i think it was definately an issue in PoP, it wasnt just the fact you couldnt die, it was the fact the combat and platforming became an extended QTE, only without a giant button flashing on screen as a prompt. you started a traversal section and it was all just a case of timing button presses as you approached a wall/bar/ring etc...and even then it was beyond forgiving, you could press it 5 ft before getting to the thing and you'd still pass. it was mind numbingly easy, not bacuse of the walking safety net, but becasue it was too automated, and batman is similar...at least going on the demo.

i've played it 4 times now, since despite it's issues i DO enjoy it, but the combat and stealth is completely devoid of skill. if it wasnt for the fact it LOOKED so cool when you was doing these manouvers (transitional animations are practically flawless), i probably wouldnt even bother playing the game at all. becasue given the chance to go back in time, i certainly wouldnt bother with POP or assassins creed again, they're both too automated, and batman looks to be falling into that same catagory.

i'm all for accessibility, but some games out there and some that are soon to be released are pushing it too far. conviction is another one that worries me in that regard...and if my initial feelings about the other games (PoP, assassins creed, batman) are anything to go by, i probably wont be wrong when it comes to conviction either.

the ONLY element of the game that works really REALLY well imo, is the way they have approached stealth. it isnt slow, it's fast paced and much like the combat, cool to just LOOK at. it doesnt have a shred of depth to it, and it isnt particularly difficulty or engaging....but it all just looks so....well, batman-ish...and in that regard it really succeeds, but sadly, that isnt really enough to get me to throw down the RRP for the game. not when the gameplay doesnt back up the awesome production values and atmosphere. but it is certainly one i will rent...it deserves at least that much.

The Dark Knight remake outfit would be very cool.

Well you had some control, certainly better than Assassins Creed but it still felt semi-automatic.

Anyway, sorry for the off topic :D

I concur day one for me also, loved the feel and the atmosphere of the game, the combat is a bit easy but i can also see where strategy will come into play, i can see the reviews being above avg for this game, even though the Playstation mag has already given it a 9/10, but i wont take there review to mean anything, i'll wait for the big guns to give there opinions.

Really? Because it didn't feel like any of the animated series' at all to me. This game above all others feels like a complete homage to the comic book Batman.

Sorry i meant to say the comics not the anime.

Sorry, don't agree. Control-wise it is easy - although I'd rather call that a positive and label it 'accessible' - but it's clear to see that there's going to be a lot of strategic elements in place for the full game. While Assassins Creed got extremely dull with its mechanics, I just can't see the same outcome for Arkham Asylum; heck, I've played the demo alone 5/6 times because it is simply that fun to play. Because of the simplicity of the controls, Batman is easy to control and thus has the kind of power you'd expect him to have. Like I've said before, it doesn't feel like you're avoiding enemies through stealth; you feel like you're toying with them. And I can't see that feeling getting old for a very long time. I do agree with you to a certain extent though; the simplicity of the actual gameplay is glossed over by fancy animations that admittedly look awesome.

Still, they've nailed the feeling of being Batman down to the tee, so I can't really see what more they can do. As for the comment regarding why this isn't from a first-person perspective: what's the point playing as such an iconic figure like Batman if you can't see him?

Looking forward to buying this, fo' shore.

Seriuos contender to game of the Year and I didnt even played the final version...damn its too good.

Loved the demo, will pick up the game.

uh..............all he said was that he wasn't paying full price. meaning he actually wants the game.

You are so wrong in so many levels!

And phaethon was just kidding...

I loved the demo. It really made me feel like the goddamn Batman D:

Still unsure if i will get it day one, but will get it for sure on PC.

Playing the demo and listening to this is awesome btw :p

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZst_2xJHAI

You too? haha, really awesome indeed.
I used that and one of the action pace tracks from The Dark Knight, very fitting indeed.

There is something addictive about the demo, as i keep playing it daily? This is def a day one pick up for my 360.

Haha, me too. I just can't get enough of it, even though it's extremely short (even for a demo).

Definitely day one. Just a shame that 360 owners don't get the Joker challenge rooms to go with it...

http://www.gametrailers.com/video/exclusive-gadget...

Just wow. Against all the odds, this could very well be my GOTY.

Please be my GOTY.

It looks way too good to tell you the truth I just love it.

Damn it stop posting these vids, i am trying to go into blackout for the next few weeks until its release, so no more temptation!!