Things Batman: Arkham Shadow Does Better Than Other Arkham Games

Key Takeaways

VR brings a new immersive experience to Batman Arkham Shadow, focusing on a streamlined main story without open-world exploration.
Detective work is emphasized, testing players’ cognitive skills with crime scene investigations and deduction tasks.
The game maintains continuity within the Arkhamverse, expands on Bruce Wayne’s character, and gives Two-Face a prominent role.

As a long-time fan of the Arkham series, I must say that “Batman: Arkham Shadow” truly stands out as a worthy sequel to “Arkham Origins.” It masterfully bridges the gap between the early days of Batman’s career and his later adventures in “Arkham Asylum” and “Arkham Knight.” The game does an excellent job of expanding upon the timeline without compromising or meddling with what came before, even connecting to “Batman: Arkham VR” and “Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League.

In the series of Batman: Arkham video games, Batman: Arkham Shadow carries on the tradition of making the Caped Crusader’s universe feel real, this time in the Meta Quest 3 VR environment. The virtual reality experience offers a fresh take on the franchise with its engaging gameplay and storytelling, while still incorporating aspects from previous games.

Arkham Shadow, a VR game, has left long-term enthusiasts amazed with its remarkable quality. The rapid development of virtual reality technology, evident since its emergence as a mainstream platform, is demonstrated by Arkham Shadow outperforming earlier games in certain aspects.

6 The Most Focused Main Story

It Doesn’t Have To Juggle Multiple Plots And Subplots

Batman: Arkham Shadow is the second mainline game not developed by Rocksteady Studios.

In the realm of virtual reality (VR), what sets it apart is that instead of an expansive open world to roam around, you’ll find self-contained levels like Blackgate Prison and various locations within Gotham City. While there are additional objectives, they primarily revolve around finding collectibles; none of them involve the Riddler. Consequently, Batman: Arkham Shadow boasts a highly focused narrative, which is by no means a negative aspect.

Instead of having numerous villains for Batman to battle, this story primarily centers around Batman’s undercover work at Blackgate as Matches Malone, and the investigations he carries out. This plotline is surprisingly complex, offering a compelling narrative filled with impactful scenes, captivating performances, and even some unexpected twists that may take fans by surprise.

5 Detective Work

More Thought Is Put Into Solving Crime Scenes

Detective Mode has been a staple of the game since Batman: Arkham Asylum.

In the style of previous games, there are instances where Batman gathers evidence to unravel a crime mystery. Solving detective puzzles forms a significant aspect of Batman’s abilities, and Batman: Arkham Shadow challenges players’ problem-solving skills by requiring them to identify the perpetrator of a violent act or predict where the Rat cult will launch their next attack.

Previously, I was just solving everything on my own due to Batman’s sleek AR tech in other games. However, in Batman: Arkham Shadow, they took it a step further, making me feel even more like the Caped Crusader. Even minor enhancements can significantly improve a sequel or prequel experience.

4 Continuity Is Important

It Manages To Connect To Nearly Every Arkhamverse Game

Batman: Arkham is the longest-running superhero game franchise ever made.

Whether it is how Gotham City looks or ties into events of other Arkham games, continuity is an important aspect. Other games often struggled with this, as tones, characters, and aesthetics would shift drastically between games, but Arkham Shadow does a better job of feeling like a sequel to Arkham Origins while bridging the way to things that happen in Arkham Asylum and Arkham Knight.

In a universe as vast as the Arkhamverse, it’s simple to inadvertently alter or interfere with its continuity. However, Arkham Shadow carefully preserves what has been established while also adding new layers to the timeline. It even incorporates events and details that link to Batman: Arkham VR and Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League.

3 Bruce Wayne’s Side Of Things

Batman’s Alter Ego Gets More Fleshed Out

Flashbacks to Thomas and Martha Wayne’s deaths have been featured in every Arkham game.

Batman: Arkham Shadow primarily revolves around Bruce Wayne, delving into his ethical dilemmas, mental state, and concept of justice during a grim period. Instead of engaging in battles with familiar adversaries, he assumes an undercover role within Blackgate Prison. Although the demise of his parents is revisited, Bruce Wayne’s flashbacks provide insights into his life post their death, particularly his childhood experiences.

In simpler terms, Bruce lived under the care of Leslie Thompkins, serving as a mother figure to Harvey Dent, a troubled child. The dynamics of their family life play a significant role as Bruce grapples with his decision to uphold or break his no-killing rule. Eventually, he conquers his internal conflicts, leading to a powerful climax that significantly influences both Batman and Bruce Wayne. Once more, Roger Craig Smith delivers an impressive performance in the role.

2 Two-Face Is At His Best

Harvey Is Finally Given The Chance To Shine

Two-Face’s actor Troy Baker has also voiced The Joker, Robin, and the Arkham Knight in the Arkhamverse.

In the story of “Batman: Arkham Shadow“, Harvey Dent plays a significant role as players get to see his transformation from Batman’s dearest ally to the infamous criminal mastermind known as Two-Face. A fascinating new element introduced in the Arkhamverse is that Harvey had been subjected to abuse by his father, who was also afflicted with Dissociative Identity Disorder.

In previous “Arkham” series games, Two-Face was typically featured as a side mission for Batman to tackle. However, in “Arkham Origins,” Harvey Dent plays a significant role throughout the entire storyline. Troy Baker, who previously brought the character to life, delivers another compelling performance, highlighting the character’s tragic nature.

1 The Best VR Batman Controls

Meta Quest 3 Makes The Player Feel Like Batman

Camouflaj also developed Iron Man VR, another superhero adventure in VR form.

In a new twist on the concept first introduced by Batman: Arkham VR, Batman: Arkham Shadow significantly builds upon this virtual reality experience. Not only does it offer approximately six hours of gameplay, but it’s not just about wandering around as Batman; the advanced technology integrated into the game allows for immersive combat experiences tailored to VR controls, while maintaining a familiar feel from past games.

As a gamer, I can move freely through the levels, using detective mode to unravel mysteries, wielding the iconic gadgets fans love, and engaging in stealthy play – all of which make me feel deeply immersed, as if I’m the young Batman trapped within Blackgate Prison.

2024-10-30 19:54