Earlier this month, CBR News reported that Best Buy was preparing an exclusive pre-order offer for "Batman: Arkham City" for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The downloadable content would enable players to control Robin, the Dark Knight's young, loyal sidekick. WB Games didn't confirm the report at the time, but this afternoon, it not only officially announced his inclusion in the game, but also provided first images -- as well as the identity of which Robin it is.
As shown in the newly-released images, this Robin is based on the Tim Drake version. Drake filled the role of Batman's partner after both Dick Grayson and Jason Todd, bringing a more cerebral bent to the sidekick role as well as a new combat skillset, including use of a bo staff. Along with his traditional weapon, "Arkham City's" Robin will also have access to "his own unique gadgets and special moves," which will be useful in two bonus challenge maps -- "Black Mask Hideout" and "Freight Train Escape." Both will be filled with thugs that Robin will have to bring down without alerting others, in the usual Batman tradition.
Along with the somewhat tougher look Robin sports in these images, an optional costume will also be available, similar to the solid red and black look he currently sports in recent Batman comics. Players will be able to choose between the two at the start of the game.
Again, the "Tim Drake Robin Pack" is currently set for exclusive release through Best Buy for both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, but it should be available eventually for download on both Xbox Live and PlayStation Network following "Batman: Arkham City's" release on October 18. Still, if you want to get it first and bring Robin to the party, we highly advise placing a pre-order now at Bestbuy.com.
Official Press Release
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Entertainment today confirmed that Robin will be a fully playable character in the new and improved challenge mode in Batman: Arkham City. The Tim Drake Robin pack is currently available exclusively to North American fans who pre-order the game from Best Buy on any of the platforms for which the game will be available: Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Games for Windows PC and the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system.
Robin will come complete with his own unique gadgets and special moves, and will be playable in all challenge maps in the game, as well as two additional challenge maps that are included with the pack -- Black Mask Hideout and Freight Train Escape. The pack will also contain a bonus Red Robin character skin.
Batman: Arkham City builds upon the intense, atmospheric foundation of Batman: Arkham Asylum, sending players soaring into Arkham City -- five times larger than the game world in Batman: Arkham Asylum -- and the new maximum security "home" for all of Gotham City's thugs, gangsters and insane criminal masterminds. Set inside the heavily fortified walls of a sprawling district in the heart of Gotham City, this highly anticipated sequel introduces a brand-new story that draws together a new, all-star cast of classic characters and murderous villains from the Batman universe, as well as a vast range of new and enhanced gameplay features to deliver the ultimate experience as the Dark Knight.
Batman: Arkham City is based on DC Comics' core Batman license. Fans can visit www.batmanarkhamcity.com to sign up to receive updates regarding the game and join the discussion on the community site at http://community.batmanarkhamcity.com to participate in forums, read upcoming developer diaries and stay abreast of all the latest Batman: Arkham City news.