The lights are on
Nowadays it seems like you can't start a game without first typing in a code to unlock some major component of your new purchase. Many titles use pass codes to lock away online multiplayer modes, but some games like Batman: Arkham City cut out entire playable characters and segments of the story. What's next? Join us as we dust off our crystal ball and take a shocking look into the future to see how developers will utilize these codes in your favorite series.
The following feature is only meant for laughs. Publishers will (hopefully) not be implementing these dastardly schemes in their future games.
Darksiders IIIn Darksiders II, you will play as Death, one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse. Unless you don't have the "Unlock Despair" code – then you're just a man of the apocalypse. Input this code to unlock Death's mighty steed Despair, who in addition to looking like a total bad*ss, will prevent you from having to walk around the Underworld like a chump.
"Hey, Alfred? It's Bruce, again. Can you come pick me up?"
Batman: Arkham Nation Fans cried foul when Rocksteady cut Catwoman's story arc out of Arkham City for those who didn't have a code. For the sequel, the developer is taking it one step further. Inputting the "I'm The G****** Batman" code will unlock the caped crusader and all of his gadgets for his next adventure. Otherwise, you'll be stuck as Bruce Wayne the whole time, whose only gadget is a cell phone that lets him call Alfred for help.
LittleBigPlanet 3 The LittleBigPlanet series is no stranger to offering players multiple DLC packs after release. For LBP 3, Media Molecule will take things a step further, requiring a one-time use code to download a user-made level. In the game's spirit of sharing, however, the developer will include 100 codes in each new copy of the game, which should keep players busy for quite a while. By the time you finish typing in a code for a new level, the download will already be done!
Devil SoulsThe next installment of FromSoftware's notoriously difficult RPG series will provide frustrated gamers with exactly what they need: an easy mode. For an extra $9.99, easy mode will give you unlimited Estus flasks, all of the game's best armor and weapons from the beginning, a glowing trail to follow to your next objective, and an invincible ally named Spanky, who will one-hit kill all of the game's gigantic boss monsters for you.
Players can also purchase this awesome "Levitating Sleep" DLC pack
The Elder Scrolls VIMost gamers are still waist-deep in Skyrim, but that doesn't mean Bethesda isn't making plans for the next installment of The Elder Scrolls. In addition to the iconic fabric map, new copies of TES VI will come with a "Patch Unlock" code, which will enable players to download all future patches for the game. Trust us; this is one code you'll want to use.
Madden 13Madden fans have been able to download mid-season roster changes for online play for a while. For the first time in the series, however, EA will soon offer players a code to enable a full roster update for following year's season as well. The code will cost $59.99 and will be available at all major video game stores in boxes labeled Madden 14.
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What's worse is locking you out simply for not buying a new copy, and they don't care about the people who don't have internet access to use it (I'm looking at you Rocksteady)
I really enjoyed the Bethesda and Madden ones.