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Subject: Joker's last hurrah is Batman: Arkham Asylum 2
Shao Khan
Showstopper
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Registered 1-11-2006 Location Moab, Ut. Member Is Offline
Mood: Poem-y
posted on 5-26-2010 at 08:36 PM
Joker's last hurrah is Batman: Arkham Asylum 2
I always thought of Mark Hamill as the quintessential Joker voice. I do however agree with his
assessment of Heath Ledger's performance
quote:
Mark Hamill Batman: Arkham Aslyum 2 Interview
The Star Wars actor talks about reprising his role as The Joker.
UK, May 26, 2010
by Joe Utichi
View all 2 videos �
Mark Hamill is a massive comic book nut and it's obvious within five minutes of conversation with the actor that Batman is clearly his
favourite. So providing the voice for Batman's greatest antagonist, The Joker, for 12 years of animated adventures must have been his dream
role, and he loved it so much he wouldn't let anyone else near it. "I played The Joker from 1992 to 2004, for the entire run of the series,"
he says. "I did everything, even the talking toys. They weren't going to hire me, they were going to get another guy and I got very protective
of the character.
"They said, 'Well, we can't pay you what you expect, we can only pay a scale.' I said, 'Look, I'd rather not let anyone
else sleep in my sleeping bag.' I would do all those things for scale. I even did the voices on the Australian Batman rollercoaster ride,
I'm totally into it."
He catches himself for a minute. "This is the real comic book nerd emerging," he laughs. "And I'm unapologetic about it, my wife just needed
to deal with it! She liked antique jewellery, I liked comic books!"
IGN has come to meet Hamill at the Cannes Film Festival, where he's just announced intentions to direct a movie version of his comic book, The
Black Pearl. But since his comic features a vigilante hero without superpowers, the conversation has wandered smoothly towards Batman. Specifically,
towards his upcoming appearance in Batman: Arkham Asylum 2.
But with The Joker forming such a large part of his acting career, it seems Hamill took some convincing to sign on for the sequel. "My answer to
[developers Rocksteady] for the sequel was, 'Guys, we're never going to be able to top the original.' It was so claustrophobic.
There were so many abilities like the stealth mode, and all those things you can do with the new technology. I wanted to be able to say I'd gone
out on a high note."
It was the same reaction he'd had when Rocksteady first approached him about the role in the original Batman: Arkham Asylum. "When they said,
'We want you to come back [to the role of The Joker] and do Arkham,' I said the same; 'I left on a high note, I don't think we
could ever top that.' But they said, 'We got Paul Dini,' who was my favourite ever Joker writer, 'and Kevin Conway,' who
I love. This was a real reunion and a very pleasant experience. So of course I relented, but I had no idea it would have the impact it did."
Quite an impact, in fact. "That game, which is pretty much the last product I had on the marketplace, did something like $562m. I mean, we're
talking about more than a half billion dollars." So he was unsurprised to get the phone call from Rocksteady about doing the sequel and they were
equally unsurprised that he had doubts. "Of course they translated [my hesitance] to me holding out for a bigger salary," he laughs. "But I said,
'No.' I never looked at it like, 'Boy, I'm going to make a truckload of money.' I really did want it to be good."
So what changed his mind? "I got on the phone with Rocksteady and they really reassured me and told me what they were going to do with the sequel.
But I'm sworn to secrecy!"
Nevertheless, there's plenty to be gauged from his final remarks, certainly about the fate of The Joker in this second part. "This will be my
last, there's no question about that. But it's the last hurrah."
If Rocksteady repeat the success of the first game with this sequel a third will be on the cards, but it definitely won't feature
Hamill's Joker. So does he die during Arkham 2? Hamill won't be drawn on what his determination to make this his last appearance means for
the character, but the implication is obvious.
But while The Joker's days in the Asylum might be numbered, there's little doubt Hamill will pop up in another videogame sooner or later.
He's a dab hand at acting for videogames, and he's even played digitally in the Marvelverse too. He provided the voice of Wolverine in the
tie-in game for the movie, which came out last year. "I said, 'I can't do Hugh Jackman,' and they said, 'do your own
approach,' so I did it very Clint Eastwoody and gritty."
It was this project reminded him of the risks involved in acting for videogames. "The game comes out and I give it to my two sons. A couple months
later I say, 'Hey, have you ever played Wolverine?' They both look at each other, and I'm thinking, 'That's not a good
sign.' I go, 'How is it?' and their response is, 'Well� You were good.' And of course it tanked."
Hamill may not know what went wrong but he's well aware of the challenge presented when involved in non-linear acting. "You can't tell
when you're doing with these scripts that are thicker than two phonebooks, where you're doing every eventuality. There's a middle
decision, a radical left, a radical right."
Joker's appearance in Arkham Asylum 2 is likely to be the last.
Wing Commander, he says, was "positively schizophrenic. I thought Malcolm McDowell was going to strangle someone on that, because you can't put
together a character the way you do in a traditional narrative. One character comes up to yours with a plan and the general, Column B response is,
'Oh, OK� I'll get back to ya.' But then we do Column A and it's, 'You know, we've been going over this plan.
It's brilliant!' And then it's Column C. 'Why do you waste my time with mush like this? GET OUT OF MY OFFICE!' You know,
it's not the same guy. He's either reasonable or he's a pushover or he's just so antisocial he's almost psychotic. These
are puzzle pieces that empower the player."
Hamill has figured out those challenges over the years. "I love games, puzzles. It's all part of my DNA to the point where I got what Chris
Roberts [creator of Wing Commander] was trying to do. They're not the same goals you have in a play or a movie. But once I got the lie of the
land and what it would become when it was all finished, that allowed me to get through the agony of the triple load of work you get."
Still, having finished with The Joker in 2004, coming back to the role after Heath Ledger's performance in The Dark Knight was no small order,
particularly given the work he'd have to do on the videogame script. "I was flattered they came back to me, especially after being blown away
by Heath Ledger's incredible and novel take," he says. "He was the most joyless Joker. Not a hint of theatricality; he was almost like a
heroin addict. It never would have occurred to me, and that's why it was so delightful and surprising. I was glad I got on and got off before
that happened."
So what brought him back in the end? "In Arkham Asylum, since it wasn't based on the animated version, it was as nasty and gnarly as it could
be, since it was aimed at an older audience. So it gave me a way to justify The Joker. And, again, I just love challenges!"
I think a second will live up to the hype and beyond, as long as they keep the combat system (maybe tweak it a little), and open world it a little
more.
williamssl
Steers and Queers
Posts 4317
Registered 1-11-2004 Location Hippieville Member Is Offline
Mood: Fuck USC
posted on 8-6-2010 at 05:36 PM
LINKY
It's officially slated for fall.
And looks like Catwoman is a major player in the game.
Top of my list for upcoming purchases.
Don't Mess With Texas
punkerhardcore
The Man
Posts 5057
Registered 7-15-2005 Member Is Offline
Mood: Lickable
posted on 8-6-2010 at 05:49 PM
quote:Originally posted by williamssl
It's officially slated for fall.
Fall 2011, unfortunately.
But really, that's only a two year gap between the games, which isn't long at all. I'd rather they take the time to make it as
awesome (and hopefully even more) than the first, rather than rushing it out.
Is everyone mad here?
Of course they are, and you are too... otherwise, you wouldn't have come here.
Posts 4317
Registered 1-11-2004 Location Hippieville Member Is Offline
Mood: Fuck USC
posted on 8-6-2010 at 06:00 PM
Aw fuck. I've gone from a highest of highs to lowest of lows in a matter of minutes.
But thanks for pointing that out and agree w/ what you said re: taking the time and doing it right.
Don't Mess With Texas
theflammablemanimal
The Immortal One
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Mood:
posted on 8-6-2010 at 06:13 PM
Man, GI has been doing a great job with their cover art.
ThePunisher
The Great One
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posted on 8-6-2010 at 06:49 PM
quote:Originally posted by williamssl
Top of my list for upcoming purchases.
Like you pay for any of your games......
williamssl
Steers and Queers
Posts 4317
Registered 1-11-2004 Location Hippieville Member Is Offline
Mood: Fuck USC
posted on 8-6-2010 at 09:03 PM
We get first party stuff for free.
So Halo, Gears, Alan Wake, Crackdown 2....
Anything 3rd party (so EA, Activision, etc) we gotta buy.
Although we do have an extensive game library that we can check stuff out of
Don't Mess With Texas
punkerhardcore
The Man
Posts 5057
Registered 7-15-2005 Member Is Offline
Mood: Lickable
posted on 8-8-2010 at 04:22 PM
quote:Originally posted by williamssl
Alan Wake
Sort of a side note here, but have you played this yet? I'm on Episode 3 right now, and am trying to find the motivation to finish it. Part of
me wants to keep going because supposedly, the story gets better... but so far this game has been nothing but a boring disappointment.
Is everyone mad here?
Of course they are, and you are too... otherwise, you wouldn't have come here.
Posts 4317
Registered 1-11-2004 Location Hippieville Member Is Offline
Mood: Fuck USC
posted on 8-8-2010 at 04:51 PM
Still in shrink wrap.
So you can tell how motivated I am to get going on it. Supposedly the end is good. Supposedly.
Don't Mess With Texas
drmuerto
Man of a Thousand Holds
Posts 1243
Registered 11-17-2005 Location Charlotte, NC Member Is Online
Mood: PhDeceased
posted on 8-12-2010 at 08:43 PM
There's a big chunk of new information about the game
here. It sounds like they are really going for something that sounds a lot more
expansive than the first game. I'm a bit worried that that's going to cut down on the tense feeling that I liked about the first one. I
hope that it's still primarily a stealth game and that they don't decide to make it more of combat based sandbox type of thing. I do like
that they're saying they want to make the puzzles harder and that they're going to be including interrogations-- that could be a lot of
fun.
theflammablemanimal
The Immortal One
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posted on 8-12-2010 at 09:22 PM
Interrogations in the Punisher game were sweet, and I'd imagine they take it a bit further here.
By the way, that Punisher game was fun as hell.
The first undisputed OO draft champion of the world
Get the pistons pumping and let the pigeons loose on my yambag
williamssl
Steers and Queers
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posted on 8-12-2010 at 09:51 PM
Game sounds more awsomeer!
Feels like this guy should be an unlockable character though:
Don't Mess With Texas
drmuerto
Man of a Thousand Holds
Posts 1243
Registered 11-17-2005 Location Charlotte, NC Member Is Online
Mood: PhDeceased
posted on 8-13-2010 at 03:28 AM
Has there ever been an Escape from New York game? If not, that seriously needs to be corrected. I'd like to see Rockstar give it a go sort of
like they did with the Warriors.
williamssl
Steers and Queers
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Registered 1-11-2004 Location Hippieville Member Is Offline
Mood: Fuck USC
posted on 8-13-2010 at 04:58 AM
Not yet.
But a rumored remake would hopefully spawn one...
linky1
linky2
linky3
linky4
..but please before 2013.
Note Metal Gear Solid references.
[Edited on 8-13-2010 by williamssl]
Don't Mess With Texas
punkerhardcore
The Man
Posts 5057
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posted on 3-11-2011 at 06:13 PM
Don't make any plans for mid-October because
you'll be busy--
quote:Warner Bros. just officially announced the North American release date: October 18.
Is everyone mad here?
Of course they are, and you are too... otherwise, you wouldn't have come here.
Posts 4317
Registered 1-11-2004 Location Hippieville Member Is Offline
Mood: Fuck USC
posted on 3-11-2011 at 07:32 PM
Not soon enough.
Don't Mess With Texas
drmuerto
Man of a Thousand Holds
Posts 1243
Registered 11-17-2005 Location Charlotte, NC Member Is Online
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posted on 3-15-2011 at 09:59 PM
The first trailer is out. Get excited.
Shao Khan
Showstopper
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Registered 1-11-2006 Location Moab, Ut. Member Is Offline
Mood: Poem-y
posted on 3-16-2011 at 12:19 AM
Damn. Beat me to it.
punkerhardcore
The Man
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posted on 10-15-2011 at 04:54 PM
Early reviews are in... the lowest one I've seen so far is a 9/10. It's currently got a 98% on Metacritic. I was considering waiting on
this one for a price drop, but now I'm not sure I can.
Is everyone mad here?
Of course they are, and you are too... otherwise, you wouldn't have come here.
Posts 4317
Registered 1-11-2004 Location Hippieville Member Is Offline
Mood: Fuck USC
posted on 10-15-2011 at 05:27 PM
Pre-ordered it a month ago. Anxiously awaiting its arrival in my mailbox.
Don't Mess With Texas
punkerhardcore
The Man
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posted on 10-16-2011 at 04:37 PM
I guess if you purchase it at K-Mart between Tuesday and Saturday, you get a free $30 gift card valid for another video game purchase. I
haven't pre-ordered it yet, so that's where I'll be going.
Is everyone mad here?
Of course they are, and you are too... otherwise, you wouldn't have come here.
Posts 1016
Registered 4-22-2005 Location Brantford, Ontario Member Is Offline
Mood:
posted on 10-17-2011 at 02:35 AM
I've got it pre-ordered as well, which apparently get's you a bonus "Joker map", so I'm guessing that means Joker is a playable
character at some point in the game? I haven't read much about this in order to go in as fresh as possible so this may be old news.
Paul Dini, long time Batman the animated series and the first Arkham game is back as the writer of this one and he also did a 5 part tie in comic book
with one of the concept artists that kind of bridges the gap between the two games and how we got to Arkham City. I just finished buying all of it and
will be sitting down to read it - I'll give a quick summary of it if anyone wants later, although they'll probably cover off enough of it
in the game itself for anything pertinent.
JB KING
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Registered 12-4-2009 Location Oxnard, CA Member Is Offline
Mood: Jamming
posted on 10-19-2011 at 04:32 AM
Stupid Gamefly never sent me stupid batman and now all my stupid friends are playing it while im stuck with stupid Xmen Destiny.
Time to do the logical thing by going to youtube, see the ending and post it here and instantly get Jackass of the Year.
Hate you all
Two time Winner for 2010 Breakthrough Poster of the Year Award. You read that right.
XBL Gamertag: JB KING
gobbledygooker
Sister Act 2
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Registered 12-17-2002 Location Charlotte, NC Member Is Offline
Mood: Opus Eponymous
posted on 10-19-2011 at 01:27 PM
After everything I've read about this, I think I'm going to break my "Never buy games brand new at full price" rule and buy this.
TODAY.
Assuming it's not sold-out everywhere.
Anyone who lets their hair grow below their ears to where I can't see their ears means they don't wash. If they don't wash, they
stink, and if they stink, I don't want the son-of-a-bitch around me.
punkerhardcore
The Man
Posts 5057
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posted on 10-19-2011 at 03:46 PM
It's not. Games are never sold out. The only reason to ever pre-order a game is because there's some sort of bonus that goes along with
it. Even the most popular games can be gotten anytime, no problem.
And I'm telling you-- K-Mart. Although I was wrong, it's not actually a gift card you get-- it's a "$30 off a video game
purchase" coupon that prints along with your receipt... but still, same thing really.
Is everyone mad here?
Of course they are, and you are too... otherwise, you wouldn't have come here.