IT AIN'T SPLINTER CELL ALL OVER AGAIN!!! Then again, who said it had to be?
To tell the truth, this game recalls the likes of the original Metal Gear, if anything (not the "Solid" series of MG games), where Solid Snake had to use his wits to get through situations and circumstances, which, ultimately, are predetermined by the developers. Sure, Snake could run into a camp, rife with enemy soldiers, and either be slaughtered mercilessly or rewarded with early progression; however, it was always apparent that Snake's safest options were best--options that are not obvious right away, yet recognizing these opportunities becomes second nature once a player became familiar with Snake's large array of gadgets and the designs of the game's areas.
This game is just as measured as, say, an original Metal Gear or, even, The Legend of Zelda. The game does not "hold your hand;” its design is obvious and to-the-point: it's a game based on a Batman MOVIE, first and foremost. It is not meant to challenge the way Pacman or Mario may; it is interactive “video entertainment,” not a video game, per se.
It’s a new concept, I know—it’s only been around for six or so years, but this and a few other games (from EA, in fact) are prime examples. It’s not the most perfect example, either, but this concept is so new, we’re in the midst of its growing pains. It’s similar to the recent King Kong video game, in this respect; although, not as refreshing a video game experience.
Now Batman doesn't have the many tools available to Solid Snake in the original Metal Gear--he has a limited supply of tools, including his patented (I think) Batarangs and grappling hook, which are only available as options at predetermined locations (of course). He also has a few items used to frighten criminals already spooked by conveniently-placed environmental hazards Batman must take advantage of throughout the game. This is the key element in the gameplay: utilizing the fear indicator. It's much more basic than it seems at first, but once I realized that the game isn't attempting to take the somewhat liberated approach that, yes, games like Splinter Cell take, I began to appreciate what the programmers did with this title. Essentially, they've made a product (stressing the word "product") that lets you play out the movie the way a child may with licensed action figures--nothing more, nothing less. To tell the truth, it is common sense what they've done here with this game, but we gamers now completely spoiled and, at times, oblivious to decent quality.
Speaking of which, the game has a spectacular presentation; voice acting is done by the cast of the film, and I suspect the music is that of the great Batman Begins flick. This game is designed for fans of the movie (and Batman geeks…oh, and the very young and impressionable—can’t forget that).
It seems some had very lofty expectations concerning this game. Some were basically comparing every other game featuring Batman to this game in previews for it, never acknowledging the fact of how ignorant and dim-witted such a practice is--Batman is not a video game character, folks. Just be glad the entertainment industries (including the movie, music, and even literature) no longer view video games as glorified playthings for children.
Those who go on to compare this game to the old NES game released around the time Tim Burton's Batman flick was released back in '89 are posturing by way of affectation. Don't they see how superficial a product that thing is? No matter how fun it is, it was released to cop some extra dollars from the public, same as with this game. It was basically, a tamer version of Castlevania, just like some may see this as a tamer version of Splinter Cell. I'll say this, though: this game is closer to the genuine article (a Batman film) than Sunsoft's quick cash-in from back in the day. Don't be ignorant anymore--stop brandishing lame "hardcore" credentials by claiming that the NES game (or Batman Returns on the SNES) is "better" than this game, EA's Batman Begins--it's repugnant and blatantly obvious what you're all doing, so cut the crap.
Some players have come away disappointed with what they've played in this game, but, as for myself, I'm comfortable playing and enjoying this game, as a fan of the film, Batman Begins, and as a video game player. In considering that fact, I can say that, “challenges” in this game are close to non-existent, unless you count the random camera hang-ups and the, at times, unwieldy combat, which is similar to that of “Enter The Matrix,” but much more refined and practical. This game thrives on re-creating scenes from the movie; its stages are short but sweet. That perception, however, may be in the eye of the beholder, as the first impression of the game may hold throughout its presentation. In other words, this game does not look to impress overtly as other games; it simply recalls a movie (featuring Batman) that you may or may not like personally. Please, do not be fooled by others describing this game as "frustrating," too straightforward." Those who describe the game as such are just mad that this game doesn't try to do one million things all at once like most titles nowadays. Either that or they're just upset that there's no multiplayer component in this game (that's what passes for the ultimate complaint in most of today's reviews).
I'm being silly, but there really is a game worth playing here, folks. Don't be fooled by the jaded video game elitists: EA has done a decent job recreating the movie for interactivity--that was all they were expected to do by me. This game is worth purchasing and keeping, especially if you're a fan of the movie. It's apart of the spectacle that is the Batman film franchise's re-emergence, and is worth buying. Unlike Spider-Man 2 last year, it doesn't have to bare a gimmick (an immense city to swing around in) to be worth playing; it simply bears as classy a presentation as the film’s own.
I'd compare it to EA's own Lord of the Rings: Return of the King or 007: Everything or Nothing on the movie re-creation angle. EA knows how to do a movie license justice for the most part.
Take this "review" of mine as an "also-rant" against a repellant practice of some of the more jaded gamers out here. They've talked this game up so much, saying it would be the Batman game to end all Batman games (based on screenshots from previews, as well as their own perceptions of what those screenshots were showing), yet they now criticize it, as if they don't know a decent product once they've played through it.