TAS
Legions Of Gothamite
Posts: 75
|
Post by TAS on Mar 9, 2005 10:18:01 GMT -5
Its inevitable that they'll be a game based on The Batman, but the question is, is it going to be done just as bad as the other Batman games? Probaly. Could it easily be the best Batman game? Yes.
Alright, with every new Batman, there comes a new video game (for instance there's a Batman Begins video game coming out) so whats the best way to do a Batman game, after so many have failed?
Well, its pretty simple really (note that Ive done various video game designs in the past and I find this stuff comes pretty easy to me, as ego driven as that sounds)
What does the perfect Batman game need? Freedom. The freedom to actually be, live, and play as Batman. So whats the right combination to make this work? Well lets take two of the past Batman games and combine them. Batman & Robin (PS1) + Batman Vengeance (PS2)
B&R (which I used to have but gave away) offered some of the best features of all the Batman games out there (even though ironicaly it was based on the worst movie) You could play as either Batman, Robin, or Batgirl, each of which played diffriently and each had their own diffrient vehicle (Batman had the Batmobile, and Robin & Batgirl had motorcycles) The Batcave had various excercises to play out like a tutorial (similar to Batman Vengeance) and you could leave the cave at anytime in your char's vehicle driving around Gotham (although the gangs on the street made it incedibly annoying and basicly destory your vehicle a minute after the cave, ie you couldnt really have much fun with this aspect, which sucked) Also you had to explore the city and collect clues before you could actually start a mission, ie after you collect a certain amount of clues it becomes obvious that "Mr.Freeze is going to strike here" then you gotta go be at that place at a certain time (the time factor was pretty stupid and annoying) So thats it for B&R. Now what B&R was missing was the rooftop platform action elements that Batman Vengeance had, along with alot of the cool items/features BV had too. So you combine the elements of B&R and BV, add a few things, take out a few things, and smooth it all out you got yourself a great Batman game.
Another way of looking at the game (I described/envisioned) for those who havent played those games would be to think of the Grand Theft Auto games or the Spider-Man 2 Movie game, where you have lots of freedom and do various missions at your own pace/leisure.
The only other thing I can think of at the moment that Id add in terms of gameplay, that I dont think any of the other Batman games have had, would be the ability to change to Bruce Wayne, which would change Gotham from night to day, ie you'd only be playing with Bruce in the day and Batman at night, and Bruce would have access to areas that Batman dosnt and certain places would only be able to get into in the daytime, and you could do detective work as Bruce if needed. As Batman you could get around Gotham using either the Batmobile, Batcylce, Batplane, Glider Wings, or Rocket Pack. Each becomes avialable after/at a certain mission (except the the Batmobile you'd start with it by default) and each has their pros and cons.
As for it being 3D graphics or cel-shaded. Id have to go with 3D cartoonish style graphics, since cel-shaded games rarely come out god. Sure you might think cel-shaded models will look closer to the shows look, but you can/could actually make 3D cartoonish style models look way better then cel-shaded ones.
Feel free to add your own thoughts and suggestions
|
|
|
Post by azrael24 on Mar 9, 2005 10:31:39 GMT -5
wow, that was a pretty good review! if there is a The Batman video game, i don't think that it'll be like all the other video games this is a new show, new batman, new characters, and new video games!!
|
|
TAS
Legions Of Gothamite
Posts: 75
|
Post by TAS on Mar 9, 2005 11:19:56 GMT -5
All the Batman games have basicly been done the same though, crappy Action games.
See check this out.
ACTION GAME = Beat Em Up Game (where you run around just beating up enemies)
Various Batman Games (NES) (SNES) (PS1) Action - These were all just action side scrollers, went from the left of the screen to the right beating up various enemies.
Batman Vengeance Action Platformer - You're jumping from area to area or running around beating up various enemies. There's also a small stealth element thrown in.
Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu Action - Just a straight foward action game where you're running through areas beating up various enemies.
Batman: Dark Tommorow ? - I never played this game just heard it sucked really bad and was one of the worst Batman games ever.
Batman Begins ? - Dosnt seem like it will be good, and seems to rely on puzzles alot. Although the fear aspect is pretty cool.
And if those werent bad enough all the Superman games (except Death & Return of Superman) have pretty much sucked, like the last 3, Shadow of Apokolips, Man of Steel, and Superman 64.
Companies just dont make good superhero games. The recent Spider-Man games from the PS1 onward have been pretty good though (ironicaly the first two comic inspired games on the PS1 stared Rino Ramano as Peter/Spider-Man, who now does Bruce/Batman's voice for The Batman)
All Ive done above is presented an idea/concept on how to do the best possible Batman game or a great Batman game, cause none of the Batman games have ever been done on the level they should have been.
|
|
|
Post by jasontodd2 on Mar 9, 2005 11:32:27 GMT -5
I gotta agree with you 110%. All of the Batman based video games have been a complete let down. I thought that Rise of Sin Tzu was alright at first, but it just got too damn repetitive, and boring.
Batman is the #1 superhero out there and he deserves to have a #1 video game, that totally rocks and is cool.
I think you have hit it right with a new batman game, it definately needs more freedom and if it can be done like the first SpiderMan Game (PSone), Grand Theft Auto or even the Metal Gear style, it would be a huge improvement.
I like your idea of having the Bruce Wayne character in the game and switching from night to day. What do you think of adding certain missions for Bruce as well into the game. And for him to get to place to place Alfred has to drive him there?
Of course I would want them to do a more generic Batman game, not really based off "The Batman" because I would like to see characters like Nightwing and Robin in the game, unless of course you could unlock them as secret characters or something.
Do you remember that Justice League of America street fighter style game for Nintendo? That was pretty cool
|
|
TAS
Legions Of Gothamite
Posts: 75
|
Post by TAS on Mar 9, 2005 11:57:06 GMT -5
Yeah, I figured/planned on Bruce having his own missions, I just didnt write it down.
Well see Bruce and Batman would have pros and cons compared to one another, and diffrient playing styles.
As Batman you'd have access to all the bat-vehicles and gadgets, fighting, etc.
Now I'll be a little more descriptive with Bruce here since I was already with Batman above (and Batman easy to figure out anyway)
As Bruce, in terms of transportation, you could either have him drive his own sports car, or have Alfred drive him in the limo, although with Alfred and the limo you probaly wouldnt get to control the driving (or maybe you could with a code) he'd also have access to a motorcylcle and small plane.
Bruce would also be able to adopt a disguise like "Matches Malone" (his most commonly used identity aside from Bruce or Bats) and while in disguise you can fight (something Bruce wouldnt be able to do) and you could infiltrate gangs, ie gain their trust by doing (GTA style) missions for them then take them down after learning their secrets as Batman, or report them to the poilce, but you have to have gathered enough info on them or whatever to do either one, ie you'd have the choice between the two allowing more freedom.
The Mission Completeion would be like a Newspaper, like using the above as an example, if you took down the gang as Batman the headline say "The Batman Takes Down Local Gang" or if you reported them to the cops it say "Local Gang Busted By GPD" and a short story would be there as well. The newspapers would also have clues and chances to pursue certain missions, and you'd be able to keep and review all the ones you've collocted.
A more comic book based version would be cool. I just thought of The Batman one since the show is popular now, and there was already a comic based one done fairly recent that failed (Dark Tommorow) so those are why I planned it out as The Batman.
Yeah, Justice League Task Force, it was on the SNES, and featured Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Arrow, Aquaman, Despero, Cheetah and Darkside.
|
|
|
Post by jasontodd2 on Mar 9, 2005 16:19:33 GMT -5
You make some awesome and amazing points. If only a video game person with big ties would stumble in here and see what you have written, it basically sums up what has been missing in all of the batman video games.
And I see your point about basing it off "The Batman" and it would work better, just as long as you can unlock some secret characters. (Batgirl, Robin, Nightwing, etc...)
Playing as Bruce Wayne would be really cool and probably if this game came to life I think alot of people would be playing more as Bruce than with Batman.
For Batman to gain more strength and energy you can have him train in the Batcave with weights and stuff just like GTA San Andreas. And for him to regain health perhaps instead of a floating medical bag or red cross they could have Batman gather up these tokens and when you call upon them Alfred will drive out or meet Batman in a secret location to patch him up.
Oh what about The Bat Bot, would you want that in there as well?
I could see them doing something like this for a Justice League game as well.
|
|
TAS
Legions Of Gothamite
Posts: 75
|
Post by TAS on Mar 10, 2005 1:30:30 GMT -5
Alright, here's the game layout and features, that I came up with...
THE BATMAN: DEFENDER OF GOTHAM
|
|
|
Post by /\/\att on Mar 10, 2005 2:04:23 GMT -5
wow TAS I'm impressed. I'm not a gamer by any means..I enjoy old school, side-scrolling 16bit style games...old nes and genesis were my bag. The new gaming is a bit too intense for me..I don't get into it THAT much. With that being said, the new 'The Batman' plug n' play game is perfect for me. Its repetetive in nature, but I really enjoy it. I don't need to really get deep into the game, personally, just have a bit of fun. Your ideas for a more developed game are great though...you should post it in 'letters to the industry' as well.
|
|
TAS
Legions Of Gothamite
Posts: 75
|
Post by TAS on Mar 10, 2005 2:08:28 GMT -5
I dont think it be a good idea to have Robin, Nightwing, Batgirl, etc, since this would only be the first season and none of them have appeared in The Batman.
The best thing to do in lieu of those would be secret costumes. Similar to what the Spider-Man PS1 games did. Where they basicaly included every incarnation of Spidey's costume. Like you could have the Az-Bats costumed stylized in The Batman and if you had it enabled Bruce Wayne would become Jean Paul Valley. The voice wouldnt change though, it just be a skin change.
The secret costumes I could think of to have unlock would be...
(these might be better suited for a game based on the comic though)
Unmaksed (Bruce head on Batman body) Comic Styled - Blue & Grey Comic Styled - All Black Retro Style (long ears, pouch belt, etc) Jim Lee Style Alex Ross Style Kingdom Come The Dark Knight Returns The Dark Knight Strikes Again Adam West Style Batman The Movie/Micheal Keaton (Bruce Wayne) Batman VS Predator Armor Knightfall Batman/Jean Paul Valley Batman Beyond/Terry McGuinness
Plus few more, like some various Elseworlds ones.
Depending on which skin/costume you're using, the villian skins would also change, like if you were using the movie costume then the villians would look like the movie villians, if you were using the Jim Lee one then the villians would look like the Jim Lee ones, and the same goes with the vehicles too.
He'd be able to carry around med packs on him in his inventory, like in his utitlity belt. There would also various health icons scattered through the city that refill his health as he goes through them, same thing is done for weapons, and whatever else (similar to the GTA games)
I thought about having a Build Up System in the game, but it wouldnt be to the level that GTA: SA's was. It be a bit more simpler then that.
Its in there, see above.
Konami was making a Justice League game, but it got canceled.
|
|
|
Post by Mr. Freeze on Mar 10, 2005 2:28:16 GMT -5
Wow TAS, that is a very cool idea for a Batman game. I also love the idea of a Batman game with Spider-Man ps1 game elements, like the different costumes, also the idea of a fully interactive Gotham City would be awesome.
|
|
TAS
Legions Of Gothamite
Posts: 75
|
Post by TAS on Mar 10, 2005 13:25:40 GMT -5
Yeah, Ill post it there.
|
|
|
Post by azrael24 on Mar 10, 2005 17:59:22 GMT -5
what villains would you have in the game (please don't just sat bane, joker, firefly, and penguin. you HAVE to have the lovely catwoman)
|
|
|
Post by jasontodd2 on Mar 10, 2005 18:48:02 GMT -5
Too busy reading everything else that I overlooked that one ;D. I like your idea of unlocking secret costumes rather than the secret characters. I can see your point and where those characters haven't been introduced into The Batman yet, it might make sense for a sequel game. Konami was making a Justice League game, but it got canceled. That is too bad, just imagine the possibilities of being able to use The Flash or Green Lanterns power ring
|
|
TAS
Legions Of Gothamite
Posts: 75
|
Post by TAS on Mar 10, 2005 19:02:08 GMT -5
It be all the villians from the first season (or first two seasons.)
So if it were just from the first season you'd have
Joker Catwoman Penguin Bane Clayface Man-Bat Mr.Freeze Firefly The Ventriloquist Cluemaster
You'd have two encounters with Joker since Batman fights him in the twice in the first season, and there'd also be original characters created specificly for game too.
The storyline of the game would basicly be fairly close to the first season except it would be an overall story arc, ie finding a way to make all the events and villians fit together (similar to the Batman Hush and Knightfall story arcs)
The villian missions wouldnt be single missions either. They'd be done more like the GTA missions where you do several missions for one person only in this you'd be doing several missions against a person/villian, ie you wouldnt just stop the villian in one mission (except for the final one that involves them) One of Catwoman's missions would inolve you chasing her through the city on your Bat-Line (similar to the chase missions from the Spider-Man games)
|
|
|
Post by jasontodd2 on Mar 10, 2005 19:33:02 GMT -5
One of Catwoman's missions would inolve you chasing her through the city on your Bat-Line (similar to the chase missions from the Spider-Man games) Would you do the same when he is chasing guys like Fire Fly, and The Man Bat for one of the missions or would you have The Batman use one of his bat-vehicles. there'd also be original characters created specificly for game too. I saw one of your posts where it linked to villians that weren't used for the animated Batman tv series, would you suggest or use lesser known villians that would be known to Batman fans? like The Film Freak, Nocturna, or perhaps The Cavalier?
|
|
TAS
Legions Of Gothamite
Posts: 75
|
Post by TAS on Mar 10, 2005 20:01:54 GMT -5
Yeah, there would be chase missions for other villians as well, using the Bat-Line or Bat-Vehicles.
And with the air borne enemies (Firefly, Man-Bat) the chase mission would go into a aerial fight. You'd also get the ability to use (or unlock) the jet pack after one of the Firefly missions.
You can use the vehicles or the bat-line to chase enemies. Some missions would be easier to do with vehicles and some would be easier to do with the bat-line, however it be possible to do it with either method, ie you'd never be forced, with the sea missions, which you'd either have to do with the boat or or jet.
Also unlike the Spider-Man games you'd be able to damage the enemies while chasing them, ie they'd have a life bar, and you could take down while chasing them, so that when/if a fight is enabled at the end of a chase they'd be easier to take down, but it wouldnt be really easy to damage them.
Yeah, at first I was just thinking about making all the original characters just normal people, but relized that wouldnt be very exciting or intresting, so it be better to use really obscure or unused chars that they'd never use for The Batman, and yeah some of those would include Nocturna, Cavalier, and possibly Sin Tzu too (that dude was intended to show up in all kinds of diffrient places with the Batman franchise, but never did to the degree they expected)
Oh and I forgot to mention Dracula could also be included since they're doing that The Batman Vs Dracula movie, and Nocturna could be tied to Drac.
Ill come up with some ideas or toss some stuff around in my head and make a list of the obscure and original chars Id use.
|
|
|
Post by jasontodd2 on Mar 10, 2005 21:43:20 GMT -5
Awesome can't wait.
|
|
|
Post by Robin on Mar 11, 2005 0:01:24 GMT -5
I've always wanted a Batman game with a fighting style very close to the comics. Like hiding in the shadows, jumping out throwing smoke pellets and batarangs then taking out three guys with two punches and a kick. Sin Tzu had cool fighting but was very repetitive. That's why they need to balance it with good detective work. Another thing I thought about was accessing the batmobile from wherever you are in Gotham with your utility belt. There's just endless possibilities for a Batman game.
|
|