The Dark Knight in His Early Years "Batman: Arkham Origins" is what happens when you take a proven recipe, toss in a few new ingredients, give it a stir — and get the same delicious pie, just with a fresher taste. This time, the developers present a prequel to the previous games, where Batman isn’t yet soaring over Gotham with absolute confidence, but is still learning the ropes. Still, it must be said — even back then, he was already a badass, ready to dish out punches left and right. And those punches pack a serious wallop. The story revolves around one tense Christmas Eve night, when a bounty is placed on Batman’s head, and a true manhunt begins. Familiar (and some not-so-familiar) villains come into play, each with their own personality and fighting style. It’s fascinating to see characters we already know from previous games at the very beginning of their criminal paths — or encountering the Bat for the first time. As for the gameplay — it’s all painfully familiar, in the best way. The same counter-based combat system, the signature stealthy room-clearing approach, and of course, Batman’s ever-reliable gadget belt. You can glide across the city, hack systems, scan crime scenes, hide in the shadows, and put on a show with a mix of brutal combos. Yes, it’s a bit derivative. But really — why fix what isn’t broken? If it worked before, it’ll probably work again. Though, admittedly, not for everyone. Gotham is bigger this time, and that’s a win. There’s more space to roam (or glide) in your cape. As always, the city never sleeps. Side quests with secondary villains, activities like hacking, rescues, and investigations — sometimes they’re even more engaging than the main storyline, offering deeper insight into the game’s world and its inhabitants. The graphics remain roughly on par with earlier entries — stylish, dark, atmospheric. But the setting? Absolutely stunning. Snowy Gotham, swirling blizzards, icy air, and shadows lurking in alleyways — it all builds a perfect noir atmosphere with a winter thriller vibe. It's a joy to get lost in, especially if you’re playing at night with snow falling outside your own window. And then there are the bosses. Some are great. A few battles really stand out — for example, the fight with Deathstroke. That one’s like a deadly dance on the edge. I was stuck on it for a while; the guy’s no joke. He knocked me out at least ten times before I finally took him down. It’s probably the most memorable boss encounter in the game. That said, not all boss fights hit the same level. Still, there's enough epicness — like when Bane charges at you and you’re frantically mashing buttons so you don’t end up as a bloodstain in some alley. Just walking around Gotham is its own pleasure. Sure, there aren’t any civilians on the streets (apparently the smart ones are curled up at home watching snow fall from a safe distance), but the criminals keep things lively. You’ll get into all sorts of situations — saving someone here, stopping a robbery there. It adds life to the game world and gives you a break from the main plot when you just want to wander. And let’s not forget the music. It’s rarely mentioned in reviews — but it should be. The soundtrack here is dark, at times brooding, and it perfectly complements the wintry Gotham atmosphere. Especially during intense fights with the nastier villains. I especially enjoyed the investigation missions. They’re one of the cooler features in the game, especially if you think you've seen it all. These side quests let you feel like more than a guy in a cape — they turn you into an actual detective with a noir edge. The concept is simple but well executed: a crime — usually a murder — has occurred somewhere in the city. You swoop in, activate your scanner, and then the fun begins. Using forensic tech, Batman reconstructs the crime — fast-forwarding and rewinding a holographic scene to pinpoint what happened. You can literally "rewind" the explosion, watch a victim fall, or figure out where a shot was fired from. It’s all accompanied by Batman’s dry commentary and moody ambient sounds, making you feel like you're solving a real case instead of just pressing buttons. Some cases are simple — find the clue, watch the playback, case closed. Others require you to fly around nearby rooftops or search thoroughly to find that last missing piece. It’s great. You actually have to think — as Bruce Wayne should. These missions aren’t long or overly complex, but they’re a fantastic way to mix up the pace. After a dozen brawls, it’s refreshing to slow down and play detective. All in all, "Arkham Origins" is basically another "Arkham" game — just with a younger Batman and a fresh take on familiar events. Is it derivative? Yes. Is it boring? Not at all. It doesn’t try to reinvent itself, but rather confidently walks the beaten path — and that’s okay. If you’ve missed the grim streets of Gotham and dishing out beatdowns in a bat mask, this will scratch the itch. It’s a clone — but a good one. 8 out of 10