At first glance, you might be scratching your head over the idea of a first-person shooter themed around the world of Batman. After all, the crime fighter doesn’t particularly use guns (outside of his grapple gun, mind you), and the only one we can imagine the Joker uses would probably have a big roll-up sign in it that reads “HA HA!” But regardless, Warner Bros. Games is working alongside Monolith, the developer behind the first two F.E.A.R. games, on a new multiplayer experience called Gotham City Impostors, which doesn’t quite feature Batman, but instead gangs inspired by both the Caped Crusader and the Joker, fighting for control in the streets of Gotham City. WB Games recently launched an open public beta (you can sign up at www.gothamcityimpostors.com), where players can hop in and check out a sampling of the modes available, as well as a tutorial that explains all the basics when it comes to shooting and movement. We spent a few sessions in the beta over the last couple of days, and while there’s still a question of how the final game will end up next month, we’ve come away more impressed than we imagined.
That’s because Monolith knows the fine line between making fun of the Caped Crusader and still taking inspiration from his world. Gotham City Impostors features an assortment of humorous characters, whose homemade weapons and interesting gadgets make them capable gunners in their own right. Whether you’re fighting on the side of justice or working alongside the Jokerz, you’ll find plenty of abilities in your arsenal, including roller skates (yes, super heroes wear roller skates, quiet) and other skills. The roller skates prove quite useful when it comes to ramps, as you can launch yourself in the air to higher parts of a stage, perching yourself in a perfect spot to ambush opponents. If you prefer to get up there the old-fashioned way, you can use a homemade grapple gun to shoot up to the ledge. What’s more, once you’re in the air, you can perform a cool dive-bomb technique that pummels your enemy to the ground. Note: make sure you’re on target when you use this, because otherwise you could be in for a painful awakening.
Along with running around, the game provides plenty of guns to choose from, including a shotgun that packs a punch, your typical assault rifles, and a slingshot that launches explosive shots. Secondary tools are also available, including a batarang (not one of Batman’s) that hits multiple targets at once and some clown bombs. Though it’s not the greatest arsenal we’ve seen in a game, it’s an effective one thus far – and you’ll have no trouble placing enemies in your sights. The tutorial does a solid job of introducing the basics to players, while humorously explaining the inspiration that goes behind the gang of Batmen (if we can call them that) and what they fight for. They aren’t the smartest folks out there, but they’re dedicated – and the Jokerz are about on the same level as well. Plus you’ll be able to get the hang of the abilities at hand, chaining them together to become a more powerful soldier on the battlefield. Gotham City Impostors doesn’t take itself too seriously. Though the maps are large and worth running around in (the ones we’ve seen thus far, at least), they also provide plenty of room to run around in madcap fashion, as well as work alongside your teammates.
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