BATMAN: ARKHAM ORIGINS is the upcoming prequel to the critically-acclaimed BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY and is the third installment in the popular ARKHAM video game series. Fans of the series have been following its development with great interest since news surfaced that British developer Rocksteady Studios, the studio responsible for bringing us the first two games, would not be at the production’s helm and would be passing over responsibilities to Warner Bros. Games Montreal (who had previously worked on the Wii U adaptation of ARKHAM CITY). And while there was reassurance that WB Montreal would not be modifying the franchise’s established combat system (opting instead to introduce new enemy types and a fast travel system in the Batwing), it was soon confirmed that veteran Batman voice actor Kevin Conroy (BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES, JUSTICE LEAGUE) would not be reprising his role for ORIGINS (although there is speculation that he is providing the Dark Knight’s voice for the proper sequel following CITY). A few days ago, the game’s YouTube channel released a video introducing some of the game’s production crew as well as the vocal cast for ORIGINS, including new (younger) versions of Batman and the Joker! Check it out below:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUFi8Zw4Srk[/youtube]
I gotta admit, the new voice cast sound like worthy successors to their iconic roles. Roger Craig Smith (ASSASSIN’S CREED II, SONIC THE HEDGEHOG series), while not quite as dark and brooding as Conroy, has an intimidating vocal presence in his younger and inexperienced Batman. Troy Baker (BIOSHOCK INFINITE, THE LAST OF US) is a dead ringer for Mark Hamill (STAR WARS trilogy) who retired from the Joker role following the character’s supposed death in ARKHAM CITY. Brian Bloom (SILENT HILL: HOMECOMING, THE DARKNESS II) adds a gruesome touch of mobster menace in his portrayal of Black Mask. And Nolan North (DEADPOOL, YOUNG JUSTICE) puts on his best cockney accent and reprises his role as the villainous Penguin. All in all, the talent assembled for the game seems like a perfect fit so far. The official synopsis of the game follows:
BATMAN: ARKHAM ORIGINS features an expanded Gotham City and introduces an original prequel storyline occurring several years before the events of BATMAN: ARKHAM ASYLUM and BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY. Taking place before the rise of Gotham City’s most dangerous villains and assassins, the game showcases a young, raw, unrefined Batman as he faces a defining moment in his early career as a crime fighter that sets his path to becoming the Dark Knight. As the story unfolds, witness identities being formed and key relationships being forged.
BATMAN: ARKHAM ORIGINS is scheduled to be released on October 25, 2013!
Check out Mike’s “Top 10 Favorite Badass Batman Moments” video on McGTV!
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