Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 1: Realm of Shadows cover image

Links

CRITIK

Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 1: Realm of Shadows

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 1: Realm of Shadows
Item: Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 1: Realm of Shadows
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2016

GenresAdventure, Third Person Perspective, Interactive Movie, Point & Click, Single Player

AvailableAug 2, 2016

PlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

DeveloperTelltale Games

Overview

Enter the fractured psyche of Bruce Wayne and discover the powerful and far-reaching consequences of your choices as the Dark Knight. In this gritty and violent new story from the award-winning creators of The Walking Dead – A Telltale Games Series, you'll make discoveries that will shatter Bruce Wayne's world, and the already fragile stability of a corrupt Gotham City. Your actions and your choices will determine the fate of the Batman.Download Episode One of Batman: The Telltale Series, a five part episodic game series from the creators of The Walking Dead: A Telltale Games Series, The Wolf Among Us, and Tales from the Borderlands.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

76%

Mixed (50-79)

21%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 1: Realm of Shadows are generally positive. Many critics praise the game for its intriguing and absorbing storyline, with a focus on Bruce Wayne and his relationships with the people around him. Brash Games commends the immediate absorption and the introduction of a wide variety of characters that will develop over the course of the series. CGMagazine also praises the storytelling and the intriguing premise of the game, with clever and subtle twists on continuity that lead to unexpected surprises. Gaming Age mentions the emotional and memorable adventure for the Dark Knight, with unique takes on Batman, and GamingTrend highlights the exploration of morally grey dilemmas and the excellent writing. However, there are a few critics who express some negative opinions about the story. Metro GameCentral criticizes the storyline for being overfamiliar and predictable, with an uninteresting plot and poor dialogue. Eurogamer Poland also mentions that the story feels unoriginal, filled with familiar motifs from Batman movies and comics, and lacking depth in character development. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 1: Realm of Shadows is intriguing, engaging, and well-crafted. The focus on Bruce Wayne and his dual life as Batman, along with the introduction of unexpected characters and twists, adds depth and freshness to the Batman franchise. The game successfully combines narrative, action, drama, and detective work, creating an emotionally charged and immersive experience for players. Critics like Game Rant, NZGamer, and Critical Hit appreciate the mix of elements in the story, while AusGamers and Xbox Achievements praise the set-up of characters and relationships. Despite some criticisms about predictability and lack of depth in certain aspects, the overall sentiment is positive, with many critics expressing a desire for more and being intrigued by the direction the story is taking.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics mostly praise Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 1 for its absorbing storyline, focusing on Bruce Wayne's relationships. Some critics commend the unique twists and morally grey dilemmas, but a few find the plot predictable and lacking depth. Overall, critics appreciate the engaging narrative, emotional depth, and immersive experience, despite some shortcomings.

Gameplay Mechanics

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

14%

Mixed (50-79)

79%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 1: Realm of Shadows are generally positive. Many critics highlight the varied gameplay mechanics that keep players engaged throughout the episode. Brash Games praises the inclusion of dialogue choices, quick time events, and crime scene segments, while CGMagazine mentions that the choice-based game mechanics work well, allowing players to shape the relationships and actions of both Bruce Wayne and Batman. GamingTrend praises the action sequences, use of gadgets, and investigation segments, stating that the quick time events are slightly more complex than in other Telltale games. Xbox Achievements also commends the exciting action sequences, detective gameplay, and enjoyable quick time events. These positive aspects of the gameplay provide players with a diverse and immersive experience. However, there are also some negative opinions regarding the gameplay. Metro GameCentral criticizes the gameplay, describing the quick time events as simplistic and dull, and the detective sequences as unchallenging. Push Square criticizes the quick time events during fight scenes for lacking in-game feedback and the detective work for being lackluster and not aligned with the episode's goals. Game Informer criticizes the frequent and comical nature of the quick time events, as well as the shallow and unsatisfying detective work. These criticisms suggest that certain aspects of the gameplay, such as the quick time events and detective mechanics, may not meet the expectations of some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 1: Realm of Shadows is a mixed bag. While there are positive aspects such as the varied gameplay mechanics, exciting action sequences, and the ability to shape the narrative through choices, there are also negative aspects such as simplistic quick time events and unsatisfying detective work. Critics like Gaming Age and Critical Hit emphasize that players who approach the game with an open mind and are willing to embrace the refreshed gameplay style will find it to be a rewarding experience. However, critics like Metro GameCentral and Push Square express disappointment with certain aspects of the gameplay. Ultimately, players' enjoyment of the gameplay will depend on their preferences and expectations.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on the gameplay of Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 1: Realm of Shadows. Positive feedback includes engaging mechanics like dialogue choices and action sequences, while negatives point out simplistic quick time events and unchallenging detective work. Some critics praise the game's diverse experience, while others find it lacking in certain areas. Player enjoyment will vary depending on their preferences and expectations.

Graphics and Visual Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

56%

Mixed (50-79)

39%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 1: Realm of Shadows are varied. However, there are several positive aspects that stand out. Critics such as Brash Games, CGMagazine, Game Rant, Gaming Age, Windows Central, Xbox Achievements, COGconnected, God is a Geek, IGN, and TheSixthAxis all praise the visuals of the game. They highlight the cel-shaded style and comic book approach, which they feel are well-suited for the Batman franchise. The use of shadows to create depth and the attention to detail in the environments are also appreciated. Additionally, the improved visuals compared to previous Telltale games, as mentioned by AusGamers and Eurogamer Poland, are seen as a positive aspect. On the other hand, there are some negative opinions regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of the game. Critics such as Metro GameCentral and Eurogamer Poland express disappointment with the art direction and design. They find the visuals bland, uninspired, and not visually stunning overall. The outdated character animations and occasional technical issues, as mentioned by Metro GameCentral and AusGamers, are also seen as drawbacks. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards the positive side. The majority of reviewers appreciate the cel-shaded style and comic book approach, which they feel suits the Batman franchise well. The improved visuals compared to previous Telltale games are also acknowledged. However, there are some criticisms regarding the blandness of the art direction, uninspired designs, and occasional technical issues. Despite these negatives, the overall sentiment is that the Graphics and Visual Design of Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 1: Realm of Shadows are well-received and contribute positively to the overall experience of the game.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics are divided on the graphics of Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 1: Realm of Shadows. Many praise the cel-shaded style and attention to detail, while some find the visuals uninspired. Overall, reviewers appreciate the visuals for capturing the comic book feel of the Batman franchise, despite some criticisms of blandness and technical issues.

Music and Sound Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

57%

Mixed (50-79)

43%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 1: Realm of Shadows are generally positive. Brash Games and COGconnected both praise the voice acting, with Brash Games specifically mentioning Troy Baker's strong performance as Batman/Bruce Wayne. Xbox Achievements also highlights the excellent orchestral music and voice acting from seasoned veterans. Impulsegamer commends the exceptional audio in the game, including great voice talent and well thought out and implemented ambient noise. These positive opinions indicate that the sound design and music contribute positively to the overall experience of the game. However, there are some negative opinions regarding the Sound Design and Music of the game. CGMagazine mentions that the limited facial animation can be out of sync with dramatic line readings, which could potentially detract from the immersion and impact of the voice acting. IGN also points out that the voice acting as Bruce Wayne is only okay, and some dialogue-heavy segments feel drawn out and repetitive. These criticisms suggest that there may be some inconsistencies or shortcomings in the execution of the sound design and music, particularly in relation to the character animations and pacing of certain scenes. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 1: Realm of Shadows are strong. The positive comments from Brash Games, COGconnected, Xbox Achievements, and Impulsegamer highlight the quality of the voice acting, orchestral music, and ambient noise, which contribute to the immersive and rich game world. While there are some negative opinions from CGMagazine and IGN, the overall sentiment leans towards the positive side. The majority of critics appreciate the sound design and music, and their positive feedback outweighs the negative aspects mentioned. Therefore, it can be concluded that the Sound Design and Music of Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 1: Realm of Shadows are generally well-received by the critics.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics laud the Sound Design and Music of Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 1 for strong voice acting and excellent orchestral music. Positive feedback highlights immersive audio and talented voice actors. However, some critics note issues like limited facial animation and drawn-out dialogue segments. Overall, critics lean towards the positive side, praising the sound design's contribution to the game's immersive experience despite some minor flaws.

Voice Acting

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

54%

Mixed (50-79)

38%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The majority of the critics have praised the voice acting in Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 1: Realm of Shadows. Troy Baker, who voices Batman/Bruce Wayne, is particularly highlighted for his strong performance. Critics such as Brash Games, CGMagazine, Game Rant, Xbox Achievements, COGconnected, and Impulsegamer all express positive opinions about the voice acting, with some mentioning the inclusion of other seasoned veterans like Laura Bailey and Travis Willingham. The use of voice-acting heavyweights like Troy Baker is seen as a positive aspect of the game by Windows Central. The voice cast is generally regarded as excellent, with characters like Vicky Vale, Catwoman, and Gordon being praised for their strong personalities, which make the scenes feel like reading a Batman comic, as mentioned by Eurogamer Poland. However, there are a few critics who have expressed some negative opinions about the voice acting. GamingTrend mentions that the voice cast feels tiresome after being used in other Telltale games, suggesting a lack of freshness or originality. Metro GameCentral goes further, describing the voice-acting as unusually poor, without providing specific details. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards positive opinions about the voice acting in Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 1: Realm of Shadows. The strong performances of Troy Baker, Laura Bailey, and Travis Willingham are frequently highlighted as a positive aspect of the game. The voice cast is generally regarded as excellent, with some critics praising the personalities and performances of specific characters. However, there are a few dissenting voices that criticize the voice acting for feeling tiresome or unusually poor. Despite these negative opinions, the majority of critics appreciate the quality of the voice acting in the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics mostly praise the voice acting in Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 1, highlighting strong performances by Troy Baker as Batman. While some critics find the voice cast excellent with seasoned veterans like Laura Bailey, a few mention a lack of freshness. Overall, positive opinions outweigh the negative, making the voice acting a standout feature of the game.

Technical Performance

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

27%

Mixed (50-79)

55%

Negative (0-49)

18%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance, there were some positive aspects mentioned by the critics for each gaming platform. Brash Games, CGMagazine, and ICXM all played the game on PS4 and reported smooth gameplay experiences with few bugs, indicating good technical performance and stability. Forbes played the game on PC and mentioned that it ran near-flawlessly, with no reported issues with the user interface, frame rates, or bugs and crashes. This suggests that the PC version of the game had a strong technical performance overall. However, there were also negative aspects mentioned by the critics for each gaming platform. Game Rant mentioned frame rate problems and hitching up, especially on the PC version of the game. GamingTrend mentioned general technical problems with Telltale games, without specifying the platform. AusGamers played the game on Xbox One and mentioned that the game's performance suffered quite a bit, but did not provide specific details. COGconnected played the game on PC and mentioned issues with video drivers and initially non-functioning cloud saves. Destructoid mentioned encountering menu glitches and one forced reboot on the PC version. Game Over Online also played the game on PC and mentioned technical issues with the Windows 7 launcher and other problems people are having with the episode running. GameGrin played the game on PC and reported various technical issues including crashes, freezes, frame skips, low frame rates, and lost saves. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the technical performance of Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 1: Realm of Shadows varied across different gaming platforms. The PS4 version seemed to have a smoother gameplay experience with few bugs, while the PC version had mixed reviews, with some critics reporting near-flawless performance and others mentioning various technical issues. The Xbox One version was criticized for its performance, but specific details were not provided. It is worth noting that some critics mentioned general technical problems with Telltale games, which could suggest that the technical performance issues might not be exclusive to this particular episode.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praised smooth gameplay on PS4 and near-flawless performance on PC for Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 1, but noted frame rate problems and technical issues across platforms. PS4 had the best experience, while PC had mixed reviews. Xbox One's performance was criticized, with no specifics given. Overall, critics highlighted technical challenges across platforms, hinting at wider issues with Telltale games.

Replay Value

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

36%

Mixed (50-79)

64%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 1: Realm of Shadows are generally positive. Several critics, such as Brash Games and Xbox Achievements, highlight the potential for replay value due to the ability to make decisions that shape the narrative. This suggests that players may be inclined to play the episode multiple times to explore different choices and outcomes. Additionally, Gaming Age mentions the new multiplayer feature called "Crowd Play," which adds to the replay value by allowing players to make decisions collectively. The inclusion of this feature provides an opportunity for players to experience the game in a different way each time they play. However, there are some critics who express concerns about the impact of choices on the overall game. VideoGamer and Game Debate both mention uncertainty about how the choices made in the game will affect the rest of the episodes. This ambiguity may deter some players from replaying the episode, as they may feel that their decisions do not have significant consequences. COGconnected also notes that while the choices in the game have narrative impact, they may not have a significant impact on gameplay. This could potentially limit the replay value for players who are seeking more varied gameplay experiences. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 1: Realm of Shadows offers replay value through its narrative choices and potential for different outcomes. Critics like Forbes and GameGrin emphasize the exploration of different choices and consequences as a reason for replaying the episode. The inclusion of the multiplayer feature and the real-world feel created by Impulsegamer also contribute to the overall positive perception of the game's replay value. However, the concerns raised by VideoGamer and Game Debate regarding the impact of choices on the plot may temper some players' enthusiasm for replaying the episode. Despite these reservations, the majority of critics agree that the game offers enough replay value to warrant at least one additional playthrough.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 1 for its replay value, with choices shaping the narrative and a multiplayer feature adding a fresh twist. However, some express concerns about the impact of choices on the game's overall story and gameplay. Overall, the game offers varied outcomes, encouraging replay, but uncertainty about choice consequences may dampen some players' enthusiasm.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

57%

Mixed (50-79)

42%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Overall, the critics have generally positive opinions about Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 1: Realm of Shadows. The game is praised for its strong start, intriguing storyline, and fresh take on the Batman franchise. Critics like Brash Games, Gaming Age, and Windows Central commend the game for its fantastic characters, writing, and the best of both worlds when it comes to The Dark Knight. They believe that Batman fans will not want to miss out on this series. Additionally, GamingTrend and Critical Hit appreciate the focus on Bruce Wayne, creating a more human and interesting character. The game is also commended for its intense choices and consequences, visually appealing environments, and great action scenes. However, there are some negatives mentioned by the critics. Metro GameCentral, Push Square, and Eurogamer Poland express disappointment in the game's uninteresting storyline, weak gameplay, and lack of depth and originality. They criticize the overemphasis on tired series tropes, the stilted combat, and the lack of character development. GamingTrend also mentions technical problems and a fairly predictable voice cast. IGN Spain and Forbes provide more mixed reviews, stating that the game is interesting and enjoyable, but not without flaws. IGN Spain specifically criticizes the voice acting as Bruce Wayne, while Forbes mentions that the game had some issues that were fixed with a new patch. Overall, the majority of critics have a positive view of Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 1: Realm of Shadows. They appreciate the fresh take on the Batman franchise, the strong start, and the intriguing storyline. Critics like CGMagazine, Gaming Age, and USgamer are excited for the rest of the series and believe it has the potential to be a standout among recent Batman games. However, there are some critics, such as Metro GameCentral and Eurogamer Poland, who feel that the game lacks depth and originality, and falls short of some of Telltale's other work. Despite these mixed opinions, the overall consensus is that the game is a promising start to the series and worth playing for fans of Batman.

TL;DR

Critics generally praise Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 1: Realm of Shadows for its strong start, intriguing storyline, fresh take on Batman, and fantastic characters. Some critics appreciate the focus on Bruce Wayne, intense choices, visually appealing environments, and great action scenes. However, some critics criticize the uninteresting storyline, weak gameplay, lack of depth and originality, stilted combat, and lack of character development. Despite mixed reviews, most agree the game is a promising start and worth playing for Batman fans.

CRITIK

Reviews

132 reviews found

100

Gaming Age

PlayStation 4

Aug 2, 2016