Batman: Arkham Shadow review – A classic Arkham game from a new perspective

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As a gamer, if you’ve ever marveled at the adrenaline-pumping combat scenes in Batman: Arkham and found yourself imagining how tiring it would be for the Caped Crusader to leap about the room, taking down waves of thugs with his acrobatic prowess, then I’ve got just the game for you.

Fortunately, having the skill to do a backflip from someone’s spinal column is unnecessary when playing Batman: Arkham Shadow, the newest game in the series designed for virtual reality systems. You won’t need to maintain peak physical fitness since the game manages its pace effectively, blending intense combat with exploration and puzzle-solving segments that provide ample opportunities to rest – a relief for my large stomach and me.

The fight sequence excellently replicates the intense, rapid-fire action of Arkham’s button-mashing, but in moderate amounts to prevent exhaustion. Similar to previous games, throwing a punch propels you forward as if magnetically attracted to your target’s face. Unlike before, however, instead of allowing random punches, striking an enemy initiates a sequence of quick combos. This may require you to attack from specific angles, hit particular spots, and occasionally unleash a flurry of punches on an opponent as fast as possible.

Instead of merely repeatedly attacking, there are several ways to engage in combat. Sometimes, you’ll have to swiftly sweep your cape to momentarily stun an adversary, while at other times, you’ll need to press specific buttons on your Touch Plus controllers to disarm targets. Additionally, you can retrieve a gadget from your utility belt, one of many tools the Caped Crusader carries.

It’s remarkable that the Arkham combat system has been so effectively adapted for VR, making it feel as if you’re still playing an Arkham game despite the radical change in format.

In this game, it’s not just about fighting; even the predator sections are skillfully designed. Although you have fewer options compared to console games, exploring vantage points, sneaking down, and methodically eliminating targets can still be as thrilling. It maintains the sense of being a predator, with remaining enemies growing increasingly nervous as they find their colleagues unconscious, knowing it could be their turn next. Peeking around corners adds an extra layer of immersion.

Previously mentioned, these lively segments are interspersed with numerous calmer elements. A series of infiltration missions require you to carefully examine your surroundings using Detective Mode, an X-ray vision-like tool, to solve puzzles and pave the way unnoticed. Although the puzzles essential for progress aren’t overly complicated, they are complemented by a multitude of mini-puzzles and hidden secrets dispersed throughout the environment, which offer collectibles as rewards, ensuring there’s enough challenge for you.

Another approach that effectively distributes the combat intervals is through its engaging narrative, which left me pleasantly surprised as it stands out as one of the game’s most impressive components. While I don’t usually anticipate a compelling narrative from a VR game,

As a dedicated fan, I find myself caught up in the intriguing narrative of the Rat King saga, where Batman must skillfully navigate two distinct worlds. By day, I’m a captive, using this disguise to creep closer to my quarry and collect valuable insights. But when the sun sets and shadows fall, I transform into the dark knight, slipping unnoticed into the very prison I pretended to be trapped within during the daylight hours. The game masterfully intertwines these contrasting aspects, often filling the day with more dialogue-driven segments that set the stage for the action-packed nighttime escapades when I don the iconic Batsuit.

Batman: Arkham Asylum might not have the groundbreaking impact on VR game design as Half-Life: Alyx, but it’s an excellent demonstration of the potential the platform holds with a triple-A budget. The fundamental elements that make the Arkham series distinctive are skillfully adapted to this new format, resulting in a game that harmoniously blends with its predecessors while also pushing boundaries.

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2025-05-19 17:16