If there was one game that I really looking forward to this year it was Batman Arkham Knight. I was counting down the days until it’s release on [Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC] in October (well, I wasn’t actually counting the days physically, you understand).
I was even getting ready to pre-order a collector’s edition (when one was announced) because a) I don’t own a collector’s edition of any game and b) If the collector’s edition had a replica model of the new Batmobile, well, let’s just say that would be awesome (hint, hint Rocksteady and Warner Bros Interactive).
Well, sadly, I’m going to have to put my dreams about pre-ordering a Batman Arkham Knight collector’s edition until probably later this year: Rocksteady has delayed the game until next year. Yep, 2015.
Talking to The Escapist at an Arkham Knight press event recently, Rocksteady’s Guy Perkins said with such as “super ambitious project” in development, more time is needed.
“We just want to make the best experience we possibly can and we need more time to do that,” said Perkins. “I think what we’ve shown so far is a super ambitious project and we just want to make sure we are giving Batman fans and gamers the best Batman experience that we can possibly deliver and that just takes time.
“I think we would be doing fans a disservice if we didn’t spend the time on the title. We just want it to be really great.”
Personally, I’m all for games being delayed so they’re polished within an inch of their lives. I don’t want a buggy, glitchy mess that launches with a 8GB patch (sorry, “update”) that fixes all the stuff that should have been fixed in the first place.
Really, though, does this delay come as any surprise? The game was only officially announced a couple of months ago so I wonder whether the October release date was made after pressure from the publisher. Who knows but if this delay makes the game better, then I’m all for it. Besides, Arkham Knight will be hyped to high heaven until it’s out so best it’s the best it can be. Right?
So, I guess as a means of appeasing the restless and disappointed fans, Rocksteady has released a new trailer that shows off the Batmobile’s Battle Mode, which apparently is going to be shown in more detail at next week’s E3.
Disappointed like me at the news?
Definitely disappointed. I was planning on actually buying an xbox one specifically to get Arkham Knight.
Don’t know when I will buy the console now. Are there any other good games coming out on next-gen consoles only?
I’m sure the wait will be worth it. E3 is next week so there’s bound to be some great next-gen (current-gen?) titles planned for the next few months. One to watch out for is Sunset Overdrive for Xbox One from Insomniac. It looks really, really good.
I am disappointed as well, but like you I prefer a polished product. Have you had a chance to play Wolfenstein: The New Order yet Gerard? – I’ve been so impressed with the gameplay, but even more with the storyline (as a huge fan of the old games perhaps I’m a little nostalgic). The unbelievable and varied landscapes throughout the game are brilliant.
I’m with you: I prefer a polished product than a buggy & glitchy one. I haven’t actually played the new Wolfenstein but it seems to be getting good reviews. I’m tempted to pick it up at some point, especially since I spent many hours playing the original when I was younger!