Every Villain In Batman: Arkham Shadow

Key Takeaways

Batman: Arkham Shadow
features villains from all eras of the Arkhamverse timeline.
The Rat King is an original villain that Batman is trying to uncover throughout the
Arkham Shadow
story.
With fan-favorite characters like Harley Quinn and Scarecrow,
Arkham Shadow
takes time to develop characters before their days as full-blown supervillains.

As a seasoned connoisseur of all things Batman, I must say that “Batman: Arkham Shadow” is nothing short of a masterpiece when it comes to storytelling and character development. The game’s intricate plot weaves together a tapestry of familiar faces with fresh twists, creating a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

The Meta Quest 3 will be home to an exclusive title, “Batman: Arkham Shadow”, which marks the latest addition to the growing DC Arkhamverse. This VR game is set during a period between “Arkham Origins” and “Arkham Asylum”, showcasing a young Batman grappling with one of the darkest periods in his crime-fighting career.

In line with other Arkhamverse games, Arkham Shadow doesn’t skimp on the variety of villains it offers players to encounter or battle against, ranging from well-known adversaries to lesser-known perils. Yet, what may astonish even dedicated DC enthusiasts is that this game introduces several villains.

Spoilers Ahead for Batman: Arkham Shadow

19 Bird

Bane’s Lieutenant Is Back And Just As Punchable

In one of the less memorable side quests from the game Batman: Arkham Origins, the character known as Bird was Bane’s most devoted follower, attempting to maintain Bane’s band of mercenaries within Gotham to confront Batman. Few might have anticipated his reappearance, yet he does make a small appearance in the narrative of the game Batman: Arkham Knight.

In disguise as Matches Malone, Batman is assigned to hand-deliver a package to Bird, but the encounter quickly turns into a physical altercation between them. Notably, Bird is one of the subjects that Dr. Jonathan Crane uses in his Project Umbra experiments, which eventually leads to the creation of the Scarecrow character and offers more depth to this less frequently featured individual.

18 Howard Branden

From S.W.A.T. Captain To Doorman Of Blackgate Prison

As a gaming enthusiast, I find it fascinating to see familiar faces resurface in new roles. For instance, I’m referring to Howard Branden, who once patrolled the streets of Arkham Origins. Now, he’s one of the top dogs at Blackgate Prison within Batman: Arkham Shadow. Back then, he was notorious for his corruption within the G.C.P.D., leading the S.W.A.T. team chasing after the Caped Crusader, all for a hefty bribe of $50,000,000 from Black Mask.

Chris Fries even reprises the role, despite Branden having very few opportunities in the entire game to shine. It is shown through details in his office that he is going through a divorce, following up on the details from Arkham Origins that he was cheating on his wife, displaying how much Camouflaj cared about making a sequel to Arkham Origins.

17 Ferris Boyle

The Businessman With A Cold, Cold Heart

In the game “Batman: Arkham Shadow”, Batman assists in imprisoning several characters, among them is Ferris Boyle who makes a brief appearance. Although he lacks a stylish suit or supernatural abilities, Ferris Boyle is a truly vile individual. He is responsible for attempting to murder a terminally ill woman for financial gain, which ultimately led to Victor Fries becoming Mr. Freeze in the expansion of “Batman: Arkham Origins”.

In the game “Arkham Shadow“, Ferris Boyle is subjected to intimidation by Rat cult followers, as he represents a wealthy and corrupt individual that their leader, the Rat King, aims to bring down. The narrative doesn’t reveal what ultimately befalls him, but enthusiasts of Mr. Freeze and “Batman: The Animated Series” can look forward to witnessing this villain’s return and speculating about the retribution he may face for his wrongdoings.

16 Frank Boles

The Officer That Eventually Joins The Joker

In the game Batman: Arkham Asylum, it was due to the treachery of Officer Frank Boles that The Joker and Harley Quinn were able to seize control over Arkham Island. He turned against his fellow security personnel and Jim Gordon, aiding the Joker in his conquest. However, in the end, he too fell victim to betrayal and was tragically killed.

In the comic book series Arkham Shadow, Boles, a previous T.Y.G.E.R. guard under Lyle Bolton, reappeared in the Arkhamverse timeline for the first time. Although he may go unnoticed, it’s his role that guides Batman as Matches Malone through Blackgate and into his cell. The single eye hidden behind his mask, shrouded in mystery, is a clear sign of who he is.

15 Ricky “Loose-Lips” LeBlanc

Batman Perfected His Interrogation Skills On Him

In line with the style from Arkham Origins, the character known as Ricky “Loose-Lips” LeBlanc is well-known. He’s the crook Batman once interrogated and unceremoniously tossed into a colossal Christmas tree. Later, he resurfaced only to find himself on the receiving end of Batman’s actions once more, as the Caped Crusader needed components for an upgrade to his collection of gadgets.

In the game “Arkham Shadow“, Ricky LeBlanc reappears, this time among the inmates of Blackgate Prison. While his role isn’t significant within the narrative, he serves as a delightful Easter egg for fans familiar with the Arkhamverse, engaging in interactions with other prisoners. For those keen-eyed players, there is even a flashback scene depicting the night Ricky first encountered Batman, if they manage to locate and collect it.

14 Bronze Tiger

Return Of A Forgotten Arkhamverse Villain

In the game “Batman: Arkham Shadow”, Ben Turner, though not explicitly called Bronze Tiger, is one of the initial prisoners at Blackgate that Batman encounters. However, it’s important to note that Bronze Tiger had previously made an appearance in another Arkhamverse title, “Batman: Arkham Origins – Blackgate”, where he served as a minor antagonist for The Penguin. This game is sometimes overlooked in discussions about the Arkham series.

From a dedicated fan’s perspective, I get to engage with Bronze Tiger in some captivating dialogues, but where he truly shines is in the audio recordings. He’s grilled by both Jonathan Crane and Leslie Thompkins, revealing more about Turner’s complex persona and his reasons behind his assassin lifestyle.

13 Shrike

Starts Batman On His Journey To Blackgate

As a gaming enthusiast, I’d put it this way: In the comic book world, Shrike is famously a thorn in Nightwing’s side. But when it comes to Arkham Shadow, the creators chose to portray Carver Boone’s version of the character as one of Batman’s rogues instead. He might not have a long presence in the game, but his impact is undeniable. Feeling worthless about his life, he aligns with the Rats, anarchists aiming to bring Gotham City to its knees, alongside his protégé, Dick Grayson, who I know as Nightwing.

It was clear to Shrike that his existence held no purpose; thus, he chose to end his life in a way that implicated Batman for murder. Shrike’s demise sparked an adventure for Batman, where he sought to combat crime undercover, while simultaneously grappling with the internal battle between vengeance and righteousness.

12 Dick Grayson

How Batman Met The Future Boy Wonder

The Arkhamverse universe offers a distinctive take on the Batman legend, and the game “Batman: Arkham Shadow” presents an unusually altered encounter between Batman and Dick Grayson. Following the demise of his parents, Dick Grayson is unveiled to have been adopted by Shrike and trained in criminal activities as a Rat. However, it’s Batman who eventually persuades him to abandon Shrike.

In this adaptation of the tale, Dick isn’t just a villain who initially clashes with Batman; he’s portrayed as an older character than typically seen. Unlike the comics where Dick Grayson, the original Robin, was close in age to Bruce when his parents were lost, emphasizing their similarities, the game Arkham Shadow presents a teenager Dick, underscoring the compressed timeline of Robins within the Arkhamverse.

11 The Ventriloquist

A Mad Man Of Many Voices

In every “Batman: Arkham” game up until “Batman: Arkham Origins”, the Scarface puppet has made an appearance, but it wasn’t until “Batman: Arkham Origins” that fans got to see the real Ventriloquist villain. This character is one of the unlucky individuals taken by Jonathan Crane during the plot, causing distress for Harleen Quinzel.

The Ventriloquist character has a limited part in the storyline, yet offers an engaging subplot about him gradually growing protective over his cellmate’s puppet named Woody. This subplot could be seen as the early development of what would later transform into the Scarface puppet, and may pave the way for the villain’s appearance in other games that take place before the events portrayed in Batman: Arkham Asylum.

10 Harley Quinn

The Future Queen Of Crime

In the game “Batman: Arkham Shadow,” the character of Dr. Harleen Quinzel, voiced by Tara Strong, plays a more significant role compared to how she was portrayed in “Arkham Origins.” She is a recurring figure who seeks to aid the troubled inmates at Blackgate and the Arkham Ward, but she encounters challenges in gaining the respect of her colleagues, namely Jonathan Kent and Lyle Bolton.

In the sequel titled “Arkham Shadow,” set after “Arkham Origins,” the character Harleen is introduced to depict her evolution into the notorious Harley Quinn. As the narrative unfolds and she gives in to her anger, her dialogue starts to echo Harley Quinn, even during instances when she collaborates with Batman to thwart the Rats.

9 The Joker

The Imposing Presence Of The Clown Prince Of Crime

It’s almost certain that the Joker will show up, given that a version of the character appears in every Arkhamverse game in the series timeline. Troy Baker lends his voice to the Joker again following his popular portrayal in Arkham Origins, but he remains unseen throughout the story.

As I carve out a reputation as Matches Malone, I find myself confined to solitary, where the cell next door mysteriously houses my arch-nemesis, the Joker. It’s strange, but he seems to be the only one in this whole prison who sees past my disguise and recognizes me as Batman. This just goes to show how deeply entwined our rivalry runs.

8 Ratcatcher

Devoted Worshiper Of The Rat King

Contrary to appearances, the character known as the Ratcatcher in “Arkham Asylum” is not identical to the Rat King. Instead, the Ratcatcher is a devoted believer of the Rat King, viewing him as a messianic figure who will guide a chosen group to a utopia on the Day of Wrath.

The character’s plight is tinged with a sense of sorrow, as he raises a valid concern about the concentration of wealth and power among the wealthy in Gotham City, leaving the middle and lower classes to suffer. However, his unwavering devotion to the Rat King puts innocent people at risk. This resembles the Riddler from The Batman, where it’s unsettling to see how a single enigmatic figure’s influence can spark such devastation and chaos.

7 Carmine Falcone

The Arkhamverse Debut Of Gotham’s Biggest Crime Family

In the Batman: Arkham series of games, the Falcone family is frequently mentioned and alluded to. However, it’s only in Batman: Arkham Shadow that we get to see Carmine Falcone, also known as “The Roman,” appear on screen for the first time. Inside Blackgate Prison, he wields significant power among the inmates, controlling many guards and other prisoners who work under him.

In the storyline, Malone transforms into Carmine’s valuable resource, paving the way for Batman to rise among Gotham City’s most notorious criminals. Moreover, it is demonstrated that Batman is not indestructible; even an elderly mob boss like Carmine poses a challenge for the vigilante, despite his battles with metahumans such as Bane and Copperhead.

6 Scarecrow

A Dark Doctor With A Darker Agenda

In the Arkham series, a character previously known for his villainous role, Scarecrow, appears as a ruthless doctor within Blackgate Prison’s Arkham Ward. Dr. Jonathan Crane displays contempt towards all inmates, even those expressing remorse and seeking redemption. He frequently kidnaps patients of Harleen Quinzel for clandestine experiments, continuing his sinister actions.

As a fervent admirer, it’s hardly surprising that before donning the Scarecrow persona, Jonathan Crane was one of Batman’s most sinister adversaries. Elijah Wood delivered a chilling portrayal in “Arkham Shadow”. Batman speculates that Crane might be the Rat King, but he is merely a warped scientist, consumed by an unhealthy fascination with human fears and eager to manipulate them.

5 Lock-Up

A Forgotten Animated Series Villain

Much like Harley Quinn, the character Lock-Up initially made an appearance in a less-focused episode of Batman: The Animated Series. However, he eventually found his place in the DC universe through the Robin solo comics. Initially portrayed as a strict security officer, Lock-Up transformed into a figure resembling Marvel’s Punisher after being dismissed from his job, taking on the roles of judge, jury, and enforcer.

In the gripping world of Arkham Shadow, I find myself locked up in Blackgate Prison, under the stern gaze of Warden Lock-Up – the relentless enforcer and commander of the T.Y.G.E.R. guards. There’s an unsettling intensity in his fixation on Batman, a hero he worships to the point of obsession. So much so, that when Batman publicly condemns him, Lock-Up turns this admiration into a twisted pursuit, vowing to employ Batman’s methods against me and the other prisoners, convinced that every criminal deserves death as their ultimate punishment.

4 The Shadow

Batman Almost Became Gotham’s Scariest Villain

Starting from the instant Batman sees Shrike perish, a fervor for vengeance takes hold within him, pushing him relentlessly to thwart the Rat King. This desire verges on transforming Batman into an evil counterpart. This internal struggle gives birth to a new persona in Bruce’s subconscious called the Shadow. At first, this entity whispers taunts subtly at the game’s outset, but as events unfold, its intensity escalates significantly.

In the latter part of “Arkham Shadow”, Batman encounters a malevolent figure he must confront to prevent it from seizing control, mocking him as if mirroring “Batman: Ego”. This entity tries to persuade Batman that every criminal should be executed. Crucially, this character serves the story’s ethical message – punishment is not equivalent to justice. Overcoming the malicious figure demonstrates why Batman appears so composed and focused in “Batman: Arkham Asylum”.

3 Joe Chill

There Would Be No Batman Without Him

In the thrilling tale of Batman: Arkham Shadow, a sinister figure lurks unassumingly among the scenes – it’s none other than the man responsible for creating Batman on that fateful night in Crime Alley, a man known as Joe Chill. As Batman initiates his first day of infiltrating Blackgate Prison, he encounters an elderly gentleman named Joe. To add intrigue, the writers artfully craft this character into one of the most endearing personalities to conceal his true identity.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but notice several clues that suggest a hidden truth about the character named Joe in the story. From his name being similar to Jim Gordon’s alter ego, to the emotional response he shows when hearing about Malone’s parents’ murder, and even the matching tattoo with Batman: Arkham VR, it’s hard not to wonder if Joe is more than meets the eye. He plays a crucial role in Batman’s journey towards understanding the difference between justice and retribution, particularly during the climax of the story.

2 The Rat King

Batman’s Newest Nemesis And Oldest Friend

In the narrative, The Rat King serves as the primary adversary, making a significant entrance into the Arkhamverse’s history. Much of the game revolves around uncovering his true identity. He heads a group of rat-themed extremists and anarchists who are causing turmoil and devastation in Gotham City, gradually pushing it towards a catastrophic event known as The Day of Wrath.

In essence, it’s uncovered that Harvey Dent, prior to becoming Two-Face, suffered from Dissociative Identity Disorder. This split personality is portrayed as having an intense thirst for vengeance against the corruption in Gotham City. Much like Bruce Wayne and his alter ego, The Batman, and his pursuit of justice, this side of Harvey seeks out Joe Chill, as a way to fulfill Bruce’s desire for retribution from his childhood.

1 Two-Face

The Tragic Fall Of Gotham City’s Greatest District Attorney

In “Batman: Arkham Shadow,” Batman’s journey largely revolves around the origin story of Two-Face. Harvey Dent, who holds significant importance in the plot, serves as both an ally to Batman against the Rat King and a foe when his darker side confronts Batman. The narrative also emphasizes their shared past, where they grew up together as Bruce Wayne’s closest friend and almost-brother.

In a surprising twist, Two-Face mirrors Batman in a roundabout manner – they share a common goal and harbor dark aspects within them. However, unlike Batman, Two-Face opts for retribution rather than justice, particularly after his disfiguration. When Batman vanquishes the Rat King, Harvey’s dual personality disorder surfaces, causing his two identities to merge. The game concludes with Two-Face making his debut in the physical world for the first time.

2024-11-14 20:56