I’ve been a supported of the online pass idea recently, mainly because I really don’t see much wrong with the developers getting a bit of cash from used game sales (as long as it doesn’t hurt retailers) and that it only affected online play.
However that’s starting to change with Warner Bros being the first studio to implement an online pass in it’s single player story, sort off.
Let’s be clear, if you buy a second hand copy of Batman Arkham City the standard story will be entirely playable and you won’t need to fork out any more cash to enjoy the experience.
But if you were planning on donning a latex bodysuit and enjoying the Catwoman story then I’ve got some bad news for you.
According to Warner Bros
“Further to your story, players who purchase previously owned copies of Batman: Arkham City can access the playable Catwoman content for £7.99/ 800 Microsoft Points.
“Playing as Catwoman is not required to complete the game”
So basically there is another part of the single player campaign that exists on the disc that appeals massively to the male population that you won’t be able to play if you buy the game second hand.
It also means that you cannot play the Catwoman sections of Batman Arkham City if you’re PS3 or Xbox 360 isn’t connected to the Internet which I am guessing is still a large portion of the console market.
This is a pretty depressing move by Warner Bros and along with installations and the standard online pass will just continue to get worse unless you vote with your wallet and refuse to buy the game.
Unfortunately it’s Batman and that’s just not going to happen, so as you walk out the store next week with your copy of Batman just remember that you’re contributing to the downfall of the planet… and a new trend that you’re going to be bitching about on the Internet in the not too distant future.
Last Updated: October 14, 2011
