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Batman: Arkham HD Collection Coming to PS4 and Xbox One This Year - Report

Rocksteady's last-gen Batman games will get visual makeover for new consoles, according to leak.

By Eddie Makuch on April 18, 2016 at 11:28AM PDT

168 Comments

As rumored, Rocksteady's first two Batman games will be re-released on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, it seems. A GameStop employee has sent images of an unannounced "Batman HD Collection" to Eurogamer, suggesting the bundle will include new versions of Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009) and Batman: Arkham City (2011), as well as all DLC for both games. This matches up with the report from March 2015.

Batman: Arkham Origins, created outside of Rocksteady by WB Games Montreal, will not be included. Arkham Asylum and Arkham City were originally released for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, as well as PC.

The new versions of those games included with the rumored Batman HD Collection will have "updated visuals" that have been "optimized" for PS4 and Xbox One, according to the leak.

Eurogamer reports that the Batman HD Collection will go on sale June 10, with preorders opening tomorrow, April 19. If that is indeed the case, an official announcement may be imminent.

GameSpot has contacted Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment in an attempt to get more details. We'll report back with anything we hear from the publisher.

The first two Batman Arkham games gained near-unanimous praise from critics. GameSpot's Arkham Asylum review explained: "Everything about this game--the impressive visuals, stirring soundtrack, superb voice acting, fiendish puzzles, hard-hitting combat--feels like it has been lovingly crafted by a development team that's both knowledgeable and passionate about the source material. Miss out on this one and the joke's on you."

Its successor, Arkham City, was also rated highly: "From the speedy exhilaration of soaring high above the streets to the atmospheric thrill of discovering long-forgotten secrets in the tunnels below Gotham, this is an unforgettable adventure that will keep you coming back to the cape and cowl long after you've seen the credits roll."

The latest Batman console game was Batman: Arkham Knight, which came out in June 2015 and has reportedly sold 5 million copies. It was also developed by Rocksteady, and is apparently the last Batman game the UK studio plans to make for the foreseeable future.

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cboye18

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cboye18

Franchise with the second worse combat mechanic I've played, otherwise a well-crafted one. Nothing beats the agony of Assassin's Creed abysmal combat mechanics though.

2 • 8 years ago

deactivated-64efdf49333c4

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deactivated-64efdf49333c4

@cboye18: You're in a very tiny minority.

4 • 8 years ago

cboye18

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cboye18

@Barighm: Of course I am; casuals don't see the problem with the combat system. Almost every move/combo are rhythmic contextual button presses shown on screen with zero regard to button press timing (which is why you can counter almost every attack "on time") and an infinite dodge/roll mechanic to bypass all enemy attacks. There's no skill required here and nothing to master, as advanced abilities just makes the rhythmic combat more easy to perform. The same issues lies within Shadow of Mordor and Mad Max as well.

Want to see a melee combat system that requires true skill and timing? Go play DMC3/4, the Souls games and Dragon's Dogma.

Upvote • 8 years ago

Fedor

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Fedor

@cboye18: Calling it casual makes little sense. Turn off the counter indicator if you want more challenge

4 • 8 years ago

cboye18

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cboye18

@fedor: It makes perfect sense; the fact that combo's are contextual button presses, dodge/counter moves works as risk-free maneuvers with no proper timing needed and in-game progression actually makes the overall combat much easier than it should be is clear evidence that this game is made for people who want to turn their mind off (not aquiering and improve actual skill) and still be able to enjoy it. In other words, the game is made for casuals.

And no, turning off the counter indicator won't make the combat more challenging because as I said before, it doesn't require timing. You'll always be able to counter their attacks whether you pressed the button too early or too late. The fundamental design of the combat system in these games were made with little skill requirement and risks in mind.

Upvote • 8 years ago

AmuricanPatriot

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Edited By AmuricanPatriot

@cboye18: Honestly, it sounds like the problem has less to do with the Batman games and more to do with how you prefer to play very difficult games that require many hours to master. Ratcheting up the difficulty level to hard and removing the counter indictors in these games is plenty challenging for the majority of players. If you still deem it to be too easy, then I'd recommend either trying the challenge maps or hopping back onto the Dark Souls series. The combat mechanics are fine in these games - making a game deliberately challenging just for the sake of it usually isn't beneficial (not to say that a game being too easy is good, either). The fact of the matter is that most people aren't looking for Dark Souls-esque level of difficulty in T-rated Batman games (with the exception of Arkham Knight being rated M). There are plenty of other options for you to look into if what you primarily care about is challenge. That's just my two cents.

Upvote • 8 years ago

cboye18

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cboye18

@NBAmaster33: You seem to catch that I prefer difficult games for the sake of being difficult - that's not what I meant. For instance, games like Smash Bros, Street Fighter, Dark Souls, DMC, heck even Mario platforming games has a basic combat system that is easy to learn yet challenging because they still require skillful execution. These games shine even more for advanced players because the combat is difficult to master due to having more depth than meets they eye. The more you play these games, the more you fine-tune and hone the basic skills you learned into more advanced skills, which in turn can be applied in more advanced modes. That's why people of all sorts love these games; they pose a challenge for the skillful (veteran) and less skillful players (newcomers) alike.

Batman Arkham series, SoM and Mad Max combat system lack this depth and mastery. By the end of each game the progression in abilities makes the game a lot easier than it should be whilst still maintaining the same basic rhythm in combat. Once you get down the basics of attack, dodge and stun you'd pretty much mastered the game; those gadgets you aquiere along the way are optional uses after all. Sure, the game tries to bring some degree of skillful play with combo's, but the combat never gets in an advanced stage to take requirement of this and therefore never feels necessary. What I also find to hurt these games is the lack of button timing in order to successfully counter enemy attacks and that rolling/dodging makes you completely invulnerable, which completely dumb down risk you'd have.That doesn't mean the combat is broken, but way too simplistic and streamlined for my taste (hence why I said these games were made with casuals in mind).

So the lack of depth/mastery within the combat system, the lack of an advanced mode (not just higher damage/more health ratio) that takes advantage of more fine-tuned skills and the lack of risks involved during combat as avoiding enemy attacks being easy to perform, those are the main reasons why I can't enjoy games with this combat system.

Upvote • 8 years ago

AmuricanPatriot

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@cboye18: Sorry about such a late response to this - I meant to respond much earlier but just never got around to it.

I think it really depends on the difficulty setting. On Easy or Normal, sure, the Batman games are pretty easy, and you most likely won't perish more than a handful of times throughout the game. Then again, a game doesn't need to be difficult in order to be enjoyable. However, if played on the hardest difficulty setting, the player is forced to use different tactics in order to progress through the different encounters, especially without the counter indicator above enemies' heads, which makes me question why you believe there's a lack of button timing. For example, in Arkham Origins during the Deathstroke boss fight, it's almost completely a matter of timing your counter properly without the indicator. Simply mashing down on the X or square button won't cut it on Hard or if you're trying to attain high scores in the Challenge maps because the enemies will clobber you.

The actual mechanics might not have a whole lot of depth to them, but the context in which they are used have variety. Different enemy types require different types of dodges or attacks to effectively defeat, such as enemies with shields, the Titans from Arkham City, enemies with knifes or stun rods, etc...Often times all of these enemies are present in a single encounter, and so the player must resort to using different attack combos and such to defeat them, which, in my view, always keeps the combat fresh.

Again, I think your points are valid if you play on the easier difficulties, but I think the game requires a bit more mastery on Hard and is more challenging than you give it credit for. I certainly respect where you're coming from because I think a recent game that is akin to those you listed is Rocket League, which is easy to pick up and play casually but requires practice and skillful technique to actually be good at.

Upvote • 8 years ago

FBohler

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@cboye18: totally agree. Batman and AC combat are hideous.

2 • 8 years ago

AmuricanPatriot

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@FBohler: Why? I suppose the combat can be repetitive if you rinse and repeat the same two moves again without using any combos or equipment, but the actual mechanics are responsive and fluid.

Upvote • 8 years ago

FBohler

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@NBAmaster33: Buttom prompts... they ruin gameplay.

Upvote • 8 years ago

AmuricanPatriot

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AmuricanPatriot

@FBohler: You know there's an option to remove those, right?

Upvote • 8 years ago

jack00

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Edited By jack00

I'm still waiting for the GOTY edition of batman arkham knight before buying the game...

Upvote • 8 years ago

Stebsis

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@jack00: GOTY edition for a game that I don't think was even nominated anywhere...

Upvote • 8 years ago

bwats84

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bwats84

@jack00: That's what I'm still waiting on

Upvote • 8 years ago

scottyp360

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scottyp360

@jack00: There have been some good sales for the game and season pass. I've seen the game for as cheap as $20. A few months ago the playstation store had the season pass for $20. You can get the complete game for a low pricejust got to keep and eye out and take advantage of sales.

Upvote • 8 years ago

Elranzer

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Elranzer

@jack00: Does it come with DLC that makes the game actually run on PC?

4 • 8 years ago

soul_starter

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soul_starter

There are more remasters and remakes on these consoles than actual new game releases.

2 • 8 years ago

NillaNate

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@soul_starter: No, there aren't.

Upvote • 8 years ago

deactivated-64efdf49333c4

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deactivated-64efdf49333c4

@soul_starter: It's not year 1 anymore, dude.

Upvote • 8 years ago

BDRTFM

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BDRTFM

Cool, I have Arkham Knight but not the others on Xbox One. Will buy when its a decent price.

Upvote • 8 years ago

J-007

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J-007

If they can make it as clean as arkham knight then sure but I also don't see why arkham origins is excluded. Not that I'm that disturbed but I'm still up for it with a nice price. These remasters are a bit much but well thought out to b honest

Upvote • 8 years ago

deactivated-64efdf49333c4

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Edited By deactivated-64efdf49333c4

@J-007: Different studio. Says right there in the article.

Upvote • 8 years ago

J-007

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J-007

@Barighm: Thank you

Upvote • 8 years ago

Archangel3371

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Archangel3371

Sweet. I loved these games originally and will certainly enjoy these new upgraded versions.

Upvote • 8 years ago

deactivated-60b838d2a137f

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Edited By deactivated-60b838d2a137f

These games still look really good on PC so I don't think an HD remaster is such a bad thing, no one is pressuring you to buy the game if you already played them, but I think they could benefit a lot from the extra power on the new consoles. I think Arkham Asylum is still my favorite in the series, and the aesthetic has a lot to do with that, it really pops on PC compared to the X360 version I first played.

That being said it seems like a bit of a gouge if they're not including Origins if they're trying to sell this for full price, Origins was a solid game as well and doesn't really deserve to be snuffed. I actually put more time into that game than Arkham City...

Upvote • 8 years ago

deactivated-64efdf49333c4

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deactivated-64efdf49333c4

@nl_skipper: Once again, different studio.

Upvote • 8 years ago

deactivated-60b838d2a137f

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deactivated-60b838d2a137f

@Barighm: I know, but it's the same publisher and Origins is clearly made from Rocksteady's framework so it's not like it would be out of their league or anything.

Upvote • 8 years ago

captainwonton

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captainwonton

I know arkham origins wasnt that great but fucking include it in the collection, its a fucking collection the more the merrier, that game wasnt terrible it just wasnt as good as the previous ones

Upvote • 8 years ago

deactivated-64efdf49333c4

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deactivated-64efdf49333c4

@captainwonton: And here's the fourth one: DIFFERENT STUDIO!!!

2 • 8 years ago

phoenix1289

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phoenix1289

@Barighm: So damn what. The game was still an Arkham game for last gen and it was still canon. The fact that it was made by a different studio isn't an excuse for not being able to include it especially considering they own the rights to all the Arkham games to begin with meaning that isn't even an excuse.

Upvote • 8 years ago

scottyp360

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@zero_juice: it is possible for them to work on multiple titles at once. I don't think it takes an entire studio to Remaster a game. It is very possible for them to be working on a new game (such as a superman title) and a Remastered collection at the same time.

Upvote • 8 years ago

itshopeless13

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itshopeless13

@zero_juice: seriously

3 • 8 years ago

Myron117

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Myron117

I'll be honest, this is probably the worst generation of consoles i have ever owned. It is just remakes and remasters, ports and sequels.

The PC has been on fire for the past couple of years but these consoles are an absolute joke. I cant speak for the WiiU, but the PS4 and XB1 are just bland.

12 • 8 years ago

stage4saiyan

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stage4saiyan

@Myron117: "The PC has been on fire for the past couple of years"

I can't name 5 good PC exclusives within the past few years. I have a 780ti and i7-2600k that has proven to be all but a waste of money. I only play FF14, Black Desert, and Star Citizen.

Upvote • 8 years ago

deactivated-64efdf49333c4

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deactivated-64efdf49333c4

@Myron117: Where do people get this love for PC from? Looks prettier? Okay, sure, but I can't get past all the maintenance, instability, and cheaters that PC games suffer from.

2 • 8 years ago

Dark_sageX

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@Barighm: what maintenance? what instability? and what cheaters? you sound like a console tool who hasn't the slightest clue about PC gaming.

6 • 8 years ago

eli150

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eli150

@Myron117: though today i'm more of a PC gamer.. i hope things will get better for consoles in the coming years. thought about buying a PS4 for Uncharted 4 and Infamous but right now it's just not worth the money

3 • 8 years ago

Bread_or_Decide

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@Myron117: The absolute worst. The Wii U is the only one with any true merit.

3 • 8 years ago

cornbredx

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cornbredx

Maybe someone should tell them these games are already in HD?

9 • 8 years ago

Xristophoros

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Xristophoros

@cornbredx: but they aren't "true" hd at 60fps (you'll be surprised how many people won't play a game unless it meets that threshhold) :D

Upvote • 8 years ago

Fedor

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Fedor

@Xristophoros: they are on pc.

5 • 8 years ago

Xristophoros

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Xristophoros

@fedor: this is true :D

Upvote • 8 years ago

AssaultMonkey9

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AssaultMonkey9

Oy vey this gen has been terrible. Almost 3 years in and were being told to get excited for dead island, Bioshock, and batman ports

HD remakes of ps2 to PS3 were fine- but these are not games that have aged poorly

7 • 8 years ago

deactivated-64efdf49333c4

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deactivated-64efdf49333c4

@AssaultMonkey9: Who is telling you to get excited for ports? All I'm seeing is hype for Battleborn, Overwatch, DOOM 3, Uncharted 4...and a bunch of new games.

Upvote • 8 years ago

Xristophoros

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Edited By Xristophoros

@AssaultMonkey9: heard ya the first time :D

5 • 8 years ago

brn-dn

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brn-dn

I predict Arkham Knight complete edition will also be out in June.

Upvote • 8 years ago

BobaFettHatesU

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BobaFettHatesU

@brn-dn: Without SLI support, the Bat is only half a man.

2 • 8 years ago

straightcur

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straightcur

Trying to cash in with as minimal effort as possible, but not even including the entire series. This is one of the laziest fails ive seen. Go make a new game. Your last one was a disappointment.

6 • 8 years ago

XenomorphAlien

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Edited By XenomorphAlien

@straightcur: It doesn't include the entire series because Knight isn't even a year old and already on this gen and Origins was made by another team.

Upvote • 8 years ago

Alien-Ouy

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Alien-Ouy

@straightcur: INDEED

Upvote • 8 years ago

Xristophoros

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Xristophoros

they should have included origins... so what if rocksteady did not develop it... that was part of the trilogy. also, it was a lot better than people give it credit for. without spoiling anything, i might have enjoyed it more than asylum in some respects.

Upvote • 8 years ago

deactivated-60b838d2a137f

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deactivated-60b838d2a137f

@Xristophoros: Yeah I thought Origins was fine, the only way it really suffered imo was that it was the 3rd in the series so it started to feel a little stale, but I still liked it more than Arkham Knight which felt like 2 games melted together (by which I mean all the batmobile stuff, it just didn't jive for me).

Upvote • 8 years ago

DocSanchez

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Christ.

The original Arkham games were in HD. They were last gen.

Upvote • 8 years ago

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