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THIS REVIEW IS IN ENGLISH FOR SPANISH HERE'S THE VIDEO: https://youtu.be/jN8oY2aJfko
(ESTA RESEÑA ES EN INGLÉS PARA ESPAÑOL AQUÍ ESTÁ EL VIDEO)


The Rejects of Gotham: Batman: Arkham Origins and Blackgate

The Bat's Bastard Sons
When people talk about the Arkham saga, the spotlight always shines on Asylum, City, and Knight. They’re the holy trinity of the Bat, the sacred trio of stealth, combos, and gothic nightmares.
But there are two games that dwell in the shadows, ignored, underestimated, treated like bastard children: Arkham Origins and Blackgate.
Today, we’re giving them a cape and a pedestal, because these two titles aren’t just unfairly forgotten, they have heart, story, and soul.
Maybe they don’t reinvent the wheel, but they make it spin with blood, sweat, and bat wings.
Arkham Origins: The Winter of the Vigilante
Arkham Origins is, for many, the missing link. But for those who can see beyond hype, it’s one of the most powerful narratives in the entire saga.
We meet a young Batman, just born into the world of crime, still without that legendary aura. A guy who still makes mistakes, who doubts, who breaks.
And for those of us who love hero psychology, that’s narrative gold.
The good:
A more intimate story, centered on the myth’s construction.
Iconic villains well-developed.
Cinematic moments worthy of a premium comic.
Gotham’s winter design: desolate, cold, echoing with pain.
The bad:
Some bugs still haunt the game like ghosts.
Difficulty spikes that feel arbitrary.
Riddler challenges remain a toothache, as always.
Gameplay
Arkham Origins’ combat is pure adrenaline. It’s the same engine as City, but with slight tweaks that make it feel more visceral.
The combos flow, gadgets feel useful, and the open world, though recycled, feels complete and packed with content.
Exploring snowy Gotham is a delight.
Side missions bring variety, some are repetitive, but some minor villain arcs are little gems for Bat-fans.
The good:
Solid, classic Arkham combat.
Great boss fights.
Side plots that organically expand the universe.
The bad:
The open world doesn’t innovate.
Some Riddler challenges make you want to torch the Batcave.
Blackgate: The Bat in 2.5D
Now we move on to the younger brother: Arkham Origins Blackgate.
A game that takes a different route. A spin-off that turns into a 2.5D Metroidvania and, against all odds, becomes much more than just a “companion piece.”
No open world. No city.
There are hallways, locked doors, gadgets that unlock new paths, backtracking, and environmental puzzles.
And there’s something else: style.
Every cutscene is a moving comic book panel. And if you’re into aesthetics, you’re gonna fall in love.
The good:
Gorgeous, coherent comic-book style.
Good exploration rhythm.
A more detective-like, slower tone.
A story that perfectly complements Origins and sets up Asylum.
The bad:
Persistent bugs (especially with achievements).
Clunky controls.
Some boss mechanics feel undercooked.
The Game’s Soul
Blackgate shines when it gets into detective mode.
It’s not all punches and combos. There’s investigation, gadgets, hidden routes.
It’s a more cerebral, contained experience.
You don’t get City’s adrenaline, but there’s a constant sense of discovery.
And when it comes to fights... yes, there are some.
Limited, sure. Simpler, too. But still effective.
The good:
Focus on analysis and strategy.
Great prison atmosphere.
Solid story that adds to the Arkham lore.
The bad:
Some repetitive areas.
Occasionally confusing map.
Bugs, and Legacy
Blackgate, especially, suffered at launch. Bugs, glitches, broken achievements.
But today, it’s playable and even enjoyable. And if you’re a Bat-fan, you’ll forgive it all.
The legacy of these two games is weird, fragmented… but real.
They’re part of a bigger story.
Two Gems That Deserve Redemption
Arkham Origins and Blackgate aren’t perfect.
But they’re full of identity.
They’re not the saga’s favorite sons.
But maybe, like any good bastard, they’ve got more fight than the legitimate ones.
Recommended for:
Batman and Arkham universe fans.
Lovers of dark, foundational stories.
Players who enjoy stealth and investigation.
Not recommended for:
Those seeking polished, AAA experiences.
People allergic to bugs.
Players who can’t stand lack of gameplay innovation.
My advice:
Buy them on sale.
Play them without prejudice.
Origins will surprise you with its story.
Blackgate will seduce you with its format.
And together, they complete a key piece in the mythology of the Bat.