Batman Arkham Origins: Blackgate - Deluxe Edition Review (Strikehounder)
As a big fan of the Arkham-verse, sadly I have to say I really disliked this game. I constantly got lost trying to find my way to the next objective, because all three main areas are labyrinths. I tried to make use of the map, but for the most part I found it hard to decipher. Also it was not helpful that the game limits progression by making you obtain a gadget or key item in a different building constantly. I would have enjoyed the game a little bit if they had at least one building where you can progress without leaving. It would have helped me learn the layout of that building a lot better.
Combat is basic and clunky, and you can't use your gadgets in combat which is unfortunate. This is a missed opportunity as having a 2D beat em' up with the Arkham-verse combat would have been amazing.
The sneaking sections are also sub par, and your options for taking down enemies are slim compared to the other Arkham games.
Detective mode is bare bones as well, and not as useful. You constantly have to scan the environment which is tedious. For some objects, once you've found an object by scanning it; if you encounter the same object later multiple times, you still have to rescan the item to interact with it. This makes Detective mode less helpful as these objects aren't highlighted until you scan them, so you're better off just scanning everything left right and centre.
New game plus is also bare bones. On subsequent playthroughs you keep evidence and various costumes, but you lose your power ups and armour buffs. Normally these wouldn't be an issue for me, but because it was pain in the ass the track those things down, it definitely made me mad. Again, had the game just took away key items for story progression reasons, I would be understand. But they take away your buffs and armour, making New game plus almost equivalent to starting a brand new game.
In summary, don't play this game. Instead, play any other of the Arkham games. You'll be happier for it.