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Batman: Arkham City locks Catwoman behind one-time use code

[UPDATE] Warner Bros. packing in redeemable voucher with new copies of action adventure to play as feline vixen; secondhand user access costs $10.

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One of Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment's big reveals at this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo was that Catwoman will be a playable character in Rocksteady Studios' Batman: Arkham City. However, what the publisher failed to mention is that gamers will only be able access Catwoman if they purchase the game new or pay extra for the character.

Catwoman just wants to come out and play.
Catwoman just wants to come out and play.

As first reported by Eurogamer, Batman: Arkham City includes an Online Pass-like one-time use code with new copies of the game that unlocks Catwoman. Those who purchase the game used or obtain it through secondhand channels, such as a rental, will be required to purchase access to the character for $10 (800 Microsoft points) through Xbox Live or the PlayStation Network.

As noted in GameSpot's preview from E3, Catwoman is playable for only a small portion of the main storyline, with her narrative making up about 10 percent of the whole game. However, her abilities are required to access a number of unique Riddler trophies within the game. These trophies play into an optional side quest involving the quizzical villain.

In a statement issued to Eurogamer, a WBIE representative noted that "playing as Catwoman is not required to complete the game."

[UPDATE] Those looking to pick up a used copy of Batman: Arkham City at GameStop will not have to pay the $10 fee to gain access to the Catwoman content. Kotaku reports that used copies of the game purchased at GameStop will have an unlock code printed on the customer's receipt.

This is reportedly a similar arrangement to one in place between GameStop and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment for Mortal Kombat, which also had an Online Pass-like feature for the games multiplayer modes.

GameSpot's own request for comment had not been returned as of press time.

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