BATMAN - The Telltale Series - Episode 1: Realm of Shadows Reviews
Batman: The Telltale Series may stumble a bit in the opening act, but it quickly hits a comfortable stride with a promising first episode as Bruce Wayne steps out of the shadows.
A fine start then to Telltale’s Batman, let’s hope the developer builds on it.
Even ignoring the many technical issues, this isn't a particularly inspiring start to Telltale's newest series. There's plenty of time for it to improve, but I'd hold off and see how the next few episodes go before taking the plunge on the series.
Telltale’s take on Batman is fresh, and shows a side of Bruce Wayne most games shy away from, and that’s enough to make it interesting as we head into the rest of the season.
Batman: The Telltale Series is off to a strong, if very basic, start. It shows promise of the ability to be more than just another Batman story, though Realm of Shadows did dabble in the ultra accessible exposition more than I (or just about any other Batman fan) would have liked. The intrigue lying in the episode’s cliffhanger regarding a dark Wayne family secret has me itching to find out more, but I don’t feel like the series has really taken off yet. It’s unusual for a season opener by Telltale to land in the mediocre category, but it seems like they are taking their time with such an iconic legend, letting us in to know the heart and hope of Bruce Wayne rather than just the fists and terror of the Batman.
I would be remiss not to mention just how gorgeous this all looks. Tales from the Borderlands was a colorful delight, but the challenge here, to use mostly blues and greys, seems doubly impressive. A simple setting like a PR event in the park can feel lovely hosted by Harvey Dent and is both serene and ominous. This is the best first episode since Borderlands for Telltale Games. I can’t wait to see where Batman: The Telltale Series goes next.
Batman – The Telltale Series is a fun game and a great take on the Batman IP. I suggest everyone give it a look, casual and hardcore Batman fans alike.
It wouldn’t be Batman without taking control of some of those wonderful gadgets in the caped crusaders utility belt.
Telltale's first Batman episode is a gem and offers up a great narrative for the characters of Bruce Wayne and the Batman, but a few technical miscues such as poor framerate performance and stiff character animations keep it from being a perfect experience.
A slow but solid first chapter which offsets ponderous exposition with some thrilling fight scenes, and introduces much-needed new mechanics to a now familiar template.
A steadfastly solid start to Batman’s Telltale series, but Bruce Wayne isn’t the only one with demons to overcome. Some poor writing and acting, plus the usual slowdown and engine troubles means that this isn’t a peak performance for the developer or the character, even if it does set up the rest of the series nicely.
Even with the annoying performance issues, I still feel like this is a solid first entry for our hero and this new Telltale universe.
Another great series from a veteran player in the story-driven narratives, Telltale Games treated Batman with respect by presenting the duality Bruce Wayne/Batman in a way that I never experienced before. It is highly enjoyable, and I can't wait for the second episode
This is an easy recommendation to those who are fans of both Batman and Telltale, even before the next four episodes are released. Others may want to hold off, since the story is this episode’s high point, future episodes will dictate the total worth of the series.
It's easy to say that Batman: The Telltale Series Episode 1 – Realm of Shadows is one of Telltale's best first episodes yet
As for whether this Telltale game in particular is worth your time; considering the glut of Telltale games now, it’s really only worthwhile playing the ones based on IPs you’re most fond of. If you’re a fan of a the Caped Crusader then step right up. If you're not, there's not much here to raise Batman above some of Telltale's other, stronger, efforts.
The production values of the game are excellent with character models and environments rendered in great detail.
There’s plenty of mystery and betrayal and a good, fun, and fairly brisk story that will leave you wanting more—even if the end isn’t really a massive cliff-hanger or anything (like some Telltale episodes are.)
Batman: The Telltale Series offers up the true Dark Knight experience, letting players make tough choices and gather clues as both Batman and Bruce Wayne.
Bolstered by a supped up engine, Batman: The Telltale Series' first episode, "Realm of Shadows," is their strongest opening episode in years, and the most engaging take on the Caped Crusader in recent superhero adaptation history.