Batman: The Telltale Series Episode 2: Children of Arkham Review

In my review for Batman Episode 1: Realm of Shadows I stated that this series had could become one of Telltale’s best games. After playing Episode 2: Children of Arkham I’m certain of this. The first episode dealt with establishing characters and an edifice for the series, now episode allows bullets fly. Children of Arkham is a dark chapter full of reverting character twists, excellent action, and profound choices that will leave you yearning for the next episode.

At the end of episode 1 we learned that Bruce’s mother and father weren’t the angels of Gotham that many thought they were. New evidence has come forward showing Martha and Thomas Wayne in bed with the biggest crime families of Gotham. This shocking revelation has Bruce frazzled, confused, and trying to figure out the truth. This further explored while a new threat, Oswald Cobblepot, attempts to take power in Gotham’s criminal underworld. 

Harvey Dent’s campaign for Mayor is still a huge factor in Bruce’s life. Telltale incorporates the entire controversy revolving Bruce involvement within Dent’s campaign and his own challenges thanks to brilliant writing. Harvey is doing whatever he can to stay afloat while trying to maintain his friendship with Bruce. Bruce is dealing with the revelation that his parents’ legacy was a lie while the media attack him. It makes for a lot of interesting conversations as Bruce attempts to save Gotham, fix his life, and determine a balance between Batman and Bruce Wayne.

Realm of Shadows had some amazing actions scenes and Children of Arkham is no different. Battles as Bruce and Batman are brutal. It did feel like I was playing a tone-downed version of the Batman Arkham games but visually it was spectacular. I did encounter some sound tearing and graphical hiccups but nothing major. After playing so many Telltale games thee minor issues have become white noise. 

The choices in Children of Arkham far exceed the ones in Realm of Shadows. Here players determine the fate of several prominent characters within Bruce’s life. Most importantly I could make decisions that would go against the actual Bruce Wayne. Lying to Harvey, hating Alfred, and betraying Gordon. It encouraged me to try different choices and experiment with how each character would react.

Batman: The Telltale Series is shaping up to be a unique take on Batman series. Right until the final moment revelations and new questions will arise in Children of Arkham. It’s about 30 minutes shorter than Realm of Shadows but offers a lot more information and exciting moments during the short episode. Best of all it not only uses Batman’s history to create an edifice but allows you to fill in the blanks of how you want the story to continue. It is simply amazing.

Adam Siddiqui, NoobFeed
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