Our friend CabooseXBL provided a rundown of the Ace Chemicals trailer, apparently part one of three, for Batman: Arkham Knight.
The trailer starts with Arkham Knight taking down the bridge leading to Arkham City, so Batman cannot enter Ace Chemicals. As the camera pans to him, Batman is clearly angry, angrier than compared to previous games. This may be credited to the improved graphics, or an actual nuance of Bruce's characterization in the new game, or perhaps even both.
Batman looking up to Arkham Knight in his helicopter. Off screen, we hear someone promising that they will soon get their vengeance on Batman. While it seems like this is Scarecrow talking, Caboose opines it could be Ra's Al Ghul. Ra's could explain a lot of how Arkham Knight received all his funding and trained soldiers.
We follow up with a close up shot of Arkham Knight in HD. The mask doesn’t just hide his identity, but helps define his character. I think it looks owl like, implying the character is inspired by or could actually be Owlman.
The trailer then shows off Arkham Knight’s troops, partly as seen using Batman’s Detective Vision. It then shows a preview of the FEAR takedown, allowing the player to activate slo-mo to take down three enemies.
Afterwards, we see what appears to be the HUD for one of Bruce’s new tools or weapons. Using it, he is able to locate civilians in Ace Chemicals. It is reminiscent of the privacy breaking sonar based surveillance system the movie Batman used in The Dark Knight, so perhaps this can track down his enemies as well? It remains to be seen.
We see another action sequence, this time showing off environmental takedowns. First, he drops a light fixture he is standing on downwards into an opponent, than he shoves another one into an electric box. Batman doesn’t kill, but he gets a lot of license to be brutal.
And then, we see the Batmobile moving via remote control. The HUD indicates remote control is on, and the vehicle seems to be heading towards Bruce. This animation ends with him entering the tank before fighting several unmanned tank drones.
The trailer then cuts abruptly to the Batmobile now being used to destroy a concrete wall, via what seems to be called a Power Winch. There is an immediate animation showing Bruce flying out of the car, and it seems that you can use a contextual move to take an opponent out as you exit the vehicle.
And then, we get another good look at Arkham Knight. This time, he is exuding an imposing presence catching up with his troops and Batman’s progress.
Another action sequence just shows off the amazing graphics for this game, as Batman’s punch makes rain fly off an opponent. The Batmobile features in this fight as well, as a contextual attack.
Batman talks to one Ace employee, picking up intel on Arkham Knight, before getting him out of the city. Jim Gordon is grateful that Bruce pulled through with his rescue, but Bruce explains he is rushing back in to rescue the others. Although we see him briefly, Caboose points out that Jim may have received a redesign.
As Batman returns and glides back into the city, a gorgeous view of Arkham appears, slowing down to him striking down more Arkham Knight soldiers. At least based on the trailer, there is no loading time in between cutscenes.
Caboose claims that the AK soldier costume designs seem inspired by the Court of Owls, but of course, he has also already put forward the idea that they may be connected to the League of Assassins.
The trailer ends with Bruce pounding the ground before his head goes up and the camera focuses on his eyes.
The trailer ends with the announcement that Part 2 will release December 1, 9 AM PST. What would you like to see then? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Batman: Arkham Knight will be released on June 2, 2015 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
