THE ICEMAN COMETH!

We got our first look at the upcoming story based DLC for the video game "Batman: Arkham Origins" today via DC All Access. And as everyone predicted, the story is focused on the frosty member of Batman's rogues gallery, Mr. Freeze.

You can check out the video below, which has the "trailer" as well as a brief discussion on what else we can expect to find in the "Cold, Cold Heart" story based DLC, which is luckily in game, and not just another challenge map like the initial DLC's were. We learn that there will be a new suit for Batman helping him to battle the cryogenic weapons of Freeze and his comrades. As well as some new gadgets.

I am sure there will be on this before it is ready for download on April 22nd, 2014, but until then or until more is revealed, here is the first glance at "Cold, Cold Heart" DLC content coming for "Batman: Arkham Origins":

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WHERE'S MY GAME?

With the "Batman: Arkham" series being so successful, it is a wonder why there hasn't been more superhero games, especially DC Comics characters being given their own game. Of course, there is the argument of not wanting to milk off of Batman, but they do it all the time anyways, why not in this aspect also? Who knows, it could actually lead to a boost in popularity for some of them, or in some case expand off their current fame.

Whether it be an expansion of the Arkham universe, or a totally separate world that is all theirs. I should add I am talking more "rpg" than "fighting" games, with Injustice and others having brought us some heroes and villains from the comic book world. Here is a list of DC Comics characters who should get a solo shot at computer and console fame...

Superman

Not asking for a "Man Of Steel (2013)" version, as in some cases those games can suck, and are limited. But, the world of "Batman: Arkham" or something similar would be great. For the landscapes of course Metropolis connected via video sequence to Smallville. I'd add the Fortress Of Solitude perhaps if it wouldn't be "too much". but if all goes well I would literally shoot for the moon in the sequel. Villains are endless really, throw in some kryptonite at times for a challenge to hinder things like using the x-ray vision like we've all done at times in the Arkham series and Batman's "detective vision". All in all I think Superman could thrive in the video game world.

Green Arrow

He's somewhat reference in Batman: Arkham Origins (look closely), and the CW television series "Arrow" being popular, it may be time for Oliver Queen to bring his bow and arrow to the video game realm. The similarities between Batman and Green Arrow mean it wouldn't be hard to do. Perhaps add some first-person-view aspects for some sniper work from the shadows, and some quick fire actions for close combat, as the Emerald Archer uses more than just the contents of his quiver to fight, so again, it wouldn't be difficult I am sure. Even add Arsenal in his Speedy days, or Black Canary (a la Catwoman in "Batman: Arkham City") for support.

Wonder Woman

This may not be at the top of the priority list for the character having only really had a hit television show way back in the late 1970's. The Amazonian Princess is, however, making her big screen debut (finally) in the upcoming sequel to "The Man Of Steel" (2013). I am not sure what direction they are taking the character in the upcoming films, but in a video game scenario, I would take it possibly back to origin. Which would basically translate a Xena-like world for Wonder Woman. Perhaps even have Lucy Lawless voice the character (always thought she should've been back in the 90's). Like Superman, the challenge is to have this character "weakened" at times to add a challenge to the game, otherwise even the most difficult modes will be a walk in the park. I would save the Steve Trevor and us humans for the sequel if all goes as planned.

The Flash

Yes, another of DC Comics "big" names, but with only Batman being the lone video game hero from them, may be best to start with them. Add that he has a new series coming out soon (if you watch "Arrow" you saw the seeds be planted). Plus, with The Flash, there is the coolness of a driving game but on foot. The Flash can run as fast as he wants too, but if he isn't in control, he is going to crash. Just like driving. There has been three main speedsters, the original Jay Garrick, Barry Allen, and Wally West. The glory of this is that the only real difference between them all is appearance and character traits. Meaning they could include all three of them in one story/game to appeal to everyone who is a fan of the Scarlet Speedster. "Black Flash" and/or "Black Lantern Flash" skins are a total must for this nerd.

Green Lantern Hal Jordan

He has fallen under the "needs redemption" list, with "Green Lantern" (2011) not fairing too well in theaters. Also, there is a heavy rumor that Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson could play Green Lantern John Stewart in either the "Man Of Steel" (2013) sequel(s), or in a solo film. The video game "Green Lantern: Rise Of The Manhunters" didn't seem to get good reviews either, leaving this as Hal Jordan's shot to reclaim his spot as "top" Green Lantern...outside of the comic books of course. Also, similar to The Flash, the other Green Lanterns of Sector 2814 could be a part of the game as well. Of course, Guy Gardner would require a skin of his current Red Lantern look in my opinion. Nathan Fillion with the Hal Jordan voice work of course.

Villains

We get a taste of villainy in "DC Universe Online" and online play in "Batman: Arkham Origins", but it isn't enough. With not just the popularity of the "Batman: Arkham" series, but the massive popularity of the "Grand Theft Auto" series, it isn't hard to imagine a villains game happening. Add the fact that some villains would fit perfectly in a GTA-styled game. More aptly fitting characters would be ones like The Joker, Two-Face, Deathstroke, basically the "human" bad guys. However, with some tweeks others could work well also, but definitely Batman's rogues gallery.



There's an endless list of character who could use a successful video game to boost their popularity or in some cases general existence. And of course, other publications could use some more and/or better video game franchises. They ever make a "Spawn" game yet? Looking forward to one day playing Deadpool's as well as "X-Men: Destiny" as it has a "Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic" for X-Box kind of vibe to it.

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WHAT WAS MISSING FROM BATMAN: ARKHAM ORIGINS

Mind you everything that is listed may be reserved for the next edition of the Arkham video game series, or some of it may even play out some how in the upcoming Story DLC, even though all signs seem to point to when the Ice Man cometh. Still, incase they don't plan on  expanding off of the latest installment,Arkham Origins, taking things back before both Arkham Asylum and Arkham City, then these are the things I felt was missing from this otherwise really good game, not Arkham City good, but held its own none the less.

Catwoman

I thought cats had nine lives, and since she was a great addition to Batman: Arkham City, I figured she still had all nine intact. She is referenced within the game, but only in a conversation by some thugs within the city if my memory serves me correct. With the addition of the next thing missing, makes me think that perhaps there will be another pre-Arkham Aslum/City installment, and it will be a spin on "The Long Halloween" story arc. Which will be awesome. But, really missed being able to play as Mrs. Kyle in game, not just the challenge maps. Something that my daughter definitely missed, and wasn't as interested as she was with Arkham City rounding up 100-200x Combo's ahaha

Harvey Dent aka Two-Face

I thought for sure there would be "Vote For Harvey" or "Vote For Dent" posters all around the place, unscathed unlike in the other games. But there wasn't. And then with a certain Mister Alberto Falcone likely "pre-Holiday" in the mix I thought for sure there would be something. But no. However, like I said I am thinking a "Long Halloween" next time around and we see the Cat, and Harvey in some fashion, possibly already as Two-Face, and add the "star" of "The Long Halloween", and we would have an extra three "Wins" already at least character wise.

The Batmobile

We haven't really seen it since the first installment of this great franchise, Batman: Arkham Asylum. In Arkham Origins, the iconic vehicle is torn down and about to be built for the first time by the looks of it. There was the Batwing, but I was hoping that with the addition of the Batcave (which was a massive plus in my opinion) we'd maybe get to get behind the wheel ourselves so to speak, at least to a certain part on the out skirts, or something. Perhaps if there's a next installment, there will at least be Batmobile "drop-off" points similar to how they did with the Batwing. The streets are pretty narrow, but we've yet to set foot in "new" Gotham really, with "Wayne Enterprises" still off in the distance. I will admit however, that it wouldn't be long after they gave me control of the Batmobile that I would start wanting "skins" for the vehicle, 60's Batmobile that we all know, "Batman (1989)", etc etc ahaha

Deathstroke

Yes I know he is playable in the challenge maps, but being able to play as Catwoman in game spoiled me quick after disappointment with the lack of Mr. J like in the first installment of the hit franchise. I have found playing as him quite the challenge in those maps (hence the name right? aha) mind you, but felt there could've been a way to have him able to roam the city post credits, or exactly like his predscessor, be playable as apart of the story also, perhaps hunting down The Joker post-escape.

The Falcone's and The Maroni's

Alberto Falcone is in the game, and there is reference to his father, Carmine, and others, but there doesn't seem to be any reference of them in the game landscape wise, like there was in Arkham City. With Batman still somewhat "new to the game", and seems to be in the transition from Mobsters to Super-Villains, I thought there would still be at least visual evidence of their existence in the city. But, perhaps they will be a bigger part of the next one, like I mentioned with Catwoman and Two-Face, the Mob-Families are a big part of that story.

Martha and Thomas Wayne

With this being very early in the "career" of Batman, I was very shocked that we were left to either seek out or stumble upon the site that basically created Batman. Wouldn't this still be very much the fire that fuels him? Now, they may have been trying to get away from that, or when you come across it via the direction of the game you'll notice of all Batman's "crime investigations", he's the most aggressive for this one when he finds the criminal. Was it because he knew the victims? Or was where it happened turn up the heat? I actually liked how we could "pay respect" at the site in Arkham City, just thought it would be still there are pointed out at least.


Those were just small things for me, the game was very good. Especially with them having transitioned over to a different studio, and even the voice work was good with characters like Batman and The Joker (No Conroy or Hamel this time around). \Loved the additions of the Batcave, especially with the suit chamber, a flying villain to battle against, the small run as The Red Hood was epic for me, amongst other things. And with some complaining that it was the exact same game, the map yes, although they altered it, made bridges and roads intact, which made sense story wise also, there were new gadgets that made for some pretty cool moves within the game, and we got to see some new Villains and characters. Barbara Gordon clearly pre-Batgirl (if she exists here), Alfred Pennyworth in the flesh and there to chat with when you feel like it, Deathstroke, even a smaller level character like Anarky, who we got to see how he could possibly be a problem for Batman.

I guess "my" next obvious installment under this category would be what I think should be, mixed in with what I think will play out in what I would think, is an obvious follow-up. I would prefer "Batman: Arkham Origins II" over "Batman: The Long Halloween" or "Batman: Arkham Origins: The Long Halloween". Just sayin'.

Stay Nerdy!!