Batman: Dark Tomorrow: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|2003 video game}} |
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{{refimprove|date=January 2009}} |
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{{Infobox video game |
{{Infobox video game |
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| title = Batman: Dark Tomorrow |
| title = Batman: Dark Tomorrow |
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| image = |
| image = Batman - Dark Tomorrow Coverart.png |
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| developer = [[Kemco]]{{efn|Ported to [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] by HotGen.<ref>{{cite web |title=Batman: Dark Tomorrow release information |url=https://www.mobygames.com/game/batman-dark-tomorrow/release-info |website=MobyGames |publisher=Blue Flame Labs |access-date=25 November 2019 |archive-date=27 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727065220/https://www.mobygames.com/game/batman-dark-tomorrow/release-info |url-status=live}}</ref>|group=lower-alpha}} |
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| developer = [[HotGen]] |
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| publisher = |
| publisher = Kemco |
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| distributor = Kemco |
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| designer = |
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| writer = |
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| composer = |
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| series = [[List of Batman video games|''Batman'' video games]] |
| series = [[List of Batman video games|''Batman'' video games]] |
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| platforms = [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] |
| platforms = {{cslist|[[GameCube]]|[[Xbox (console)|Xbox]]}} |
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| released = {{Video game release|NA|18 March 2003<ref>{{cite web |last=Varanini |first=Giancarlo |date=18 March 2003 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/now-shipping/1100-6023460/ |title=Now shipping |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |accessdate=18 March 2003 |archive-date=16 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916182824/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/now-shipping/1100-6023460/ |url-status=live}}</ref>|JP|21 March 2003<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ngc/before/03_0108.html | title=2003年1月~8月発売 ライセンシーソフト | access-date=2023-04-25 | archive-date=2015-03-24 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324063521/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ngc/before/03_0108.html | url-status=live}}</ref>|EU|11 April 2003}} |
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| released = {{vgrelease new|NA|18 March 2003 <small>(Xbox)</small>|JP|20 March 2003 <small>(Xbox)</small>|JP|21 March 2003 <small>(GC)</small>|NA|25 March 2003 <small>(GC)</small>}}{{vgrelease|EU=11 April 2003}} |
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| genre = [[Action-adventure game|Action-adventure]] |
| genre = [[Action-adventure game|Action-adventure]] |
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| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]] |
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]] |
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| designer = {{ubl|Tomoharu Aihara|David Vout|Takeo Mogi|Takafumi Yuki}} |
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| writer = {{ubl|[[Scott Peterson (comics)|Scott Peterson]]|[[Kenji Terada]]}} |
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| composer = {{ubl|Tony Corizia|[[Tot Taylor]]}} |
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| caption = North American Nintendo GameCube cover art |
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}} |
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'''''Batman: Dark Tomorrow''''' is an [[ |
'''''Batman: Dark Tomorrow''''' is an [[action-adventure game]] developed and published by [[Kemco]] for the [[GameCube]] and [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] in 2003. It is based on the [[DC Comics]] character [[Batman]]. Many precedents of the comics are cited, especially as it pertains to [[Ra's al Ghul]], and Batman's relationship with al Ghul's daughter, [[Talia al Ghul]]. |
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Initially announced in 2001 as a GameCube exclusive, ''Batman: Dark Tomorrow'' was envisioned as being an open-ended, faithful, and realistic approach to the ''Batman'' franchise, in a similar vein to the ''[[Batman: Arkham]]'' series years later. However, as development progressed, the game was scaled back and slated for release on multiple consoles. |
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While Batman is trying to stop a gang war between [[Ventriloquist (comics)|Scarface & the Ventriloquist]] and [[Black Mask (comics)|Black Mask]] being waged on [[Gotham City]]'s streets, [[James Gordon (comics)|Commissioner James Gordon]] has been kidnapped, and is being held hostage at an overrun [[Arkham Asylum]]. Racing through the city's sewers in order to enter the Asylum undetected, Batman has to fight through a gauntlet of enemies ranging from [[Poison Ivy (comics)|Poison Ivy]] to [[Mr. Freeze]] before finally encountering the man holding Gordon: [[Joker (comics)|the Joker]]. |
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== Gameplay == |
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Batman soon discovers that Gordon's kidnapping was in fact orchestrated by [[Ra's al Ghul]] as a distraction from his latest plan to take over the world. Batman travels to the villain's stronghold in the [[Himalayas]] in order to stop him. The game's ending features a [[Nonlinear gameplay#Branching storylines|branching storyline]]: in order to get the most complete ending, Batman must disarm a signal device before facing off against Ra's. However, the player is never given any indication that the device even exists, making the small objective easily missable. Failing to disarm the device will result in Ra's succeeding in taking over the world. |
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''Batman: Dark Tomorrow'' is a linear, stealth-based action game in which players control [[Batman]] as he fights crime. Batman is equipped with several of his tools, such as Batarangs, smoke bombs, and grappling hooks. Levels each have certain objectives that players must achieve in order to proceed, while criminals and enemies will attempt to stop your progress. While enemies can be knocked unconscious, they cannot be killed (due to Batman's "no killing" code); this requires the player to handcuff the criminal in order to keep them from attacking. There are several parts in levels in which the game saves; if the player dies, it will reload to the last save.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/03/24/batman-dark-tomorrow-review?page=2|title=Batman: Dark Tomorrow Review|date=2003-03-24|website=IGN|language=en-US|access-date=2017-02-22|archive-date=2016-12-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161218043930/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/03/24/batman-dark-tomorrow-review?page=2|url-status=live}}</ref> Members of Batman's supporting cast of allies also appear in the cinematics of the game, including [[Barbara Gordon|Oracle]], [[Robin (Tim Drake)|Robin]], and [[Cassandra Cain|Batgirl]]. [[Dick Grayson|Nightwing]] does not appear but is mentioned in dialogue as possible backup leading into the game's climax. |
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The game features various endings depending on how the last few sections of the game are played. To get the "good" ending, Batman must disarm a signal device before facing Ra's. This is never made clear to the player beforehand, however, and as such the ending most players will get is one of three "bad" endings which has Batman defeating Ra's who then sets off bombs he has set up around the globe, killing 1/3 of the world's population. This initially caused confusion among gamers and critics as to why beating the game essentially had Batman failing to save the world. |
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Members of Batman's supporting cast of allies appear in the cinematics of the game, including [[Barbara Gordon|Oracle]], [[Robin (Tim Drake)|Robin]], and [[Cassandra Cain|Batgirl]]. [[Dick Grayson|Nightwing]] does not appear, but is mentioned in dialogue as possible backup leading into the game's climax. |
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Many precedents of the comics are cited, especially as it pertains to Ra's al Ghul, and Batman's "undefined" relationship with al Ghul's daughter, [[Talia al Ghul|Talia]]. |
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[[Ra's al Ghul]] ([[Don Leslie (actor)|Don Leslie]]), his daughter [[Talia al Ghul|Talia]] (Wendy Jones), and his [[League of Assassins]] take control of a weaponized satellite that is targeting [[Gotham City]]. While trying to end a gang war between [[Ventriloquist (comics)|The Ventriloquist]] and [[Black Mask (comics)|Black Mask]] ([[Michael Wright (actor)|Michael Wright]]), [[Batman]] (Julian Fletcher) discovers that [[James Gordon (comics)|Commissioner James Gordon]] ([[Ron McLarty]]) has been kidnapped and is being held hostage at an overrun [[Arkham Asylum]]. Racing through [[Gotham City]]'s sewers to enter the Asylum undetected, Batman has to fight through several foes, including [[Victor Zsasz]] ([[Scott Sowers]]), [[Ratcatcher (comics)|the Ratcatcher]] (Jonathan Roumie), [[Mr. Freeze]] (Ralph Byers), [[Poison Ivy (character)|Poison Ivy]] (Wendy Jones), and [[Killer Croc]] (Richardo Ferrone), before finally encountering [[Joker (character)|the Joker]] (Allen Enlow), the mastermind behind Gordon's kidnapping. After defeating Joker and saving Gordon, Batman deduces that the Joker was actually working for Ra's al Ghul and the kidnapping scheme was merely a distraction to allow Ra's to commence his newest plan to take over the world. |
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Traveling to the [[Himalayas]], Batman makes his way to the League of Assassins' stronghold to foil Ra's al Ghul's scheme. Talia helps him by turning off the cameras around Ra's lair. Batman finds a terminal and overrides the homing signal, before defeating Ubu (Dean Wein), Ra's most trusted servant, guarding the entrance to the throne room. There, Batman confronts Ra's, who reveals his master plan: 24 bombs have been planted throughout the world, which, once activated, will cause the ice caps to enter the oceans, forming tsunamis and hurricanes throughout the coastlines; every coastal city on the world will be destroyed and one-third of the planet's population with it, allowing Ra's to rebuild the world in his image. Ra's then asks Batman to marry Talia and become his heir, but the Dark Knight declines, much to Talia's disappointment. Ra's and Batman engage in a final sword fight, with Batman emerging victorious. A defeated Ra's attempts to activate the bombs, but to no avail, as they had already been disabled by Batman. Ubu, having recovered, then tries to kill Batman, but Talia warns him and Batman dodges the attack, causing Ubu to unintentionally kill Ra's instead. Talia and Ubu take Ra's to the Lazarus Pit as the temple begins to self-destruct and revive him, while Batman escapes and returns to Gotham. As he looks out over the city, the [[Bat-Signal]] ignites the sky once more, calling him back into action. |
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Other villains appearing in the game include [[Joker (comics)|the Joker]], [[Mr. Freeze]], [[Poison Ivy (comics)|Poison Ivy]], [[Killer Croc]], [[Ventriloquist (comics)|Scarface & the Ventriloquist]], [[Black Mask (comics)|Black Mask]], [[Mr. Zsasz]], and [[Ratcatcher (comics)|the Ratcatcher]]. |
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Several alternate endings are possible, depending on whether or not the player had found and deactivated Ra's weapon before the final battle with him, or lost the fight. If Batman did not disable the signal and loses the sword fight, he is mortally wounded by Ra's who puts his plan into action and floods the world. If Batman loses the fight but disabled the signal, Ra's reveals to the dying Batman that the override is only temporary and that his victory is inevitable. If Batman wins the fight but did not disable the signal, a defeated Ra's still manages to commence his plan and flood the world, as Batman falls to his knees and screams "No!" in horror. |
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==Production== |
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''Dark Tomorrow'' was first presented at [[E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo)|E3]] [[History of E3#2001|2001]] as an exclusive to the [[Nintendo GameCube]] console. It was originally conceived as an [[open world]] oriented adaptation of the comic book iteration of Batman. Similarly to [[Activision]]'s ''[[Spider-Man 2 (video game)|Spider-Man 2]]'', players would control Batman as he traveled around [[Gotham City]], with the ability to patrol Gotham in the [[Batmobile]], [[Batplane]], and [[Batboat]]. [[Artificial intelligence|Character A.I]]. and combat was very ambitious in order to allow an in-depth open world Batman experience. The exact reasoning for scaling the game's design back to a more linear experience, as well as for developing on the other major platforms of the [[History of video game consoles (sixth generation)|sixth console generation]], are unknown outside of rumors. |
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==Development== |
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⚫ | Veteran [[DC Comics]] and former ''[[The Batman Adventures#Batman: Gotham Adventures (1998.E2.80.932003)|Batman: Gotham Adventures]]'' writer [[Scott Peterson (comic book writer and editor)|Scott Peterson]] (who also wrote the previous year's ''[[Superman: The Man of Steel (2002 video game)|Superman: The Man of Steel]]'' video game) and [[Final Fantasy]]'s [[Kenji Terada]] created the story for ''Dark Tomorrow'', while |
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''Dark Tomorrow'' was presented at [[E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo)|E3]] [[History of E3#2001|2001]] as an exclusive to the [[GameCube]] console. It was originally conceived as an [[open world]] oriented adaptation of the comic book iteration of Batman. Similar to [[Activision]]'s ''[[Spider-Man 2 (2004 video game)|Spider-Man 2]]'', players would control Batman as he traveled around [[Gotham City]], with the ability to patrol Gotham in the [[Batmobile]], [[Batplane]], and [[Batboat]]. [[Artificial intelligence|Character A.I]]. and combat was very ambitious in order to allow an in-depth open world Batman experience.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.inverse.com/article/14098-13-years-later-batman-dark-tomorrow-is-still-an-embarrassment|title=13 Years Ago Today, 'Batman: Dark Tomorrow' Nearly Destroyed Gotham Games|newspaper=Inverse|access-date=2017-02-22|archive-date=2019-07-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724055931/https://www.inverse.com/article/14098-13-years-later-batman-dark-tomorrow-is-still-an-embarrassment|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the game was later revealed to be in the works for both the [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] and [[PlayStation 2]] consoles, and was reworked into a more linear and stealth-based game.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/batman-dark-tomorrow-goes-multiplatform/1100-2860526/|title=Batman: Dark Tomorrow goes multiplatform|newspaper=GameSpot|access-date=2017-02-22|language=en|archive-date=2019-03-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190313181950/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/batman-dark-tomorrow-goes-multiplatform/1100-2860526/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/05/25/kemco-claims-batman-dark-tomorrow | title=Kemco Claims Batman Dark Tomorrow | date=25 May 2001 }}</ref> |
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⚫ | Veteran [[DC Comics]] and former ''[[The Batman Adventures#Batman: Gotham Adventures (1998.E2.80.932003)|Batman: Gotham Adventures]]'' writer [[Scott Peterson (comic book writer and editor)|Scott Peterson]] (who also wrote the previous year's ''[[Superman: The Man of Steel (2002 video game)|Superman: The Man of Steel]]'' video game) and ''[[Final Fantasy]]''{{'}}s [[Kenji Terada]] created the story for ''Dark Tomorrow'', while the [[Royal Philharmonic Orchestra]] performed the game's orchestrated score. Peterson was not aware of Terada's involvement at the time he worked on the game's story, relating years later that he wrote the script alone while working as DC Comics' Batman office liaison and that Terada was likely brought on after he completed the script.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.comicsonconsoles.com/issue-5-batman-dark-tomorrow-with-special-guest-scott-peterson |title=Comics on Consoles podcast #5 |access-date=2019-07-30 |archive-date=2019-07-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730005234/http://www.comicsonconsoles.com/issue-5-batman-dark-tomorrow-with-special-guest-scott-peterson |url-status=dead}}</ref> The game had a total development span of four years and several release date delays before ultimately being released on the GameCube and Xbox in early 2003.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/10/15/batmans-dark-delay | title=Batman's Dark Delay | date=15 October 2002 }}</ref> The PlayStation 2 version was eventually cancelled. |
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==Reception== |
==Reception== |
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| na = true |
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| Allgame_NGC = {{Rating|1.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web |last=Marriott |first=Scott Alan |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=35078&tab=review |title=Batman: Dark Tomorrow (GC) - Review |publisher=[[AllGame]] | |
| Allgame_NGC = {{Rating|1.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web |last=Marriott |first=Scott Alan |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=35078&tab=review |title=Batman: Dark Tomorrow (GC) - Review |publisher=[[AllGame]] |access-date=5 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114200956/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=35078&tab=review |archive-date=14 November 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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| EGM_NGC = 1.5/10<ref>{{cite |
| EGM_NGC = 1.5/10<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Batman: Dark Tomorrow (GC) |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |issue=167 |date=June 2003 |page=112}}</ref> |
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| GI_NGC = 0.75/10<ref name=GI>{{cite |
| GI_NGC = 0.75/10<ref name=GI>{{cite magazine |last=Reiner |first=Andrew |date=May 2003 |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200305/R03.0729.1746.32907.htm |title=Batman: Dark Tomorrow (GC) |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |issue=121 |page=87 |access-date=22 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071002024254/http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200305/R03.0729.1746.32907.htm |archive-date=2 October 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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| GamePro_XBOX = {{Rating|1.5|5}}<ref>{{cite |
| GamePro_XBOX = {{Rating|1.5|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gamepro.com/microsoft/xbox/games/reviews/28701.shtml |title=Batman: Dark Tomorrow Review for Xbox |author=Tokyo Drifter |magazine=[[GamePro]] |date=27 March 2003 |access-date=22 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050212120545/http://www.gamepro.com/microsoft/xbox/games/reviews/28701.shtml |archive-date=12 February 2005 |url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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| GameRev_NGC = F<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/batman-dark-tomorrow |title=Batman: Dark Tomorrow Review (GC) |author=Dr. Moo |publisher=[[Game Revolution]] |date=April 2003 | |
| GameRev_NGC = F<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/batman-dark-tomorrow |title=Batman: Dark Tomorrow Review (GC) |author=Dr. Moo |publisher=[[Game Revolution]] |date=April 2003 |access-date=22 November 2013 |archive-date=19 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919180405/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/batman-dark-tomorrow |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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| GSpot_NGC = 2.8/10<ref name=GS>{{cite web |last=Tracy |first=Tim |date=2 April 2003 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/batman-dark-tomorrow-review/1900-6024327/ |title=Batman: Dark Tomorrow Review | |
| GSpot_NGC = 2.8/10<ref name=GS>{{cite web |last=Tracy |first=Tim |date=2 April 2003 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/batman-dark-tomorrow-review/1900-6024327/ |title=Batman: Dark Tomorrow Review |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=22 November 2013 |archive-date=13 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313073249/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/batman-dark-tomorrow-review/1900-6024327/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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| GSpot_XBOX = 2.8/10<ref name=GS /> |
| GSpot_XBOX = 2.8/10<ref name=GS /> |
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| GSpy_XBOX = {{Rating|1|5}}<ref>{{cite web |last=Gibson |first=Jon M. |date=1 April 2003 |url=http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/batman-dark-tomorrow/5732p1.html |title=GameSpy: Batman: Dark Tomorrow (Xbox) |publisher=[[GameSpy]] | |
| GSpy_XBOX = {{Rating|1|5}}<ref>{{cite web |last=Gibson |first=Jon M. |date=1 April 2003 |url=http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/batman-dark-tomorrow/5732p1.html |title=GameSpy: Batman: Dark Tomorrow (Xbox) |publisher=[[GameSpy]] |access-date=22 November 2013 |archive-date=19 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219094630/http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/batman-dark-tomorrow/5732p1.html |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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| IGN_NGC = 3.5/10<ref name=IGN>{{cite web |last=Lewis |first=Cory D. |date=25 March 2003 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/03/25/batman-dark-tomorrow-4 |title=Batman: Dark Tomorrow (GC) | |
| IGN_NGC = 3.5/10<ref name=IGN>{{cite web |last=Lewis |first=Cory D. |date=25 March 2003 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/03/25/batman-dark-tomorrow-4 |title=Batman: Dark Tomorrow (GC) |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=22 November 2013 |archive-date=22 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222062526/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/03/25/batman-dark-tomorrow-4 |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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| IGN_XBOX = 2.2/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Goldstein |first=Hilary |date=24 March 2003 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/03/24/batman-dark-tomorrow-review |title=Batman: Dark Tomorrow Review | |
| IGN_XBOX = 2.2/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Goldstein |first=Hilary |date=24 March 2003 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/03/24/batman-dark-tomorrow-review |title=Batman: Dark Tomorrow Review |website=IGN |access-date=22 November 2013 |archive-date=22 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222070051/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/03/24/batman-dark-tomorrow-review |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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| NP_NGC = 1.9/5<ref>{{cite |
| NP_NGC = 1.9/5<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Batman: Dark Tomorrow |magazine=[[Nintendo Power]] |volume=167 |date=April 2003 |page=134}}</ref> |
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| OXM_XBOX = 3.5/10<ref>{{cite |
| OXM_XBOX = 3.5/10<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Batman: Dark Tomorrow |magazine=[[Official Xbox Magazine]] |date=June 2003 |page=82}}</ref> |
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| MC_NGC = 29/100<ref name=MCGC>{{cite web |url= |
| MC_NGC = 29/100<ref name=MCGC>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/batman-dark-tomorrow/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube |title=Batman: Dark Tomorrow for GameCube Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=22 November 2013 |archive-date=22 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131122131650/http://www.metacritic.com/game/gamecube/batman-dark-tomorrow |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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| MC_XBOX = 25/100<ref name=MCXBOX>{{cite web |url= |
| MC_XBOX = 25/100<ref name=MCXBOX>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/batman-dark-tomorrow/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox |title=Batman: Dark Tomorrow for Xbox Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=22 November 2013 |archive-date=27 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141127160118/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox/batman-dark-tomorrow |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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}} |
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''Batman: Dark Tomorrow'' |
''Batman: Dark Tomorrow'' [[List of video games notable for negative reception|gained infamy for receiving negative reviews]] on both platforms according to video game [[review aggregator]] [[Metacritic]].<ref name=MCGC /><ref name=MCXBOX /> Primary criticism of the game was directed at its control scheme, repetitive missions, and its camera, which was described as frustrating. ''[[Game Informer]]'' gave the GameCube version 0.75 out of 10 for gameplay that is "incomprehensible and littered with bugs".<ref name=GI /> [[IGN]] was severely disappointed with the same console version, saying that "The Dark Knight gets his wings clipped in his latest adventure".<ref name=IGN /> GamePro author Andre said "It has about as much dynamism as I do when I get up in the morning."<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URJdlF6ji40 |title=Gamepro 05/2003 - Testcheck |date=2015-04-06 |last=PastGaming - Archiv |access-date=2024-11-04 |via=YouTube}}</ref> |
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Although the gameplay was widely criticized, Peterson and Terada's story, as well as the in-game cinematics, were widely praised. IGN noted, "Positive marks earned here for sticking to the DC-based Batman license and faithfully bringing it to life. The cut-scenes are arguably the best part of the game."<ref name=IGN /> |
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Although the gameplay was widely criticized, Peterson and Terada's story, as well as the in-game cinematics, were praised. IGN noted that the game's DC-based Batman license faithfully brought it to life and commended the game's cut-scenes.<ref name=IGN /> The ending, however, was met with criticism as there is no in-game direction to the "good ending".<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/worst-games-all-time/9/|title=The 100 worst games of all time|newspaper=gamesradar|access-date=2017-02-22|language=en|archive-date=2017-02-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223130545/http://www.gamesradar.com/worst-games-all-time/9/|url-status=live}}</ref> <!-- please add references at their request. --> |
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The game is notable for resulting in the inception and being the first recipient of the "Shame of the Month" award in ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'', which "honors" each month's worst-reviewed game in the magazine. |
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==Notes== |
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{{notelist}} |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{Reflist}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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* {{moby game|id=/batman-dark-tomorrow}} |
* {{moby game|id=/batman-dark-tomorrow}} |
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* {{IMDb title|id=tt0291745}} |
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{{Batman video games}} |
{{Batman video games}} |
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{{Authority control}} |
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[[Category:2003 video games]] |
[[Category:2003 video games]] |
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[[Category:Action-adventure games]] |
[[Category:Action-adventure games]] |
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[[Category:Batman |
[[Category:Batman video games]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Cancelled PlayStation 2 games]] |
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[[Category:Eco-terrorism in fiction]] |
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[[Category:GameCube games]] |
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[[Category:Genocide in fiction]] |
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[[Category:HotGen games]] |
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[[Category:Kemco games]] |
[[Category:Kemco games]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Joker (character) in other media]] |
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[[Category:Single-player video games]] |
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[[Category:Superhero video games]] |
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[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]] |
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[[Category:Video games developed in the United Kingdom]] |
[[Category:Video games developed in the United Kingdom]] |
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[[Category:Video games set in castles]] |
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Latest revision as of 17:53, 25 December 2024
Batman: Dark Tomorrow | |
---|---|
Developer(s) | Kemco[a] |
Publisher(s) | Kemco |
Director(s) | Takafumi Yuki |
Producer(s) | Takafumi Yuki |
Designer(s) |
|
Programmer(s) | Tomoharu Aihara |
Artist(s) | Takeshi Okamoto |
Writer(s) | |
Composer(s) |
|
Series | Batman video games |
Platform(s) | |
Release | |
Genre(s) | Action-adventure |
Mode(s) | Single-player |
Batman: Dark Tomorrow is an action-adventure game developed and published by Kemco for the GameCube and Xbox in 2003. It is based on the DC Comics character Batman. Many precedents of the comics are cited, especially as it pertains to Ra's al Ghul, and Batman's relationship with al Ghul's daughter, Talia al Ghul.
Initially announced in 2001 as a GameCube exclusive, Batman: Dark Tomorrow was envisioned as being an open-ended, faithful, and realistic approach to the Batman franchise, in a similar vein to the Batman: Arkham series years later. However, as development progressed, the game was scaled back and slated for release on multiple consoles.
Gameplay
[edit]Batman: Dark Tomorrow is a linear, stealth-based action game in which players control Batman as he fights crime. Batman is equipped with several of his tools, such as Batarangs, smoke bombs, and grappling hooks. Levels each have certain objectives that players must achieve in order to proceed, while criminals and enemies will attempt to stop your progress. While enemies can be knocked unconscious, they cannot be killed (due to Batman's "no killing" code); this requires the player to handcuff the criminal in order to keep them from attacking. There are several parts in levels in which the game saves; if the player dies, it will reload to the last save.[4] Members of Batman's supporting cast of allies also appear in the cinematics of the game, including Oracle, Robin, and Batgirl. Nightwing does not appear but is mentioned in dialogue as possible backup leading into the game's climax.
The game features various endings depending on how the last few sections of the game are played. To get the "good" ending, Batman must disarm a signal device before facing Ra's. This is never made clear to the player beforehand, however, and as such the ending most players will get is one of three "bad" endings which has Batman defeating Ra's who then sets off bombs he has set up around the globe, killing 1/3 of the world's population. This initially caused confusion among gamers and critics as to why beating the game essentially had Batman failing to save the world.
Plot
[edit]Ra's al Ghul (Don Leslie), his daughter Talia (Wendy Jones), and his League of Assassins take control of a weaponized satellite that is targeting Gotham City. While trying to end a gang war between The Ventriloquist and Black Mask (Michael Wright), Batman (Julian Fletcher) discovers that Commissioner James Gordon (Ron McLarty) has been kidnapped and is being held hostage at an overrun Arkham Asylum. Racing through Gotham City's sewers to enter the Asylum undetected, Batman has to fight through several foes, including Victor Zsasz (Scott Sowers), the Ratcatcher (Jonathan Roumie), Mr. Freeze (Ralph Byers), Poison Ivy (Wendy Jones), and Killer Croc (Richardo Ferrone), before finally encountering the Joker (Allen Enlow), the mastermind behind Gordon's kidnapping. After defeating Joker and saving Gordon, Batman deduces that the Joker was actually working for Ra's al Ghul and the kidnapping scheme was merely a distraction to allow Ra's to commence his newest plan to take over the world.
Traveling to the Himalayas, Batman makes his way to the League of Assassins' stronghold to foil Ra's al Ghul's scheme. Talia helps him by turning off the cameras around Ra's lair. Batman finds a terminal and overrides the homing signal, before defeating Ubu (Dean Wein), Ra's most trusted servant, guarding the entrance to the throne room. There, Batman confronts Ra's, who reveals his master plan: 24 bombs have been planted throughout the world, which, once activated, will cause the ice caps to enter the oceans, forming tsunamis and hurricanes throughout the coastlines; every coastal city on the world will be destroyed and one-third of the planet's population with it, allowing Ra's to rebuild the world in his image. Ra's then asks Batman to marry Talia and become his heir, but the Dark Knight declines, much to Talia's disappointment. Ra's and Batman engage in a final sword fight, with Batman emerging victorious. A defeated Ra's attempts to activate the bombs, but to no avail, as they had already been disabled by Batman. Ubu, having recovered, then tries to kill Batman, but Talia warns him and Batman dodges the attack, causing Ubu to unintentionally kill Ra's instead. Talia and Ubu take Ra's to the Lazarus Pit as the temple begins to self-destruct and revive him, while Batman escapes and returns to Gotham. As he looks out over the city, the Bat-Signal ignites the sky once more, calling him back into action.
Several alternate endings are possible, depending on whether or not the player had found and deactivated Ra's weapon before the final battle with him, or lost the fight. If Batman did not disable the signal and loses the sword fight, he is mortally wounded by Ra's who puts his plan into action and floods the world. If Batman loses the fight but disabled the signal, Ra's reveals to the dying Batman that the override is only temporary and that his victory is inevitable. If Batman wins the fight but did not disable the signal, a defeated Ra's still manages to commence his plan and flood the world, as Batman falls to his knees and screams "No!" in horror.
Development
[edit]Dark Tomorrow was presented at E3 2001 as an exclusive to the GameCube console. It was originally conceived as an open world oriented adaptation of the comic book iteration of Batman. Similar to Activision's Spider-Man 2, players would control Batman as he traveled around Gotham City, with the ability to patrol Gotham in the Batmobile, Batplane, and Batboat. Character A.I. and combat was very ambitious in order to allow an in-depth open world Batman experience.[5] However, the game was later revealed to be in the works for both the Xbox and PlayStation 2 consoles, and was reworked into a more linear and stealth-based game.[6][7]
Veteran DC Comics and former Batman: Gotham Adventures writer Scott Peterson (who also wrote the previous year's Superman: The Man of Steel video game) and Final Fantasy's Kenji Terada created the story for Dark Tomorrow, while the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performed the game's orchestrated score. Peterson was not aware of Terada's involvement at the time he worked on the game's story, relating years later that he wrote the script alone while working as DC Comics' Batman office liaison and that Terada was likely brought on after he completed the script.[8] The game had a total development span of four years and several release date delays before ultimately being released on the GameCube and Xbox in early 2003.[9] The PlayStation 2 version was eventually cancelled.
Reception
[edit]Aggregator | Score | |
---|---|---|
GC | Xbox | |
Metacritic | 29/100[21] | 25/100[22] |
Publication | Score | |
---|---|---|
GC | Xbox | |
AllGame | [10] | N/A |
Electronic Gaming Monthly | 1.5/10[11] | N/A |
Game Informer | 0.75/10[12] | N/A |
GamePro | N/A | [13] |
GameRevolution | F[14] | N/A |
GameSpot | 2.8/10[15] | 2.8/10[15] |
GameSpy | N/A | [16] |
IGN | 3.5/10[17] | 2.2/10[18] |
Nintendo Power | 1.9/5[19] | N/A |
Official Xbox Magazine (US) | N/A | 3.5/10[20] |
Batman: Dark Tomorrow gained infamy for receiving negative reviews on both platforms according to video game review aggregator Metacritic.[21][22] Primary criticism of the game was directed at its control scheme, repetitive missions, and its camera, which was described as frustrating. Game Informer gave the GameCube version 0.75 out of 10 for gameplay that is "incomprehensible and littered with bugs".[12] IGN was severely disappointed with the same console version, saying that "The Dark Knight gets his wings clipped in his latest adventure".[17] GamePro author Andre said "It has about as much dynamism as I do when I get up in the morning."[23]
Although the gameplay was widely criticized, Peterson and Terada's story, as well as the in-game cinematics, were praised. IGN noted that the game's DC-based Batman license faithfully brought it to life and commended the game's cut-scenes.[17] The ending, however, was met with criticism as there is no in-game direction to the "good ending".[24]
Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "2003年1月~8月発売 ライセンシーソフト". Archived from the original on 2015-03-24. Retrieved 2023-04-25.
- ^ Varanini, Giancarlo (18 March 2003). "Now shipping". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 16 September 2021. Retrieved 18 March 2003.
- ^ "Batman: Dark Tomorrow release information". MobyGames. Blue Flame Labs. Archived from the original on 27 July 2020. Retrieved 25 November 2019.
- ^ "Batman: Dark Tomorrow Review". IGN. 2003-03-24. Archived from the original on 2016-12-18. Retrieved 2017-02-22.
- ^ "13 Years Ago Today, 'Batman: Dark Tomorrow' Nearly Destroyed Gotham Games". Inverse. Archived from the original on 2019-07-24. Retrieved 2017-02-22.
- ^ "Batman: Dark Tomorrow goes multiplatform". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 2019-03-13. Retrieved 2017-02-22.
- ^ "Kemco Claims Batman Dark Tomorrow". 25 May 2001.
- ^ "Comics on Consoles podcast #5". Archived from the original on 2019-07-30. Retrieved 2019-07-30.
- ^ "Batman's Dark Delay". 15 October 2002.
- ^ Marriott, Scott Alan. "Batman: Dark Tomorrow (GC) - Review". AllGame. Archived from the original on 14 November 2014. Retrieved 5 October 2015.
- ^ "Batman: Dark Tomorrow (GC)". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 167. June 2003. p. 112.
- ^ a b Reiner, Andrew (May 2003). "Batman: Dark Tomorrow (GC)". Game Informer. No. 121. p. 87. Archived from the original on 2 October 2007. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
- ^ Tokyo Drifter (27 March 2003). "Batman: Dark Tomorrow Review for Xbox". GamePro. Archived from the original on 12 February 2005. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
- ^ Dr. Moo (April 2003). "Batman: Dark Tomorrow Review (GC)". Game Revolution. Archived from the original on 19 September 2015. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
- ^ a b Tracy, Tim (2 April 2003). "Batman: Dark Tomorrow Review". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 13 March 2014. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
- ^ Gibson, Jon M. (1 April 2003). "GameSpy: Batman: Dark Tomorrow (Xbox)". GameSpy. Archived from the original on 19 December 2013. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
- ^ a b c Lewis, Cory D. (25 March 2003). "Batman: Dark Tomorrow (GC)". IGN. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
- ^ Goldstein, Hilary (24 March 2003). "Batman: Dark Tomorrow Review". IGN. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
- ^ "Batman: Dark Tomorrow". Nintendo Power. Vol. 167. April 2003. p. 134.
- ^ "Batman: Dark Tomorrow". Official Xbox Magazine. June 2003. p. 82.
- ^ a b "Batman: Dark Tomorrow for GameCube Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on 22 November 2013. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
- ^ a b "Batman: Dark Tomorrow for Xbox Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on 27 November 2014. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
- ^ PastGaming - Archiv (2015-04-06). Gamepro 05/2003 - Testcheck. Retrieved 2024-11-04 – via YouTube.
- ^ "The 100 worst games of all time". gamesradar. Archived from the original on 2017-02-23. Retrieved 2017-02-22.
External links
[edit]- 2003 video games
- Action-adventure games
- Batman video games
- Cancelled PlayStation 2 games
- Eco-terrorism in fiction
- GameCube games
- Genocide in fiction
- HotGen games
- Kemco games
- Joker (character) in other media
- Single-player video games
- Superhero video games
- Video games developed in Japan
- Video games developed in the United Kingdom
- Video games set in castles
- Video games set in psychiatric hospitals
- Video games set in South Asia
- Video games set in the United States
- Xbox games