The bigger environment, the Joker, Two Face, and Hugo Strange are not the only things Batman will have to worry about in the upcoming Batman: Arkham City. The Riddler is also back. This time he plays a much larger role, and is looking to inflict some pain on those in the city.

While at GDC, Game Rant was able to go eyes on with the game. The live demo shown was identical to what was shown at Microsoft's Press Event just before GDC. The recently released gameplay footage also gives gamers a good idea of what was shown, and of various gameplay elements.

The one major change to what was shown at Microsoft's Press Event, and to what has been previously released, is information about Riddler. We were not able to talk about the Riddler's inclusion in the game or his role in it until now.

After the live demo ended at GDC, Game Rant was shown a video all about the Riddler. This time around, Riddler will be stepping out from the shadows and doing more than just leaving notes and clues for Batman. Riddler is in the game and he is threatening Batman's life, along with the lives of innocent people.

Much like an obsessive day trader, or Jigsaw from the Saw films, Riddler stood over several computer displays, watching those unfortunate civilians he has locked in traps, and tracking Batman. Riddler taunted Batman throughout the video, challenging him to solve puzzles and save those captured people. Riddler certainly looks to have raised the stakes this time, both with his clues and puzzles.

Actually putting Riddler into the game and using innocent people as bait for his traps is not the only change this time around. Rocksteady has also taken care to make the act of finding Riddler clues both more difficult and more rewarding. It looks as if players are going to have to use all of the tools at their disposal to find Riddler's clues and then save those in danger, Batman himself included.

While the Riddler is not exactly part of the main story in Batman: Arkham City, his role seems much larger than that of what gamers would traditionally label as merely a "side mission."

What is your take on Riddler's expanded role in Arkham City? Are you excited about actually seeing the character in game and getting to interact with his puzzles in a more direct way? Did you enjoy the Riddler clues in Arkham Asylum? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Batman: Arkham City is set for release on the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC October 18, 2011, in North America, and October 21, 2011, in Europe.