For the last few days, we've been held up in our rooms watching a clock count down to midnight, Friday, October 25—surviving on Twizzlers, nachos and pizza (the three healthiest meals known to man) and eagerly awaiting the moment we can race out to the nearest store and purchase our copy of Batman: Arkham Origins.

We were right in the middle of suiting up into our custom Batman costume when the Powers That Be reminded us that we had to deliver our weekly installment of everyone's favorite column 5.2 Reasons (just... just let us have that).

With limited time, we began to panic. But after stress-eating another pack of candy deliciousness, we knew exactly what to write about: our feelings. Mainly, the insane amount of anticipation bubbling inside of us over the latest installment of the Batman: Arkham video game franchise.

So, without further preamble or ramble, here's 5.2 Reasons We Can't Wait to Play Batman: Arkham Origins!

1. Return to the World of Arkham

After years of reading about Arkham Asylum and Gotham City, getting to explore them the way we did in Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City was a thrill. Being able to return to that world... the idea alone is enough to make us giddy with glee. But it's more than just the locale. The visuals as well as the gameplay takes us right back, welcoming us back home after a far too long absence.

2. Batman Begins

The previous two games in the franchise allowed us to play a Dark Knight at his prime. This time around, he's relatively new to the game, having recently donned the cape and cowl. We're very interested in seeing how the inexperienced Batman we play here becomes the badass crimefighter we know and love.

3. Bat-Villains Begin

Batman isn't the only one just getting started in this prequel to Arkham Asylum and Arkham City. In Batman: Arkham Origins, we not only get to see classic villains like the Penguin, Bane and, of course, the one and only Joker early in their career, but we also get to encounter some new faces to the franchise, including Black Mask and Deathstroke.

4. In-Game Costume Change

Part of the awesomeness (of which there were many examples) in Arkham Asylum and Arkham City came from their variety of unlockable and downloadable costumes for the Caped Crusader to don—from The Dark Knight Returns and Earth One to the Sinestro Corps and the 1960s television show. Those costumes and more make a return for this installment, but unlike previous entries to the franchise, you'll be able to actually change costumes in-game. A small detail, but one we're super excited for.

5. New Online Multiplayer

Speaking of things we're super excited for: there's going to be a multiplayer mode where you get a chance to play as Batman and Robin, or take a walk on the dark side to be a part of the Joker or Bane's gang. The only concern is the potential friendship-destroying arguments that could arise when friends are put on opposite teams.

5.1 This 17-Minute Gameplay Video

5.2 Joker Voice Actor Troy Baker

Here he is at NYCC reading from The Killing Joke. It's downright awesome.

 

What are you most excited about for Batman: Arkham Origins? Let us know in the comments!