B A T M A N A R K H A M O R I G I N S Combat System FAQ For Xbox 360/PS3/PC Version 1.25 By Adam Cooper Email: adam3k3[at]gmail[dot]com Website: http://adamcooper.me This FAQ is Copyright (c) 2013 Adam Cooper Last Revision February 10th, 2014 Table of Contents 1. About this Guide......................................[100] 1-1. Availability...................................[110] 2-1. Copyright and License..........................[120] 3-1. Searching the Guide............................[130] 4-1. Version History................................[140] 2. Introduction..........................................[200] 3. Basics Explained......................................[300] 1-3. Combo System...................................[310] 2-3. Standard Moves.................................[320] 3-3. Special Attacks................................[330] 4-3. Gadget Attacks.................................[340] 4. Enemy List............................................[400] 1-4. Thugs..........................................[410] 2-4. Armed Thugs....................................[420] 3-4. Armored Thugs..................................[430] 4-4. Knife Thugs....................................[440] 5-4. Electric Rod Thugs.............................[450] 6-4. Shield Thugs...................................[460] 7-4. Martial Artist.................................[470] 8-4. Venom Thug.....................................[480] 9-4. Enforcer.......................................[490] 10-4.Freeze Thug....................................[411] 5. General Strategies....................................[500] 6. Closing...............................................[600] 1-6. Contacts.......................................[610] 2-6. Special Thanks.................................[620] ====================== 100: About this Guide \ ====================================================== _______________________________________________________________________________ '-- 110: Availability --------------------------------------------------------' The Latest version of this FAQ and all of my work is always available on my website [1], GameFaqs [2] and IGN [3]. [1] http://adamcooper.me [2] http://www.gamefaqs.com/users/Adam3k3/contributions/faqs [3] http://www.ign.com/blogs/adam3k3 _______________________________________________________________________________ '-- 120: Copyright and License -----------------------------------------------' This FAQ is Copyright (c) 2013 Adam Cooper, and released under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial, No Derivatives License. This License enables you to distribute this FAQ provided it remains in its full form, unchanged and full credit is given. Publishing it under your name on websites or otherwise is prohibiting. You may not use this work for commercial purposes. For any reuse or distribution, you must make clear to others the license terms of this work along with the notice in the availability section. All trademarks and copyrights contained in this document are owned by their respective trademark and copyright holders. [3] http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0 _______________________________________________________________________________ '-- 130: Searching the Guide -------------------------------------------------' Press "CTRL+F" to Search the FAQ. Copy, paste the code to the desired section from the tables of content into the search bar and click Find. _______________________________________________________________________________ '-- 140: Version History -----------------------------------------------------' Version 1.25 May 5th, 2014 . Added Freeze Thug. . More information on Martial Artist. Version 1.10 February 10th, 2014 . Corrections/ more information on Martial Artist. Version 1.0 November 26th, 2013 . FAQ complete. ============================== 200: Introduction \ ====================================================== This FAQ was written to share my knowledge of the Arkham games battle system. Although at first the battle system may seem like a simple button smashing fights, you will soon realize that it’s more than that, way more. The simple yet powerful technics requires you to time, select and sometimes even risk movies on different enemies throughout the game. The FAQ aims to explain the combat system’s each move along with its effects as much as possible while keeping it simple to understand. I have also included enemy types for you to better understand the effects of combat on each type. Enjoy and update me should anything is missing or needs to be edited. ============================== 300: Basics Explained \ =============================================================================== _______________________________________________________________________________ '-- 310: Combo System --------------------------------------------------------' The combo system while simple allows for great tactics and depth. Without proper understanding and strategy you will not get any high score or combo so it’s important to know and plan. For starters there are 12 moves you can pull against enemies. Each move while effective against a type, fails on another so know when to use it. The combo system must be started with a hit, be it defensive or offensive one. After that, quickly hit again to start the multiplier and the timer. Successfully hitting three times will enable the critical hits knocking thugs on each hit. There are 2 ways to start a combo, by triple hitting a thug or the better way by standing and countering the first thug attack, jump behind him (Evade) and strike him followed by another strike to the close by thug and repeat until your combo miter becomes critical "yellow" promoting for a special take down that can be performed. After that it’s back to normal. Fail to perform a move or take some time and the combo indicator will go back to zero forcing you to start all over losing points. The timer is not visible and runs out in seconds. The multiplier is a number of hits multiplied to the total score. Keep the combo going as long as you could for bigger score. Should the combo be broken, you will lose the multiplier and will have to start all over again. Of course you will still get the total score you reached before losing the combo. It is important to understand that you are totally free in each of your moves and there is more than one way to keep your combo going after each move. Another factor is the noon hit combo actions. Some moves while not adding to the multiplier will give you more time and continue the combo with increasing the overall score. For best results carefully mix the offensive and defensive actions and keep focused on your next move. Move the camera to your advantage to better plan your next attack especially while preforming a takedown as it gives you time to look around and plan your next move. Always use Evade instead of counter if you’re having a hard time timing the action. Also, Evade automatically cancels any enemy attack or the nearby thug giving you time to think and free escape. You can also evade any thug unlikely counter. Just make sure you don’t stun your enemy before attempting evade as you will aerial attack instead. _______________________________________________________________________________ '-- 320: Standard Moves ------------------------------------------------------' The basic standard controls are as followed: 1. Strike - a basic punch that can be used 3 times in a raw Started by throwing a punch toward an eligible opponent, followed by another one and finally the third one starting free flow combat. After that, a single hit will knock your opponent (but not necessarily out) with an invisible timer between each hit. The punch will not work on some enemy types but can be upgraded later during the game to bypass this restriction. 2. Counter - counter an enemy’s attack (Not all attacks can be countered). Counters are great way to block most attacks. You can now counter up to three enemies at once. Be aware that pressing the counter button more than needed will break your combo. Timing it right will give you an extra hit as well. Watch as the enemies is about to hit you with either his hands or a pipe and counter. 3. Evade - jump over an enemy. Evade is the move you should be using allot for two purposes; giving you more time and avoiding enemies you can’t counter. You can evade any enemy except for some bosses. Evading does not count as a hit but still keeps your timer going. Use it should things get crowded or simply when you need to think. You can also use it to jump out of a boss’s way or to get to a better area during the fight. 4. Stun - Stun an enemy for a few seconds. Not only does this useful move stun an enemy for a short time, it is also a gateway for a much powerful takedown. Stunning an enemy will open him for a beat down takedown and some enemies will even require it. A useful move for getting some extra time and space. Doesn’t count as hit but keeps your combo timer going. 5. Ultra Stun - enemy will fall stunned for more time. Same as above but this time you will need to preform it up to three times for the enemy to fall down for a somehow reasonable time giving you a an opportunity for a ground take down or to engage with someone else. Some bosses require this move opening them for damage. 6. Aerial Attack - a risky move where you climb and jump on top of an enemy. Very risky move and should be avoided unless necessary. Stun an enemy once and use evade toward him to climb and punch him leaving him on the ground. Some type of thugs require this to be put down but overall a risky move opening you for an attack which you cannot counter. 7. Beat down – Stun a thug and keep striking until he goes out. Stun a thug and quickly start punching for a combo takedown. Be careful, nearby enemies will try to hit you but as long as you’re carful and counter at the right time you will succeed. Should you feel you cannot finish your beat down or unblockable enemy is about to hit, simple Evade to another direct and NOT toward the stunned enemy as it will start the Aerial Attack. You will jump out and have a chance to continue your attack on someone else. 8. Ground Pound - Finish off enemies on the ground. Once the enemy ends up on the ground for whatever reason you will have a chance to finish him off by preforming the ground takedown. Watch out as nearby enemies will try to attack you and you will be defenseless and unable to counter back. Use on an enemy far from the group or while others are stunned. _______________________________________________________________________________ '-- 330: Special Attacks -----------------------------------------------------' Special attacks (Takedowns) can be preform after reaching critical combo. They are usually one hit takedown with a rare exception on some type and the bosses. 1. Special Takedown Combo Can be used anytime on any thug except the Titan thug. Very effect as it cancels any enemy attack except the boss. A good practice is to move the camera around to get a better view of enemy placement as the action is slowed down during the special combo. 2. Special Disarm and Destroy An excellent combo that while not hurting the thug destroys his weapon preventing him or anyone else of picking it up. Effective against electric stun rods as they can become very annoying. 3. Special Bat Swarm Creates a bat tornado and stun enemies inside for a very short time. Unless you’re surrounded with many enemies don’t attempt this combo. Better use the takedown or disarm one instead. 4. Special Multi Ground Takedown Powerful combo as it can take up to 5 thugs at once. The strategy is to critical strike a few thugs and immediately follow it with this combo. Result, 5 thugs taken down without risk at once. All enemies must be on the ground for this to take them down. _______________________________________________________________________________ '-- 340: Gadget Attacks ------------------------------------------------------' Gadget attacks can be hard or easy to pull depending on what you’re using. They can be performed anytime but become very powerful after reaching X12 combo without use until then. Another X12 will be required without normal usage should you want the powerful gadget attack again. 1. Batarang throw Effective to hit thugs far away or to stun coming thugs to get some time taking care of the nearby ones. Up to three can be thrown. Be careful to not over use ending your combo. Also useful for stopping a faraway thug about to throw something on you without the risk of getting hit. 2. Concussion Detonator Confuse and stun the enemy when shot and activate. Shot once then shot again to activate it on the caught enemy. Somehow not necessary yet an extra aid should you need it since it’s unlimited. Use it on a far enemy for better results since nearby thugs are better evaded. 3. Bat Gel Spray the gel once and wait for the indicator to tell you how many enemies will be affected, spray again to activate it. A bit tricky to pull especially in tight places so watch out for enemy attacks when attempting it. Effected enemies will fall for a short while, best used on a group. 5. Grapple Pull enemies toward you for an easy strike. Pull an enemy and hit again as he is coming toward you for a knock blow. Not all enemies are pullable and some damage you on contact like electric rod thug. Never use it when surrounded as it will open you for an attack. 6. Glue Grenade Throw on a thug(s) to stun them for Sometime. Very useful especially on an armed thug shooting at you from a distains. Throwing another grenade will set the first thug free. 7. Shock Gloves Obtained at later point in the game, very powerful and useful. Smash though any thug or enforcer with ease. Sends the thugs flying per hit. Can attack any thug including the shield and electric rod thugs. A good but careful mix of the above will land you a good score. Think and practice. See Enemies section for effective attack chart. ============================== 400: Enemy List \ =============================================================================== _______________________________________________________________________________ '-- 410: Thugs ---------------------------------------------------------------' These guys all over the asylum. Fortunately, they are easy to defeat. A simple punching combo will finish the thug off. If they are in packs, which they usually are; a takedown should be applied for quicker finishing. For a very quick multi thug finish, use the Special Multi Ground Takedown. Make sure that you have sufficient space when using a normal ground takedown as another thug can easily hit you while you’re busy. _______________________________________________________________________________ '-- 420: Armed Thugs ---------------------------------------------------------' Armed thugs are exactly like normal thugs except that they have a weapon. You can use the batclaw to trip them, throw Batarangs at them or just normally punch em. Keep watching them during the fight and take them down as soon as they are about to fire as they can reach you from distains and break your combo. Use any takedown you see fit. _______________________________________________________________________________ '-- 430: Armored Thugs -------------------------------------------------------' Armored thugs can easily confuse you and break your combo. First of all, they can either be taken out via a special takedown or by a beat down. Use extra caution when attempting the later as another thug (up to 3) can and will try to attack you so counter smartly or even jump out of the way and attack someone else. Enemies will cancel their attacks once you use a special takedown so use this when you don’t feel like taking a risk. As a bonus, you will have a second or two to take a look at your surroundings while batman is doing the takedown animation. _______________________________________________________________________________ '-- 440: Knife Thugs ---------------------------------------------------------' Dangerous combo breakers that can be easily be beaten when not attacking. When they do, use the knife dodge technic, evade or a special takedown. You will not receive another hit from other enemies once you’re in the middle of the knife dodge. _______________________________________________________________________________ '-- 450: Electric Rod Thugs --------------------------------------------------' Use an electric rod to attack. Cannot be normally countered or pulled since hitting you will result in a shock. Attack from behind after a successfully evade or disarm them using the special disarm. Can also be takedown by a normal special takedown. _______________________________________________________________________________ '-- 460: Shield Thugs --------------------------------------------------------' Disarm or Arial attack. They cannot be normally countered. Watch out when attempting the Arial attack as other thugs can easily hit you. Use special takedown if necessary otherwise disarm. _______________________________________________________________________________ '-- 470: Martial Artist ------------------------------------------------------' The most annoying combo breaker there is. Not only can he escape a special takedowns, he also counters your attacks. Countering him is tricky; You must pay attention as he will first push or quick punch you which is something you cannot counter and trying will only ruin your combo, after his first push/punch comes his real attack which needs to be countered. Rarely will he attack from the first hit. To make things little easier, watch for his attack as it slows down indicating that it’s an actual attack and not a quick counter. Doing this during a heated battle can easily distract you and break your combo. The safest method is to evade and hit from behind followed by a multi ground takedown if possible. _______________________________________________________________________________ '-- 480: Venom Thug ----------------------------------------------------------' Venom Thugs must first be disarmed by using a special takedown or a beatdown. After that, they are normal thugs. Not that hard to beat, use evade should necessary. _______________________________________________________________________________ '-- 490: Enforcer ------------------------------------------------------------' Enforcers come in two types, the normal and armored type. Use a beat down on a normal type until he goes down. For the armored one, use the special take down to disarm him and continue beating him down. You don’t need to finish them in one go, you can hit them, deal with another thug and continue. _______________________________________________________________________________ '-- 411: Freeze Thug ---------------------------------------------------------' Freeze Thug uses a freezing gun which will freeze you until you break free by repeatedly pushing the evade button. Keep in mind that as soon as you’re frozen the thug will throw a Grande at you so start smashing the button as soon as you’re frozen. Other thugs may hit you as well. The best way to avoid him is to wait for the last possible second as you can see him getting ready to fire then jump out of the way. Quick batarang may also buy you some time. *Exclusive to Cold Cold Heart DLC. ====================== 500: General Strategies\ ====================================================== The best advice is to practice. Practice when going through the story on the normal street thugs or simply retry the challenge maps over and over again trying different tactics and testing new things before applying it in the story or the later challenge maps. Get used to pulling critical strikes and master the counter timings as they will come handy when going for big score or attack. Use the special takedown should you need some time to think and plan as you will get a few seconds during the takedown animation. Use the camera to your advantage as well since moving the camera uncovers the hidden territory and possible thugs. Don’t take unnecessary risk and stick to the safe methods for higher combos watching out for each thug’s weakness and strength. Learn by practice and knowledge, take your time going through the game. ====================== 600: Closing \ ====================================================== _______________________________________________________________________________ '-- 610: Contacts ------------------------------------------------------------' I may be contacted any time via my email, Twitter or Blog. Just make sure to properly mention the subject. I welcome questions, contributions, corrections, requests or anything else. E-mail: adam3k3[at]gmail[dot]com Twitter: @Adam3k3 Website: http://adamcooper.me _______________________________________________________________________________ '-- 620: Special Thanks ------------------------------------------------------' . http://batman.wikia.com for some small info. . All websites that are hosting my FAQs. . You for reading this FAQ. FAQ Created by ___ __ _____ __ _____ / | ____/ /___ _____ ___ |__ // /_|__ / / /| |/ __ / __ `/ __ `__ \ /_ (/ //_//_ \ / ___ / /_/ / /_/ / / / / / /__/ / , \___/ / /_/ |_\__,_/\__,_/_/ /_/ /_/____/_/|_/_____/ _______________________________________________________________________________ -End of Document-