Comic Con was buzzing yesterday at the reveal of some new characters in ‘Batman: Arkham City’, the hugely anticipated sequel to ‘Batman: Arkham Asylum’ (which, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, is the most critically acclaimed video game ever). Panelists Mark Hamill (‘Star Wars’ & voice of The Joker), Kevin Conroy (voice of ‘Batman: The Animated Series’ and in the game), DC Comics co-publisher Jim Lee, writer Paul Dini (‘Lost,’ ‘Tower Prep’), and game director Sefton Hill (‘Batman: Arkham Asylum,’ ‘Batman: Arkham City’) were on hand to announce that The Penguin will be among the foes to line up against Batman.
The announcement of The Penguin being added to Batman’s villains list and the accompanying trailer brought cheers from the fans at Comic Con. Although still arrogant with his umbrella and monocle, this version of The Penguin sported a more legitimate businessman demeanor with an English accent! No longer will The Penguin be a villain that you snicker at with the mere mention of his name. This makeover actually gives him some legitimacy in the Gotham underworld.
‘Batman: Arkham City’ is set one year after the events of its predecessor ‘Batman: Arkham Asylum’ and all gadgets previously obtained in the first game will be available for the player at the start of this one. The addition of more complex moves and actions the player could use as Batman has been greatly increased as well. The developers wanted to give this game a more realistic “Gotham” feel and have the player not just play the role of Batman but experience it too. By the looks of the trailer, they have done just that!
Other characters announced yesterday to join ‘Batman: Arkham City’ will be Talia (voiced by Stana Katic from ‘Castle’ and ‘Quantum of Solace’), and Solomon Grundy, The Reaper, Calendar Man and Harley Quinn.
The video game is set to be released on October 18th for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. In the meantime you can indulge in the prequel comic books ‘Batman: Arkham City‘ available from DC Comics and check out the newest exclusive trailer from Gamestop here:
