• DLC Review: Batman: Arkham City "Harley Quinn's Revenge"

    by
    Scott "mountain_duwe " Duwe
    Published on 05-29-2012 06:15 PM
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    Batman: Arkham City "Harley Quinn's Revenge" DLC



    Developer: Rocksteady Studios
    Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive
    Platform: Xbox 360
    Genre: Action-Adventure
    Rating: Teen
    Release Date: May 29, 2012

    Downloadable content is nothing new for Batman: Arkham City. In fact, DLC was planned for the game since day one, including the exclusive Catwoman missions for those who bought the game new. Then came challenge missions featuring Robin and Nightwing and countless alternate costumes for the Bat.

    Today, however, marks the first story-related DLC for the game that takes place after the ending. As it pertains to what happens after the game's storyline ends, there will obviously be spoilers in this review, so be warned.

    Presentation
    Two weeks after the ending of the game, Batman has gone missing in Arkham City, and only Robin can figure out what went wrong. It's been two days since Batman disappeared in the wreckage of Arkham City after attempting to rescue GCPD officers kidnapped by Harley Quinn. Utilizing Robin's unique tools and moveset, it's up to you to rescue Batman from the grips of Quinn, who has gone all emo ever since the death of her beloved Mr. Joker.

    Surprisingly, the Dark Knight is someone else who is not handling the events of the finale all that well either, as he is more dark and brooding than ever, leaving those who know him best to question if he's okay.

    Graphics
    The missions utilize environments from the original game, however with a new aesthetic thanks to Harley Quinn's, eh, emotional predicament. Needless to say, she did not take the Joker's death well, and the decorum placed around her hideout reflects this. It's dark and angry, and so is she.

    Arkham City itself looks very similar, but the sky is brighter than the original game, and the snowy weather has changed a bit to reflect the two weeks that have passed since the ending of the main storyline.

    Sound/Music
    The stellar voice cast is back, but there's just not enough within the DLC itself that makes it all that special. The one main difference is how the spotlight is on Robin and veteran voice actor Troy Baker. The sidekick didn't get much airtime in the game's main storyline, only appearing a handful of times, but he shares the spotlight with Kevin Conroy's Batman in this DLC. Tara Strong is as annoying as ever as Harley Quinn.

    There's new voiceovers for the thugs as well, and one of my main pet peeves from the main game returns: it seems like 80% of them are voiced by Nolan North. It's not a huge issue but it's still kind of annoying to hear Nathan Drakes walking all around Arkham City.

    The soundtrack is more or less the same.

    Gameplay
    The biggest addition in "Harley Quinn's Revenge" is the ability to play as Robin, who was previously only available in challenge missions. Robin's utilization of his staff and unique gadgets such as sticky flash grenades and a zip-kick ability adds variety to the gameplay. Having said that, playing as Robin is not all that different from playing as Batman. They both handle the same, for the most part.

    It's not all Tim Drake, though. At a certain point in the scenario, you flash back to see how Batman got caught in the first place, allowing you to play some more as the Caped Crusader. I'd say the gameplay is split about 60/40 between Robin and Batman.

    The DLC scenario plays just like the main storyline: you beat up thugs, enter detective mode when you need to find things, and beat up more thugs. If you're looking for something new and innovative to the game, you won't find it here.

    Lasting Appeal
    Sadly, "Harley Quinn's Revenge" shouldn't take any more than two hours to complete. There are achievements to be had if you missed them on a first playthrough, but there's really not much replay value to be had, and for 800 MSP, some might find that hard to swallow.

    Conclusion
    The bottom line is that "Harley Quinn's Revenge" is more Batman: Arkham City. That in itself makes it worth playing, but I was expecting something more. It really doesn't add anything to the storyline(as a whole, it seems pretty unnecessary) and it adds nothing in the way of gameplay, other than some variety with playing as Robin for about an hour.

    Batman: Arkham City is one of the best games of 2011, and while this DLC is good, I was just expecting something bigger and better. Overall, though, it's definitely worth playing if you enjoy the game.


    Score:
    7.5/10

  • Review Scale

    Score 10- Flawless Victory: A score not handed out to every game. Games earning this rare score sit at the very pinnacle of excellence. These games act as the examples for which all others should be measured with. They are instant classics from the beginning. These games not only deliver what was expected of it, but also exceed the player’s expectations. The game’s features are innovative and original. No game is without its absolute flaws, but the finished product you bring home surpasses the anticipation the game has formed. A day one buy is a must. The game you hold in your hands with this score is a video game jackpot.

    Score 9 - 9.5- Outstanding: Games earning scores such as these absolutely must be played. Games that achieve this high ranking do so because they define the genres that they are in. Flaws are few and barely noticeable. Features seen in the game have been renovated to provide something new and fresh. The story, gameplay, graphics, and lasting appeal are all fantastic and is reason enough to bring the game home and to enjoy with family and friends. Every penny you spend on the game is so worth it.

    Score 8 - 8.5- Great: Any flaw the game may possess is overshadowed by its fun factor. These games would be great for gamers to play. These great games appeal to gamers more and more outside its normal player base because of what it brings to the table.

    Score 7 - 7.5- Good: Flaws do exist in these games, but the positive features of the game can counterbalance the flaws. Additionally, players who are predisposed to liking a game of a particular series or genre with this score should enjoy the game. These are in no way bad games, and much fun can be had with them. An overall good game is worth taking a look at, whether you are willing to buy the game or rent it first. That or you can also wait for the game to reach a good price.

    Score 6 - 6.5- Decent: Games falling into this category may suffer from numerous flaws (for example, graphics or gameplay), but are still worth playing. Granted, the player should be aware that a game with these scores may not guarantee them full satisfaction.

    Score 5 - 5.5- Average: An average game is one in which a game’s features are neither good nor completely terrible. Instead, the finished product is manageable. Little has been done to hold the player’s interest. If anything, rent this game before you consider buying it so that you can at least get a feel for the game’s overall experience.

    Score 4 - 4.5- Poor: Games falling into this category may only keep gamers entertained for a short while. While the game may seem enjoyable for moments at a time, it can quickly grow old and may never be revisited again. The game’s overall function is lacking in quality and may not hold the player’s attention for long. The game leaves little or nothing else to return back to.

    Score 3 - 3.5- Bad: If any positive qualities about a game in this category exist, it is not enough to redeem the game for its shortcomings. Sure you may find yourself playing it, but for how long? You will wind up not giving the game a second glance.

    Score 2 - 2.5- Horrible: Games such as these may not be totally unplayable, they nearly are. Additionally, they may lack, or greatly suffer in, the fundamental functionality of the software as a whole. The game simply does not come close to meeting industry standards at the time of its release.

    Score 1 - 1.5- Appalling: Gamers should avoid this game at all costs. The game was clearly not ready to make its way to store shelves in its status. Save your money and find something else. See it in the bargain bin? No! Stay away! Keep moving and look for something else.

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