporting Characters
The game includes several supporting characters who enrich the story and broaden its context.
Key Characters:
Alfred Pennyworth: Butler and loyal companion to Batman. Alfred himself serves as a guide and support system for Batman, highlighting that Batman himself relies on those around him for assistance.
Jim Gordon: The future Commissioner Gordon is a pivotal character in the story, offering a law enforcement perspective and a counterpart to Batman with whom he will one day work.
6. Plot Structure and Pacing
6.1. Narrative Structure
The story of Batman: Arkham Origins is told in three acts, each of which positions itself differently in terms of the plot and character development.
Key Aspects:
Introduction and Setting Up: With a prologue and first act, the story builds the beginning of the main conflict and characters.
Development and Escalation: The middle acts focus on the intricacies of Gotham’s criminal underworld and the challenges faced by Batman.
Climax and Resolution: The final act ends in a climactic conflict that wraps up the conflict and its consequences.
6.2 Pacing and Engagement
The story adopts pacing properly with interspersed moments of action, exploration, and character development.
Key Aspects:
Action and Combat: Battles and boss fights occurring frequently add to the urgency and excitement of the plot.
Exploration and Investigation: The game promotes exploration and investigation, especially for the players’ own benefit, to gain further insight into the narrative and engage in side quests.
7. Conclusions
The game, “Batman: Arkham Origins,” showcases a gripping and immersive storyline that captures the early days in the life of the Dark Knight. The game’s plot extends into ideas of identity, legacy, and the clash between chaos and order, bringing forth a rich experience for the players.
The structure of the well-designed storyline, with complex characters and somewhat thematic issues, adds jewels to the “Arkham” series and offers insights into Batman as a character and his effect on Gotham City. Accompanied with the gameplay mechanics and the visual design, the storytelling provides such joy that this title deserves to have a standing place in the Frankenstein of Batman.