Batman: Arkham Shadow review

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As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my gaming belt, let me tell you that Batman: Arkham Shadow has truly outdone itself. Having played every Arkham game since its inception, I can confidently say that this VR adaptation by Camouflaj is the closest I’ve ever felt to being the Dark Knight himself.

The immersion starts right from the get-go, with the finely tuned controls and responsive feedback on the Meta Quest 3 making every batarang throw, cape glide, and grapple feel as natural as breathing in the Batcave. The timing-based combat, a staple of the series, has been translated beautifully, and when I’m flowing through a fight, taking down multiple goons with ease, I can’t help but feel like a true badass.

The new villain, The Rat King, offers a formidable challenge, and navigating through the various Gotham environments is an absolute delight. From the sewers to the rooftops, every corner of this grimy cityscape feels alive and full of detail. The Metroidvania-like structure allows for plenty of exploration and discovery, making me feel like I’m uncovering secrets hidden deep within the heart of Gotham.

The voice acting, while missing the legendary Kevin Conroy, is admirably handled by Roger Craig Smith. Batman’s surly demeanor and less chatty nature only add to the authenticity of the experience. And let’s not forget about the familiar faces from the other games, like Harleen Quinzel and Harvey Dent, who help ground the story in the Arkham universe.

Now, I won’t lie – there are a few issues here and there with movement and enemy AI, but for me, it’s all part of the experience. Stuck in the scenery while gliding or dealing with occasional VR juddering is just another day in Gotham City, right?

All jokes aside, Batman: Arkham Shadow is an incredible VR game that brings the Arkham series to new heights. It’s not perfect, but it’s the most authentic and immersive Batman experience I’ve ever had, and for that, I am eternally grateful to Camouflaj.

Oh, and one more thing – I’d take on the Joker any day, but Harley Quinn and her endless chatter? That’s a different story altogether. She can talk all she wants; I’ve got work to do in Gotham!

Gliding seamlessly among timelines between Batman: Arkham Origins and Batman: Arkham Asylum, the innovative VR experience, Batman: Arkham Shadow by developers Camouflaj, aspires to immerse you in the reality of wearing the cowl. Following the disappointment of Batman Arkham VR a few years back, Camouflaj (creators of Iron Man VR and Resi 4 VR) have gone above and beyond this time to provide not just the tools for using Batman’s gadgets and abilities, but also to create the impression that you are an intimidating force in Gotham City as you confront the thugs creating chaos.

As soon as you slip into Mr. Wayne’s leather boots, Arkham Shadow strives to immerse you in the role. You can draw an endless number of batarangs from your utility belt, unfurl your cape to soar over gaps, and utilize the grapple to scale tall ledges. Beyond this, however, Arkham Shadow endeavors – with a fair degree of success – to embody the series’ distinctive timing-based combat (a style that has yet to be effectively replicated by many games other than the Mordor series and Marvel’s Spider-Man games).

In Arkham Shadow, you respond to both visible and off-screen attacks with counterattacks, using various punches like jabs, hooks, uppercuts, and even kicks to subdue your enemies. The game’s responsiveness on the Meta Quest 3 is impressive, and the tactile feedback provided by the controllers significantly enhances the immersive experience. When you find yourself fighting multiple thugs simultaneously, and everything feels smooth and coordinated, it’s hard not to feel like a real action hero.

In this fresh challenge against the notorious Rat King, you’ll navigate through iconic Gotham locales such as sewers and rooftops, leveraging your array of tools along the way. The game structure bears a strong resemblance to Metroidvania, a trait shared by all Arkham games, with new areas becoming accessible as Batman’s capabilities grow. The brooding Batman remains unyielding, and while he may not chat much, his voice is now capably delivered by Roger Craig Smith following the departure of the legendary Kevin Conroy.

In my opinion, it might have been a combination of the new game or the enhanced technology in the Meta Quest 3 (since this is the first title I’ve tried since upgrading from the Quest 2), but there were no issues with inertia for me at all while utilizing free-movement along with snap-turning. Typically, VR movement makes me feel extremely nauseous, so I usually opt for teleporting. However, during Arkham Shadow, I encountered no discomfort whatsoever. The only other game that provided a similar sensation was Half Life: Alyx, which I played on the Oculus Rift years ago.

In both games, I find certain similarities, particularly in terms of visual style and attention to detail. While Alyx remains a standout in VR world design, this new game shares a comparable aesthetic. Perhaps it’s because I’m accustomed to navigating grungy urban environments that I don’t feel as much resistance. Regardless, the game offers numerous comfort settings to ensure smooth gameplay, making it essential for you to explore them. With challenging puzzles ahead and Harley Quinn’s chatty nature, you’ll want a comfortable setting to help stay focused and calm.

In this Arkham game, some characters from previous titles appear, such as Harlene Quinzel and Harvey Dent, who are still in their pre-villain stages. This lends an authentic feel to the game and, let’s face it, it’s Batman – his rogue gallery of villains, including jesters, oddities, and psychopaths, is essential or it simply wouldn’t be the same. Critics might say it treads familiar territory for the series on occasions, like the detective vision, especially when a certain masked individual with a burlap sack over his face makes an appearance to sprinkle you with nightmare dust in a sequence that’s exceptionally thrilling in a VR environment.

As a seasoned gamer with years of experience under my belt, I must admit that the game has its flaws, but it also has its charms. The movement and enemy AI could use some polishing, and I found myself stuck in the scenery more than once while trying to glide across gaps. However, the game’s attention to detail in actions like throwing switches and climbing ladders is truly commendable, making up for many of its shortcomings. It reminds me of the early days of VR gaming, with its occasional juddering when retrieving items from your belt or performing similar tasks. But, as someone who has played through countless games, I can appreciate the tactile feel that these actions provide, and I’m willing to overlook some of the game’s imperfections for that reason alone.

Although Batman: Arkham Shadow doesn’t completely dethrone Half Life: Alyx as the best VR game, it offers an exceptional VR experience that truly embodies the essence of an Arkham game. For a change, it’s not just about having an “experience”; instead, it feels like playing a genuine Arkham title. I’m deeply appreciative to Camouflaj for creating this while Rocksteady are busy securing Suicide Squad’s fate with their final strokes. It may not get everything perfect, but Batman: Arkham Shadow provides the most authentic and engrossing way to feel like the Caped Crusader that I’ve ever encountered.

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2025-01-02 18:46