Batman Begins (video game)

Batman Begins
Developer(s)	Eurocom
Publisher(s)	EA Games/Warner Bros I.E
Platform(s)	Xbox, GameCube, PS2, GBA
Release	15 June 2005
Genre(s)	Action
Mode(s)	Single player

Batman Begins is a video game based on the 2005 film of the same name. Released on the same day as the highly-anticipated movie, Batman Begins follows the film as it explores the origins of the Batman legend and the Dark Knight's emergence as a force for good in Gotham. In the wake of his parents' murder, disillusioned industrial heir Bruce Wayne travels the world seeking the means to fight injustice and turn fear against those who prey on the fearful. He returns to Gotham and unveils his alter-ego: Batman, a masked crusader who uses his strength, intellect and an array of high tech deceptions to fight the sinister forces that threaten the city across 14 Gotham City locales.

Gameplay

The game has a unique system where you intimidate enemies. Whereas most games require you to just attack them out and out, Batman Begins has you use an aspect of the environment to frighten your opponents, eg. One scene requires you to make a shelf of spare car parts collapse to scare some enemies. You are also given a set of gadgets designed to frighten enemies during combat, such as a smoke grenade, a flash bang grenade, and a 'HF Transponder', which summons bats to fly around your enemy. There is also a system where you have to accomplish certain things to progress through areas. This includes finding keys and interrogating enemies for passcodes to open security doors. On top of this is the traditional stealth gameplay, such as sneaking and taking out enemies from behind. As well, there are many ways to take them out with stealth, such as slamming their heads into the ground or punching the back of their heads.

Story

The game sticks to the movie's plot very closely, with very minor modifications. Throughout the game there are over 20 clips from film that go with where you are in the story. Though it follows the movie, the game goes deeper into each scene. Example: At the Docks, how Batman gets Falcone up onto the search light and how he gets into Arkam Asylum.

Reaction

Reaction for the game was generally average. Many criticised the linear gameplay and the overall character AI. Nintendo Power Magazine gave 6.5.

External links

• EA - Batman Begins
• Batman Begins at MobyGames