Batman Arkham Origins: Blackgate - Deluxe Edition Review (xxadonisxx)
When I first heard about Arkham Origins Blackgate, I wasn’t sure what to expect. It’s not a mainline Arkham game—it’s a 2.5D side-story set after Origins, designed for handheld consoles originally. But playing the Deluxe Edition on a bigger screen gave me a fresh appreciation for this smaller-scale, yet surprisingly satisfying Batman adventure.
Blackgate doesn’t try to be Asylum or City. Instead, it embraces a Metroidvania style—side-scrolling exploration, interconnected areas, puzzles, and a focus on platforming. It’s like Batman meets classic 90s action-adventure, but with all the dark atmosphere and grit you expect from the Arkham universe.
This smaller scale meant the story is tighter, more focused. Gotham’s infamous Blackgate Penitentiary becomes the perfect cage—a claustrophobic and dangerous labyrinth where familiar villains are on the loose.
Controlling Batman felt smooth, and I enjoyed unlocking new gadgets and abilities that opened up previously inaccessible areas. The map design encouraged backtracking, but never felt tedious thanks to good pacing and varied challenges.
Combat was simplified compared to the main Arkham games but still packed a punch. Timing counters and managing limited gadget use kept fights engaging without overwhelming the classic side-scroller format.
The story is straightforward but effective—Batman trying to restore order after a prison riot. The villains, including Penguin and Deadshot, bring the kind of sinister energy you’d expect, even if the narrative isn’t as deep or complex as the main titles.
Graphically, the hand-painted comic book style is a standout. It perfectly captures Gotham’s grimy, noir vibe in a way that feels fresh and artistic. The music and sound effects set a moody, immersive tone that kept me hooked.
The Deluxe Edition adds some neat features—additional difficulty modes, an extra challenge mode, and even a detective mode that rewards careful exploration. These extras boosted replay value and made me appreciate the game’s design even more.
Arkham Origins Blackgate might not have the blockbuster scale or cinematic polish of the main Arkham series, but it’s a solid, charming, and atmospheric detour. It scratches the Batman itch with tight gameplay, moody presentation, and just enough challenge.
For fans craving more Arkham lore and a fresh gameplay style, Blackgate is a welcome and rewarding bite-sized adventure.
A compact Arkham experience that surprises with style and substance.
Not a main event, but a satisfying side story well worth the time.
Rating: 6/10