It's got its problems, but this port is definitely a must-play.
As for the gameplay, it remains mostly intact, though there are some new features. The free-flowing combat is still as good as it gets when it comes to fighting, as you can turn around and beat up anyone while not losing any rhythm in your step. Countering is a bit easier than expected, but, hey, who dares to try and hit Batman anyway? Flying through the city is also a blast, between the use of your Batcape and your grapple gun. Catwoman's segments are equally enjoyable, though she's a bit too capable of leaping up onto roofs. She must have quite the leg strength.
The Wii U version does have some new features. You can now select items from your utility belt using the secondary screen, which is a lot simpler than before, and you can also hold up the GamePad to the TV screen in detective mode when it comes to searching for clues – a bit gimmicky, but neat nevertheless. Radio transmissions are easier to find with a touch screen, and you can also control Batarang throws using the tilting function of your controller. Like I said, not all of it works one hundred percent, but it's good to see Warner Bros. try and deliver an experience that's unique to Nintendo's console.
While the game isn't as graphically smooth as the PS3 version (we found a few glitches here and there, and it's not 1080p as promised), Batman Arkham City still bears a strong resemblance on the Wii U. While we're not fans of the new armor that Batman and Catwoman are wearing (too darn shiny), the environmental settings are still rich and filled with detail, and the animations are remarkable, especially as Batman smoothly dispatches of a group of nasty clown thugs. The audio is equally on target, between a strong music score (taken from the original game) and quality vocal work from Kevin Conroy (as Batman) and the always-welcome Mark Hamill (the Joker).
Though the lack of entirely new content is a bit startling, there's more than enough included in Batman Arkham City: Armored Edition to keep you busy. Re-exploring this city never gets old, and the new tools given through the GamePad are rather reliable, for the most part. Even if you think you've gotten to see everything that the Caped Crusader is about, you owe it to yourself to give this game another look. Make sure you put it on your Bat-Radar this holiday season.
Score: 8.5 / 10
