How Batman Takes Stealth Back to Basics

The Batman arkham games are beloved for a reason, they perfected cinematic action brawling, they've got great open world and some of the best baddies in videogaming, but there's one thing that The Architect thinks the Arkham series does that's gone under-praised, and that is the Predator sections.
The Predator mode in the Arkham games is a masterclass in tense, endlessly compelling stealth design, and that appeal is ultimately down to how the fine folks at Rocksteady tap into the same primal instincts that have driven games about hiding and seeking since the dawn of humanity. How does that relate to billionaires dressed up as bats punching clowns? Find out inside.
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You Saw:
Batman Arkham Asylum: 2009
Batman Arkham Knight: 2015
Batman Arkham City: 2012
Shadow of Mordor: 2014
Volume: 2015
Spy Party: 2018
Metal Gear Solid 5: 2015
Hitman 2: 2018
Uncharted 2: 2009
The Legend of Zelda- Ocarina of Time: 1998
The Legend of Zelda- Majora's Mask: 2000
Dishonored 2: 2016
Metal Gear Solid: 1998
Invisible Inc: 2015
Mark of The Ninja: 2012
Deus Ex- Mankind Divided: 2016
Untitled Goose Game: 2019
Cube World: 2019 :(

[@ArchitectofGames]

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[@kevingriffith6011]

I think one of the biggest problems I have with stealth games is how the way they reward perfection dis-incentivizes playing through your mistakes. I find myself more often than not just hitting "reload checkpoint" when I get spotted because I'm after that perfect stealth bonus and don't want to have to play through the whole level again. If a game wanted to encourage players to play through their mistakes, I think the best way to go about it would be rewarding the "one credit clear" run. Beat the level without dying or reloading checkpoints.

[@tailez606]

I feel like in the Batman games, even actually getting shot at with guns feels like it's all going according to plan.

[@ryjak955]

I always loved how the Batman games made it feel like the enemies were actually afraid of you. I miss that feeling, and it would be really cool to see it more.

[@DasDschinghisKhan]

This game really makes you feel like Spiderman.

[@past874]

Ah yes, my favorite Hitman target, Mr. Krabs. Truly an unforgettable mission.

[@subprogram32]

I didn't know that Batman enemies actually react to your stealth techniques by sabotaging or destroying the scenery that enables them, that's a super cool addition! And stuff like detecting detective vision too, that's actually renewed my interest in maybe watching an LP of these games someday.

[@reiidaya4439]

Batman: Arkham Asylum really makes you FEEL like batman.

[@artemisDev]

the first "sneak attack" in Shadow of Mordor is most adorable

[@maxvarjagen9810]

Idk. I always found the gargoyles made it too easy. Playing as catwoman made it significantly more challenging because you were always at risk of being discovered and it was hard to keep an eye on all the enemies at once

[@dextra9753]

everything you're saying about bataman's stealth applies to untitled goose game too

[@VeryPeeved]

"no one's winning a fight against an entire barracks of guards"

[@untruewalrus1323]

'Bats are basically harmless'

[@IsabellaaaRider]

I love how the game made you feel like the enemies are scared of you, even when you are heavily outnumbered

[@pinguin4898]

11:05

[@MarkFilipAnthony]

I just realized what is missing from the new AC game: That feeling of playing a constant cat and mouse switch.

[@HuevoBendito]

God, I remember playing the challenge maps as Joker. Because you only got one round in your gun, one RC bomb, and a pseudo-detective vision that could only be used while standing in place, that shit was HARD. My favorite mode from the series, hands down.

[@AtomBacon]

One of my favourite stealth memories was from AC origins. I had to take out a general and after several failed attempts to storm his fortress because I sucked at the combat system early one, laid in wait and used Senu (a controllable eagle) to watch him. I knew he would leave so I learned his path and waited to ambush him.

[@shengaorenhasser]

10:44

[@checkmate058]

But one of the key parts to a good stealth game is information.