BATMAN - The Telltale Series - Episode 2: Children of Arkham Reviews
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
The second installment of Telltale's Batman takes all of the solid foundations established by Episode 1, trims most of the fat, and continues to build an engaging Dark Knight story in a unique and uncharted version of the D.C. legend’s universe. Old Bat-fans will get much more out of the unexpected twists and turns than a newcomer, but the relationships Bruce Wayne forms and develops with the people around him appeal equally.
An emotional roller-coaster ride that is often jolted by gun shots and unexpected plot developments
By trimming the fat, Telltale has delivered a much stronger episode in its fledgling Batman series. The story's beginning to take a shape of its own now, and more interesting personalities are beginning to come to the fore. While it still feels like the developer's laying foundations, this episode begins with a twist and goes out like a rocket – and that's how we'd like it to continue, thank you very much.
While anyone will be able to enjoy the Telltale Batman series, it definitely feels as if you need to have at least a decent understanding of the basics for this interpretation to really make an impact. Fans of the Dark Knight will love the ways the traditional story is being twisted and turned here, but those not so familiar may not quite know why things are as important or shocking as they may seem
You still have your patented "safe" approach from Telltale with Batman: A Telltale Games Series: Children of Arkham, but its heart is in the right place. Retreading on Batman themes we've already seen from great writers like Jeph Loeb, Frank Miller, or Scott Snyder isn't necessarily a bad thing.
I'm truly impressed with Telltale's take on Batman creating a tense and exciting story while holding nothing back.
Continued technical issues and a stumble in story hold episode two of Telltale's latest series from being as good as it's debut predecessor. That being said, if you're a fan of the caped crusader, there are still some interesting threads dangling that are worth seeing through to the next episode.
A much better episode this time around, featuring some tough choices, great visuals and a fresh take on the Batman mythos.
A strong second episode that rattles along at a fast pace and includes no shortage of surprises and reveals. And now that we know what the Children of Arkham in the title refers to, I’m definitely looking forward to the third.
Telltale gives Oswald Cobblepot some time in the limelight, but skimps on gameplay to do so.
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.
A step back for the series, but still an enjoyable couple of hours despite the flaws.
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.
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.