"Look in the corner of your eye. Didn't expect that? Me neither."
Your lucky/unlucky numbers: 97 64 14 55 23 65
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Sunday, March 8, 2015
F11: Fortune Cookie Sunday!
"The world as we know it is over. What's changed?"
Your lucky numbers: 56 37 24 98 62 6
Your lucky numbers: 56 37 24 98 62 6
13: Top Ten Best: Batman: Arkham Series Challenge Maps
Hello, again, Dimensionals!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scz2qcgZqDc
It's been a fun vacation, but I'm back and ready to Top Ten like there never was one. And what better topic to return to than that of the Batman: Arkham series, which will be recieving its final installment in Batman: Arkham Knight later this year.
For more info on this video game-based universe and a deeper understanding of my everdying love for the Arkhamverse, check out my eighth entry focusing on my favorite gadgets utilized by playable characters from story to challenge maps to beyond (you can find it right here: http://relativelydimensionaltoptens.blogspot.com/2014/11/07-top-ten-best-batman-arkham-series.html)
Speaking of challenge maps, that's what today's top ten focuses on. It's a signature thing in the Arkham games. Once you've completed the story, and you don't much feel like traversing back through the open world, locating side missions, or oodling character trophies, you could always retreat to the challenge maps. Known under many names, what most of us call challenge maps are either combat or predator-based missions in specific locations that, in order to so called fully complete them, certain requirements must be met and then matched with a medal in-game. Normally, these are acquired through completing certain Riddler challenges, pre-ordering from one of many retailers, or by downloading DLC from your PlayStation Network or your Xbox Live.
And amongst these dozens of varying maps, there are those with amazing design, unique enemies, and both fair and challenging medals and landscape. These are the maps that I am ranking as the best of the best. For reasons just because, this'll be a bit of a different "top ten." I'll be seperating both the combat and predator maps into their own lists, as ranking them together wouldn't really be fair. Without further ado, let's dive bomb in!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMBAT:
10) "Sewer Bat"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)
Location: Arkham Asylum Sewers
Because briefly: A fairly decent challenge map full of normal goons and knife goons with amazingly realistic and gritty sewer detail and background. Even after all these years, Batman: Arkham Asylum remains the game with the best atmosphere.
9) "Freight Train"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham City: Robin Pack (2011)
Location: Sionis Freight Train
Because briefly: Possibly the most unique map in the entire series. This map pits you against Joker's goons and Black Mask on a freight train with a side-scrolling perspective. At times, it can block off a bit of the action, but others, especially outside of the train cars, it's a fun new perspective.
8) "Funhouse Brawl"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham City (2011)
Location: Steel Mill Joker's Funhouse
Because briefly: The most chaotic map in the game without the addition of DLC. It's bright and wacky color scheme easily fits the rarely-ending onslaught of enemies, with the extreme map taking it even further with the addition of Titans and Abromavici.
7) "Rooftop Rumble"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham City (2011)
Location: Arkham City Rooftop
Because briefly: The only Rocksteady map thus far to take place outside of a building, it helps what's otherwise a fairly decent map with positives in the flat terrain and the large number of foes to face. Plus, it's the closest us console gamers get to playing as Robin and Nightwing in the open world.
6) "100-to-1"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham Origins: Deathstroke Pack (2011)
Location: Final Offer Fight Pit
Because briefly: The first of a few survivial challenges on this list, and one of many to earn its place by changing up the gameplay a little bit. The 100 to victory is a good addition in that it mixes the better parts of both kinds of combat maps: both the long battle and the actually ending.
5) "Rumble in the Jungle"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)
Location: Botanical Gardens Titan Production Facility
Because briefly: One of the bigger combat challenge areas decorated with a nice green tint. The introduction of Titans into challenge maps was also a great addition, expanding beyond just your cardboard-cut thug. It's truly an epic map to battle in.
4) "Survival of the Fittest"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham City (2011)
Location: Museum Fight Pit
Because briefly: This one...for reasons quite similar to the last. It's big. The decoration is top-notch (the grey is magnificent). And there are Titans. Besides, when there aren't Titans, it's mostly just normal thugs you can endlessly and easily beat the living crap out of.
3) "The Joker's Carnival"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham City: Challenge Map Pack (2011)
Location: Joker's Carnival
Because briefly: As you can tell, I really love maps that shake it up a little. This one perhaps goes the furthest, with it's banking system totally unique from anything else. You get all sorts of wackos in here, it's awesome. Plus, Joker commentates. And you can fight him! Yassss....
2) "Scarecrow Nightmare/Dem Bones"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham Asylum: Scarecrow Nightmare (2009)
Location: Scarecrow's World
Because briefly: A freaky challenge map with one of the most intense of atmospheres in games. The experience of battling skeletons with Batman can rarely be replaced. True, it does end rather quickly, as one hit knocks you out, but's it worth it to stay as long as you can if you get more Scarecrow!
Top 5 Honorable Mentions:
1) "Intensive Treatment"
Totally iconic to the series and perfectly built. The electric gates are a nice obstacle.
2) "Totally Insane"
Truly, truly insane. This one gets extra points for letting you throw thugs through windows.
3) "Blind Justice"
Another one with a great atmosphere. The Courthouse is an expertly designed locale.
4) "Panorama"
Man, these atmospheres. This one is snowy and wonderful. Plus, you get tons of thugs to annihilate.
5) "Seishinteki Kyoto"
Lady Shiva boss fight. Done so much better than in the "story." All you need to know.
Top 5 Dishonorable Mentions:
1) "Heart of Darkness"
The electric floor comes off as annoying and awkward whilst fighting.
2) "Hell's Gate"
Really boring atmosphere. And I hate ninjas. A lot. Too much.
3) "Iceberg Lounge V.I.P. Room"
Lame compared to its Joker-themed counterpart. The Killer Croc cameo is cool though.
4) "City on Fire"
Awful design. The other Knightfall combat maps are far superior.
5) "Lot Full"
The thug placement sucks. Far too few thugs for the insane number of martial artists and such.
1) "Crime Alley"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham Asylum: Crime Alley (2009)
Location: Crime Alley
Because briefly: I'm not exactly sure why I love this one so much. Contrary to my love of expert designs, it may be its simplicity. Being challenging without many powerful foes? The grimy setting in such a legendary landmark for the Dark Knight? Maybe a bit of both, but reasons shouldn't be necessary. I love this map and that's that.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PREDATOR:
10) "Breaking In"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham Origins (2013)
Location: Gotham City Police Department
Because briefly: Tons of nooks and crannies plus ample use for the Remote Claw makes this a really fun map to play in. Look at all of the explosive barrels...
9) "Survival Tactics"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)
Location: Intensive Treatment
Because briefly: The very first room you ever walk in in the Arkham games is also one of the best predator maps. It's so large, so atmospheric, and so iconic.
8) "Nocturnal Hunter"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham Asylum: Insane Night Pack (2009)
Location: Arkham Asylum watchtowers
Because briefly: One of the best designed maps in the game isn't even in the story. The massive variety in location here is great. You're still discovering new hideaways years later.
7) "Boryaku"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham Origins: Initiation Pack (2013)
Location: Master Kirgi's temple
Because briefly: Best part of the entire pack is this epicly designed map, which wipes the floor with its fellow. The challenge is great here too, with a balanced number of snipers and armored goons.
6) "End of the Line"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham City (2011)
Location: Subway
Because briefly: Infamous for its extreme variant, which is all armored goons. This map is both beautiful and fun. There are so many ways to defeat enemies here it's hard to count.
5) "Hard Time"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham Origins (2013)
Location: Blackgate
Because briefly: Possibly the weirdest laid-out map in the series. And I love it. Its chaos everywhere you look, from the detailed incendiary enviornment to the strange gargoyle layout.
4) "Police Brutality"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham City (2011)
Location: Gotham City Police Department
Because briefly: So simple and yet so fun. The ice-theme is one not found in any other map in the series, and how straight-forward it is really gets the point across. Inverted takedown through glass!
3) "Silent Knight"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)
Location: Medical Facility
Because briefly: Even more iconic than Survival Tactics, this map is perfect in every way shape or form. The enviornment is creepy, the design variety is high, and the extreme variant's a bitch.
2) "Wayne Manor Main Hall"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham City: Challenge Map Pack (2011)
Location: Wayne Manor
Because briefly: Secret passageways! Seriously! Secret passageways! This utter coolness of this map alone would bump it high, but the look, and the layout, and the....ugh....
Top 5 Honorable Mentions:
1) "Invisible Predator"
Designed for the Ultra Batclaw in the very best way. That destructible floor, man...
2) "Meltdown Mayhem"
The look is what counts here. I love the design of the Steel Mill.
3) "Natural Selection"
Great, grey, and stuffed wooly mammoths. Another one that's points come from its design.
4) "Easy Money"
Like Police Brutality, this is a simple, small, and fun map.
5) "Quiet Waters"
I love kicking jerks into the water. One of the more unique Origins maps.
Dishonorable Mentions:
1) "Hothouse Prey"
Inferior to the much better Aviary predator room in the main campaign.
2) "Venom Connection"
An ugly redesign to an otherwise good map.
1) "The Batcave"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham City: Challenge Map Pack (2011)
Location: The Batcave
Because briefly: But Main Hall's got nothing on this. It's the Batcave! You get the Batmobile! The Batwing! You can even make the dinosaur roar! Similarly to the combat list, my favorite map is in a place unforgettable to the Batman legend.
Sorry it's been a while, Relatively Dimensionals, but this next entry in this unnofficial little Batman top ten marathon is finished and I hope you've enjoyed it! This really is my favorite game series of all time. I'm looking forward to checking out what challenge maps Arkham Knight brings to the table. Instead of updating this one, I'll probably just list out my top ten favorite AK challenge maps. Playing as Harley and Red Hood in them will be awesometacular!
Previous: "12: Top Ten Best: Batman: The Animated Seriesverse Stories"
Next: "QuikReact: Batman: Zero Year [Secret City/Dark City/Savage City]"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scz2qcgZqDc
It's been a fun vacation, but I'm back and ready to Top Ten like there never was one. And what better topic to return to than that of the Batman: Arkham series, which will be recieving its final installment in Batman: Arkham Knight later this year.
For more info on this video game-based universe and a deeper understanding of my everdying love for the Arkhamverse, check out my eighth entry focusing on my favorite gadgets utilized by playable characters from story to challenge maps to beyond (you can find it right here: http://relativelydimensionaltoptens.blogspot.com/2014/11/07-top-ten-best-batman-arkham-series.html)
Speaking of challenge maps, that's what today's top ten focuses on. It's a signature thing in the Arkham games. Once you've completed the story, and you don't much feel like traversing back through the open world, locating side missions, or oodling character trophies, you could always retreat to the challenge maps. Known under many names, what most of us call challenge maps are either combat or predator-based missions in specific locations that, in order to so called fully complete them, certain requirements must be met and then matched with a medal in-game. Normally, these are acquired through completing certain Riddler challenges, pre-ordering from one of many retailers, or by downloading DLC from your PlayStation Network or your Xbox Live.
And amongst these dozens of varying maps, there are those with amazing design, unique enemies, and both fair and challenging medals and landscape. These are the maps that I am ranking as the best of the best. For reasons just because, this'll be a bit of a different "top ten." I'll be seperating both the combat and predator maps into their own lists, as ranking them together wouldn't really be fair. Without further ado, let's dive bomb in!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMBAT:
10) "Sewer Bat"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)
Location: Arkham Asylum Sewers
Because briefly: A fairly decent challenge map full of normal goons and knife goons with amazingly realistic and gritty sewer detail and background. Even after all these years, Batman: Arkham Asylum remains the game with the best atmosphere.
9) "Freight Train"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham City: Robin Pack (2011)
Location: Sionis Freight Train
Because briefly: Possibly the most unique map in the entire series. This map pits you against Joker's goons and Black Mask on a freight train with a side-scrolling perspective. At times, it can block off a bit of the action, but others, especially outside of the train cars, it's a fun new perspective.
8) "Funhouse Brawl"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham City (2011)
Location: Steel Mill Joker's Funhouse
Because briefly: The most chaotic map in the game without the addition of DLC. It's bright and wacky color scheme easily fits the rarely-ending onslaught of enemies, with the extreme map taking it even further with the addition of Titans and Abromavici.
7) "Rooftop Rumble"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham City (2011)
Location: Arkham City Rooftop
Because briefly: The only Rocksteady map thus far to take place outside of a building, it helps what's otherwise a fairly decent map with positives in the flat terrain and the large number of foes to face. Plus, it's the closest us console gamers get to playing as Robin and Nightwing in the open world.
6) "100-to-1"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham Origins: Deathstroke Pack (2011)
Location: Final Offer Fight Pit
Because briefly: The first of a few survivial challenges on this list, and one of many to earn its place by changing up the gameplay a little bit. The 100 to victory is a good addition in that it mixes the better parts of both kinds of combat maps: both the long battle and the actually ending.
5) "Rumble in the Jungle"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)
Location: Botanical Gardens Titan Production Facility
Because briefly: One of the bigger combat challenge areas decorated with a nice green tint. The introduction of Titans into challenge maps was also a great addition, expanding beyond just your cardboard-cut thug. It's truly an epic map to battle in.
4) "Survival of the Fittest"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham City (2011)
Location: Museum Fight Pit
Because briefly: This one...for reasons quite similar to the last. It's big. The decoration is top-notch (the grey is magnificent). And there are Titans. Besides, when there aren't Titans, it's mostly just normal thugs you can endlessly and easily beat the living crap out of.
3) "The Joker's Carnival"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham City: Challenge Map Pack (2011)
Location: Joker's Carnival
Because briefly: As you can tell, I really love maps that shake it up a little. This one perhaps goes the furthest, with it's banking system totally unique from anything else. You get all sorts of wackos in here, it's awesome. Plus, Joker commentates. And you can fight him! Yassss....
2) "Scarecrow Nightmare/Dem Bones"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham Asylum: Scarecrow Nightmare (2009)
Location: Scarecrow's World
Because briefly: A freaky challenge map with one of the most intense of atmospheres in games. The experience of battling skeletons with Batman can rarely be replaced. True, it does end rather quickly, as one hit knocks you out, but's it worth it to stay as long as you can if you get more Scarecrow!
Top 5 Honorable Mentions:
1) "Intensive Treatment"
Totally iconic to the series and perfectly built. The electric gates are a nice obstacle.
2) "Totally Insane"
Truly, truly insane. This one gets extra points for letting you throw thugs through windows.
3) "Blind Justice"
Another one with a great atmosphere. The Courthouse is an expertly designed locale.
4) "Panorama"
Man, these atmospheres. This one is snowy and wonderful. Plus, you get tons of thugs to annihilate.
5) "Seishinteki Kyoto"
Lady Shiva boss fight. Done so much better than in the "story." All you need to know.
Top 5 Dishonorable Mentions:
1) "Heart of Darkness"
The electric floor comes off as annoying and awkward whilst fighting.
2) "Hell's Gate"
Really boring atmosphere. And I hate ninjas. A lot. Too much.
3) "Iceberg Lounge V.I.P. Room"
Lame compared to its Joker-themed counterpart. The Killer Croc cameo is cool though.
4) "City on Fire"
Awful design. The other Knightfall combat maps are far superior.
5) "Lot Full"
The thug placement sucks. Far too few thugs for the insane number of martial artists and such.
1) "Crime Alley"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham Asylum: Crime Alley (2009)
Location: Crime Alley
Because briefly: I'm not exactly sure why I love this one so much. Contrary to my love of expert designs, it may be its simplicity. Being challenging without many powerful foes? The grimy setting in such a legendary landmark for the Dark Knight? Maybe a bit of both, but reasons shouldn't be necessary. I love this map and that's that.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PREDATOR:
10) "Breaking In"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham Origins (2013)
Location: Gotham City Police Department
Because briefly: Tons of nooks and crannies plus ample use for the Remote Claw makes this a really fun map to play in. Look at all of the explosive barrels...
9) "Survival Tactics"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)
Location: Intensive Treatment
Because briefly: The very first room you ever walk in in the Arkham games is also one of the best predator maps. It's so large, so atmospheric, and so iconic.
8) "Nocturnal Hunter"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham Asylum: Insane Night Pack (2009)
Location: Arkham Asylum watchtowers
Because briefly: One of the best designed maps in the game isn't even in the story. The massive variety in location here is great. You're still discovering new hideaways years later.
7) "Boryaku"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham Origins: Initiation Pack (2013)
Location: Master Kirgi's temple
Because briefly: Best part of the entire pack is this epicly designed map, which wipes the floor with its fellow. The challenge is great here too, with a balanced number of snipers and armored goons.
6) "End of the Line"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham City (2011)
Location: Subway
Because briefly: Infamous for its extreme variant, which is all armored goons. This map is both beautiful and fun. There are so many ways to defeat enemies here it's hard to count.
5) "Hard Time"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham Origins (2013)
Location: Blackgate
Because briefly: Possibly the weirdest laid-out map in the series. And I love it. Its chaos everywhere you look, from the detailed incendiary enviornment to the strange gargoyle layout.
4) "Police Brutality"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham City (2011)
Location: Gotham City Police Department
Because briefly: So simple and yet so fun. The ice-theme is one not found in any other map in the series, and how straight-forward it is really gets the point across. Inverted takedown through glass!
3) "Silent Knight"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)
Location: Medical Facility
Because briefly: Even more iconic than Survival Tactics, this map is perfect in every way shape or form. The enviornment is creepy, the design variety is high, and the extreme variant's a bitch.
2) "Wayne Manor Main Hall"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham City: Challenge Map Pack (2011)
Location: Wayne Manor
Because briefly: Secret passageways! Seriously! Secret passageways! This utter coolness of this map alone would bump it high, but the look, and the layout, and the....ugh....
Top 5 Honorable Mentions:
1) "Invisible Predator"
Designed for the Ultra Batclaw in the very best way. That destructible floor, man...
2) "Meltdown Mayhem"
The look is what counts here. I love the design of the Steel Mill.
3) "Natural Selection"
Great, grey, and stuffed wooly mammoths. Another one that's points come from its design.
4) "Easy Money"
Like Police Brutality, this is a simple, small, and fun map.
5) "Quiet Waters"
I love kicking jerks into the water. One of the more unique Origins maps.
Dishonorable Mentions:
1) "Hothouse Prey"
Inferior to the much better Aviary predator room in the main campaign.
2) "Venom Connection"
An ugly redesign to an otherwise good map.
1) "The Batcave"
Game of origin: Batman: Arkham City: Challenge Map Pack (2011)
Location: The Batcave
Because briefly: But Main Hall's got nothing on this. It's the Batcave! You get the Batmobile! The Batwing! You can even make the dinosaur roar! Similarly to the combat list, my favorite map is in a place unforgettable to the Batman legend.
Sorry it's been a while, Relatively Dimensionals, but this next entry in this unnofficial little Batman top ten marathon is finished and I hope you've enjoyed it! This really is my favorite game series of all time. I'm looking forward to checking out what challenge maps Arkham Knight brings to the table. Instead of updating this one, I'll probably just list out my top ten favorite AK challenge maps. Playing as Harley and Red Hood in them will be awesometacular!
Previous: "12: Top Ten Best: Batman: The Animated Seriesverse Stories"
Next: "QuikReact: Batman: Zero Year [Secret City/Dark City/Savage City]"
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