BATMAN - The Telltale Series - Episode 2: Children of Arkham Reviews
Whilst this episode is something of a let-down, it at least sets up enough plot points that could deliver quality episodes yet to be released. Oswald and his shadowy partners in the Children of Arkham have their big plan to unveil. The relationship between Bruce and Selina, between Bruce and Alfred, between Bruce and Harvey… everyone knows what's coming there! The next episode will hopefully pay off on many of the threads Telltale is setting up.
I enjoyed playing it for my Children of Arkham review, and I’m not only waiting for the next episode but also hoping that a second season is in the cards because I’m loving what Telltale Games is doing with the Batman franchise.
So short Batman himself should be investigating, but what they have added is a decent and different interpretation of the Batman lore. Those of us on the train will enjoy and be looking forward to the third installment.
That’s a game which absolute nails this style of episodic, choice-driven gaming and the new bar for Telltale to meet. For now, I can only hope this season of Batman can elevate itself to a far greater level than the first two episodes let on.
All of the elements that made Episode 1 great, are just a touch better in Episode 2. Characters and voice acting settle in well. Plot points and character interactions are top notch here. Replayability gets a boost due to more significant choices that could be compelling to try a "do over" on. To better compare, Episode 1 isn't quite a tutorial, but presents as a solid introduction. Episode 2 uses that foundation and takes flight (on awexome batwings).
A step back for the series, but still an enjoyable couple of hours despite the flaws.
Children of Arkham is rather enjoyable and shines thanks to its refined writing, but the gameplay doesn't dare to get far from Telltale' standards and forgets about some interesting new mechanics we saw in Realm of Shadows.
Review in Italian | Read full review
If Telltale stay this good we’ll be very happy with Batman, but if they successfully build on the good things about Episodes 1-2 then it could become one of their best seasons. We’re looking forward to finding out.
We continue where we last left our caped crusader... Falcone in custody and a question about Bruce's parents... but what next?
Continuing from the first episode, Batman: The Telltale Series is still impressive and making me want to see more of Telltale's version of Batman. There's some nagging tech issues along the way, but as the episode kept going I was forgetting all about them.
Children of Arkham is a less theatric, but more disruptive story to Batman’s lore. Thickly-coated subplots mean more contemplative decisions as those layers become increasingly complex and intertwined.
It sure would be nice if the gang could clean things up on the technical side as this season marches towards what we all have to assume will be an epic finale.
Episode 2 doesn't bring anything new to the table, instead opting to improve on the previous episode in terms of plot and pacing.
Batman: The Telltale Series is still firing on all cylinders in terms of story, and is introducing new and more complex dynamics to character relationships with Bruce and Batman, as we should know to expect from the studio. Due to this, I find myself less enthused about pulling off slick combos as Batman, and more about watching how he and his human side tackle this sticky situation and the consequences of their choices.
Children of Arkham eventually gets to really interesting places, but it takes them a little too long to get there — and many interesting story threads from the premier aren't given proper attention gameplay-wise or story-wise. Still, it's nice to see Bruce Wayne and Batman taken in such a dark new direction.
It’s definitely aimed at the Bat-fans, but Telltale is busy crafting a superb story starring the dark knight that manages to feel fresh and brutal.
Telltale’s Batman is off to a great start, but only time will tell as to if the developers can weave a Bats story that ranks among the upper echelon of The Dark Knight’s adventures.
This review will contain spoilers for all previous episodes and the current episode of Batman The Telltale Series. For our review of Batman The Telltale Series Ep. 1: Realm of Shadows, click here.At the end there’s the promise of a new larger villain at play, who seems suspiciously like Telltale’s version Scarecrow with a slightly modified Batman Begins story, using a neurotoxin to “free” the city of Gotham. I’m just waiting for the inevitable Joker reveal, because let’s be honest, everyone who takes on the Batman mythos wants the chance to do their particular version of the Joker. At this point, while trying to honor Batman and give unexpected beats, Telltale has managed to make Batman actually feel dull. There’s a lot of potential in what they are doing, but Children of Arkham is more poorly rehearsed high school play than engrossing Batman fiction.
Children of Arkham begins with a couple of great scenes and an interesting plot twist. Unfortunately the central part of the episode doesn't work that well. The QTE-Based fights are dull, and the investigative component which had been one of the distinctive trait of the first episode is completely missing.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Children of Arkham delivers a great follow-up to the original episode, while also cleaning up the pace and some of the technical issues. I am more invested now than after the first episode, and am excited to see how things develop. Telltale has crafted a unique take on the Dark Knight, with characters taking on new roles, making it interesting for fans of the character. I am extremely excited to see where this story ends up.