BATMAN - The Telltale Series - Episode 2: Children of Arkham Reviews
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.
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.
Episode 2 doesn't bring anything new to the table, instead opting to improve on the previous episode in terms of plot and pacing.
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.
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.
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.
We continue where we last left our caped crusader... Falcone in custody and a question about Bruce's parents... but what next?
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.
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.
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A step back for the series, but still an enjoyable couple of hours despite the flaws.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Batman: The TellTale Series Episode 2 furthers the story from the first episode and explores the relationship between the characters. Unfortunately the technical issues from the first episode still remain but that doesn't make the underlying narrative any less fun.
The second episode of The Batman Telltale Series may emphasize more on Bruce Wayne than Batman, but that doesn't mean it isn't fun.
In Children of Arkham there isn't simply good vs. bad – no one is ever fully good or fully bad in this Telltale-constructed Gotham
Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 2: Children of Arkham has two flaws. Firstly, everything, from the talking to the punching, is done in pretty much the same way as before, which results in a good game, but not a substantially different experience. Secondly, Telltale still plays it safe with the storytelling, with choices that don't really matter in the long run. The finale of this episode, however, hints at a potential change of strategy for the upcoming chapters… a change that will surely stir things up a bit.
'Batman' is gaining steam, a development I hope Telltale can maintain for the rest of the season. I am enjoying the narrative focus on Wayne and the dialogue that, while maintaining a familiar comics camp, can also be genuine when necessary. 'Children of Arkham' easily surpasses 'Realm of Shadow'.