After a brief delay, Warner Bros. Interactive's first person Batman-inspired multiplayer combat title, Gotham City Impostors finally has an official release date - and it's coming up quick.
Anyone interested in the zany "Batman" title (which, arguably, undermines the spirit of DC-cannon lines a bit) can prepare for the title's downloadable release on February 7th (or 8th depending on your console and region).
According to Warner Bros. Interactive, Gotham City Impostors will arrive starting February 7th for the PSN and PC - with further releases on February 8th for international PSN accounts as well as Xbox Live users.
The Gotham City Impostors delay left plenty of Bat-fans especially uneasy about the inevitable release of Warner Bros.' bizarre Batman spin-off title. Ever since the game was first announced, players have been split on whether or not the title would undermine the Caped Crusader's newly revitalized video game legacy or deliver a ridiculous but immensely enjoyable experience - entirely separate from Rocksteady's Arkham City efforts.
Despite the strange tacked-on feel of the IP, as if Monolith had originally conceived of a zany combat title and Warner Bros. pinned on their "Batman" brand after the fact, the game itself does look to offer truly unique multiplayer combat. That is, for players who can look past the game's somewhat shallow premise (and controversial ties to the license).
For anyone unfamiliar with the game, here's the official launch synopsis from Monolith and Warner Bros. Interactive:
Gotham City Impostors is an original first-person shooter where up to 12 players battle for control of an unhinged Gotham City overrun by impostors inspired by the DC Comics characters Batman and The Joker. Players can engage in deliriously fast paced, uniquely vertical, and completely unconventional urban warfare where progress supports leveling up and access to a mind-boggling array of customization options. Fans can unlock new Bats or Jokerz Impostor costumes and build their own specific load-out from a huge assortment of traditional and homebrew weaponry, equipment, and perks. Gadgets such as the Glider Rig, Grappling Hook, and Spring Boots give gamers unprecedented mobility options, while support items like the Bear Trap, Boomerang, and Body Armor open up new tactical options. The game will feature maps and modes inspired by DC Comics’ Batman license.
As we've previously reported, while the Batman brand might draw in some players, the highlight of the title is likely to be the exceptionally whacky gadgets that Monolith has come up with for the players to experiment with. Also, the customization doesn't end with simply choosing what weapon to use - as much of the game's arsenal and avatars can be altered to suit the player's taste.
Obviously, die-hard Bat-fans are still having a difficult time with the idea that the Dark Knight's impostors, wacky as they might be, still resort to killing (via guns and other lethal weaponry). That said, while it might be a hang-up for some, the "story" does account for the fact that even the defenders of Gotham aren't necessarily subscribing to their idol's moral code of conduct.
Players who are really hung-up on the finer details of Batman ethics should probably try and separate themselves as much as possible from the branding - in order to experience the crazy antics Gotham City Impostors has to offer. While it might tarnish Batman's no-kill reputation a bit - it's still entirely possible the title is prepared to offer some genuinely unique and fun gameplay opportunities.
Gotham City Impostors is due February 7th 2012 for PS3 and PC with an Xbox 360 release on February 8th.
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Source: Warner Bros. Interactive