Batman: The Telltale Series

The story itself is very good but the game is bogged down by an increasingly annoying amount of technical issues such as lag spikes, crashing, audio cutting out and graphical errors

'Batman: The Telltale Series (2016)' is a choice-based narrative adventure that follows Batman as he comes face to face with several foes both in and out of the mask. The story has its own distinct spin on the often-seen Gotham and its inhabitants; it doesn't take any real inspiration from the comics, aside from the basic premise. It's a compelling adventure that features some great writing, as is usual with Telltale games, and its choices add a layer of urgency to most of its moments. The broad strokes of the narrative may always remain the same - or, at least, similar - but your actions feel like they have consequences and the way in which certain relationships change according to the way you respond to them is a nice touch. There's as much focus on Wayne as there is Batman, here, which is a distinct slant on the character (at least, when it comes to games) that pays off well. You can choose whether Batman is vicious or merciful, just brutal enough or far too brutal for his own good, a hero or a monster. The thing is typically quite gripping, even if it feels rather basic in terms of its gameplay. Its quick-time events give you enough time to respond and most of its dialogue options give a clear idea of what they're going to lead to (an issue with some similar titles). Some of its story beats aren't as refined as they could have been and the overall plot feels, in a way, somewhat straightforward. Still, it's an entertaining experience overall. The art style is engaging and the story is enjoyable. It's a good time. 7/10

Better than the Arkham series With great storytelling

All of TT's games after TWD all followed a now set in stone formula. So does this newest series and you even have to choose who to "save" during ep. 02, in a scene taken right out of TWD S01E01. Something most of them didn't bother address are proper consequences. Batman on the other hand already delivers in this regard, as a few key decisions lead to you playing one of 2 unique scenarios multiple times. I expect the next season to set the record mostly clean again but the gimmick felt real, for once. I was also surprised how well the creators nailed the characters, despite taking many noticeable departures from canon. The game further earns it's M due to unflinching gore and the ability to play Batman like a near unhinged sociopath. Bruce Wayne is also as much a fleshed out character as Batman himself, arguably more so. I like the 1st half a bit more than the 2nd, but i don't have any serous complains. The writers also nailed Catwoman, unlike Rocksteady. The whole season even came out on time and ep.4 features a very effective setup for S02. I can't wait. 8,5/10

Batman from Telltale is an awesome experience. Part 1 dives into Penguin, Lady Arkham, Harvey Dent and, briefly, The Joker. The story is fascinating and I was hooked throughout its entirety. Most notably was the connection Batman has with Catwoman....which turns out to be incredibly seductive. I didn't find this games choices (you make) to be overly complicated, which can be good or bad, depending on how involved you want to be in the story, but the plot is structured so well that it's hardly a blip in the radar.

Fully worth it for what you're paying.