Batman: Arkham Origins multiplayer trailer reveals “Invisible Predator Online” mode

Come this fall, fans of the Batman Arkham franchise will not only experience playing through an adventure featuring a younger and more inexperienced Batman—they will also have to contend with a new multiplayer mode that will see a familiar caped crusading duo take on two teams of armed henchmen out to get them.

Released by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, a new trailer has debuted for the WB Game Montreal developed Batman Arkham Origins, showcasing the new multiplayer mode known as “Invisible Predator Online.”

Developed by British game development company Splash Damage, who have worked on first-person shooting titles such as Brink, Enemy Territory: Quake Wars, and Doom 3, the new online mode sees Batman and Robin take on two player-controlled henchmen teams, each led by The Joker and Bane, respectively, outfitted with technological gadgets to help catch and take out the Dynamic Duo once and for all.

For the very first time in the Batman Arkham video game franchise, multiplayer lets friends play with and against each other, pitting two against three against threein one battleground environment.

According to IGN’s report on the new multiplayer mode, Invisible Predator Mode raises the stakes for each side by ensuring that every party has certain tricks up their sleeve to take the other group out of the game.

While Batman and Robin can rely on their stealth tactics, “Detective Mode” vision, and specialty gadgets from their utility belts to take out criminals, The Joker and Bane’s men aren’t to be underestimated. Both groups come with their own “Enhanced Vision” that allows them to see enemies and other objects through walls much like Detective Mode.

The drawback, however, is that it’s battery powered, so using it sparingly and effectively with stealth tactics is key to ensuring victory. Both gangs also have their own unique set of gadgets to utilize, such as a proximity gift mine box for Joker’s team, while Bane’s army has an ultrasonic pulse device that can hit enemies even if they’re hiding behind walls.

Aside from Gotham’s heroes and villainous thugs battling it out, players will be able to play as The Joker and Bane after the multiplayer battle has gone through a certain phase. Henchmen belonging to either side can find their respective leader hiding in a secret area, and once unlocked, help turn the tide in the fight by unleashing devastating special abilities that are trademark moves of that particular villain.

Bane is a powerhouse who can bulldoze through opponents and use them as ragdoll weapons, while The Joker uses deadly tricks and firearms to dish out punishment in a sadistic and satisfying manner that is typical behavior by the Clown Prince of Crime.

Much like Arkham Asylum and Arkham City before it, Arkham Origins is shaping up to be another unique title Batman fans can look forward to—and the multiplayer aspect is a welcomed addition. While Robin won’t be playing a part in the solo campaign that sees his mentor dealing with an army of assassins and villains on the night of Christmas Eve, his inclusion in “Invisible Predator Online” mode will most certainly add replay value to the overall experience of the game.

The chance to play as the villains and henchmen themselves is something to look forward to, with various unlockable costumes and weapons to use as well. Users who will pick up the Nintendo Wii U version of the game may be disappointed however, as Warner Bros. has confirmed that there will be no multiplayer added to that specific release.

Still, one can only wonder what else WB Games Montreal and Splash Damage have in store when the game’s released

Batman: Arkham Origins arrives for Playstation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U, and Microsoft Windows on October 25, 2013. — VC, GMA News