Talk about underrated, I feel like this game doesn't get enough credit for what it does right. First off, the voice actors for Batman and Joker are different but they fit their roles and know how to play them. The story and characters, while different to the other Arkham games in tone, I'd say are better adaptations of Batman than both Asylum and City before it. Everyone knows of Deathstroke and Deadshot being "cool" but there are other highlights. The character designs are honestly better, Bruce and Alfred actually have a relationship and some character development, and Bane actually had real personality plus intelligence besides being a big brute which is not what he's supposed to be. This game also serves as the origin story for Batman and Joker's rivalry, which is pretty well handled while keeping it simple.

Combat takes a lot from Arkham City, although I'd say is snappier, but adds the B.A.T. mode mechanic from City's Armored Edition in the late game. You get the gloves to build up kinetic energy and then activate them to boost your damage, instantly dropping enemies, it definitely makes the game easier but honestly the way you can keep up combos with it when the heavier enemies appear is really satisfying. Alongside the general fighting, the bosses are actually really good and decently challenging, well designed final boss and all, probably better in this department than both its predecessors.

The open world is kinda pointlessly bigger, mainly thanks to the bridge, but the side activities felt more focused, less frustrating and we even got fast travel to alleviate running to objectives on the other side of the map. The snowy Christmas setting is pretty chill, and I think it actually is a nice mood for a Christmas game with violence and everything.

There are some things I dislike, the hook that previously could be attached to walls can now only be used on designated spots or connecting enemies, and the crime investigations are a little too basic. Investigating is fun at first but soon you'll realize that Batman always knows the next step and you just follow along, clicking on the single clue that appears after the last one. However I honestly found this game to have better pacing, as well as be less frustrating and more enjoyable than City. While I still miss the metroidvania-lite structure of Asylum, only thing I can knock against Origins is that it doesn't innovate as much as City did, but considering the enjoyment I got out of it I can't hate it for that at all.