AL's Arkham Asylum Countdown - Midnight Release

Today's Quote: "Welcome to the madhouse, Batman! I set a trap, and you sprang it gloriously!" -- Good ol' Mistah J. =)

Well folks, it's the day before the official release of B:AA, and the more I realize that, the more excited I am. Ever since GameInformer debuted a massive article about it last September, this game has been at the top of everyone's list as all fans went through the up's and down's of gradual released media and multiple release date delays. But after seeing the actual boxes the other day (God bless working at a local GameStop!), it's all very surreal today. Tomorrow is actually happening!

However, for those who have very low patience levels after waiting this long year, check your local GameStops and other stores that carry video games. Tonight at midnight, most will be having a midnight release for the game where you can hold it in your hands nice and early before the public descends on it tomorrow. Best to do so soon, even put a pre-order on it while you still can. This game is highly anticipated, and there's no knowing what will be the case tomorrow! If you can't wait, now's the time to act and guarantee yourself a copy!

If you need help passing the time until midnight however, Arizona Livin' recommends the following:

1. Enjoy checking out IGN's Arkham Asylum Reader Guide. It gives a complete rundown on the characters appearing in the game, as well as a little history about each. Not to mention, for the readers out there, it offers the best stories to find each character in. Let me tell you, many of them come highly recommended!
2. Check out the previously released first ten interactive minutes of the game, where you lead Joker down to the Intensive Treatment area. Part 1 and Part 2!
3. Rent any and every Bat DVD you can find. My personal recommendation: anything with the Animated Series. With Paul Dini's writing, and the talent of Conroy, Hamill, and Sorkin, it's the perfect thing to lead up to playing the game!
4. As previously suggested by the Reader's Guide, check out some graphic novels at the library, or your local Barnes & Noble maybe! Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on a Serious Earth is a classic I've been told, or for the more lighthearted, Batman: Mad Love has my personal smile guarantee!

Until tomorrow, have a Bat-filled day, and stay tuned for AL's review of the game itself, coming soon! (Read that as when my copy arrives, LOL.) Faith out!

AL's Arkham Asylum Countdown - 3 Days Left

Today's Quote: "Die, ya big ugly bat!" -- the scary, yet adorable childishness of Harley Quinn.

One of the things that make the Bat tick best is his diverse Rogues Gallery. For me personally, there hasn't been more colorful, menacing, and recognizable villains in an ongoing storyline than here. Even those who aren't fans know Batman and the Joker, and could identify them in a heartbeat. As my brother - a young man who couldn't despise ol' Mistah J any less - has wisely said, "They're like Peanut Butter and Jelly!"

But throughout the years, so many more have come along: Poison Ivy (1966), a plant-obsessed eco-terrorist; Killer Croc (1983), a man turning crocodile due to a medical condition; Bane (1993), the only one to have broken Batman...literally; and Harley Quinn (TV: 1992 and Comics: 1999), the Joker's twisted mole who was his shrink at the asylum. These select few, and other surprise guests, under the Joker's command in B:AA will all be giving Batsy the most horrible night of his life.



Get a glimpse of their new Arkham looks right here in the "Villains Trailer," and be sure to check out the game's official website, http://www.batmanarkhamasylum.com/

'til tomorrow, Faith out!

AL's Arkham Asylum Countdown - 4 Days Left

Cover art © WB/DC/Eidos/Rocksteady

Batman hasn't had the best history when it comes to games. Sure, there are notable exceptions, but overall, games and the Bat just never mixed. This Tuesday* that all changes as the highly anticipated Batman: Arkham Asylum hits the shelves!

The creatives over at Eidos and newcomer Rocksteady have put all their blood, sweat and tears into making this game what every Batfan and gamer alike have been waiting for. The storyline is written by the respected veteran writer Paul Dini, whose work includes Batman: The Animated Series and many different Batman comic book incarnations. Dini is also responsible for bringing the loveable yet very insane Bat-villainess Harley Quinn into the big picture, something that this writer thanks him for very much. =)

Also very worth a mention is the wonderfully chosen voice cast. Three voice legends and fan favorites from B:TAS were cast for the game. Kevin Conroy is once again Batman (and will also be appearing in DC/WB's DTV movie Superman/Batman: Public Enemies next month). Mark Hamill brings his amazing, very recognized voice back one final time as the Joker. Arleen Sorkin returns as Harley Quinn, and wonderfully adapting her to the game's dark, gritty tone.

Overall, this is really looking to be Batsy's redemption in the video game industry. So far, the game has managed to receive incredible scores from various critics, and is definitely a possible contender for Game of the Year, as far as I'm concerned. So follow along the next few days, and if you haven't already placed a pre-order, go do it! The game will be available on Xbox 360, PS3, and PC. If you really can't wait, check your local GameStop and other stores to see if they are participating in the Midnight Launches for the game.

Today's Quote: "I am vengeance. I am the night. I am Batman!" Hear Conroy's awesome voice say it here:



* - Tuesday August 25th is the release date for the US only. Releases Friday August 28th for the UK and elsewhere.