When Batman Arkham Shadow was first announced in early 2024 as a Virtual Reality (VR) game, the gaming community reacted with frustration, scepticism and intrigue.
Set after the mixed reception of Arkham Origins and 12 years before the critically acclaimed Arkham Asylum, this game delves into Batman’s early career, exploring his transformation before he fully becomes the iconic Caped Crusader of the Arkham Trilogy, which includes Arkham Asylum, Arkham City and Arkham Knight.
However, with the release of the rather lukewarm Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, which draws on the Arkham series’ Batman lore, many, myself included, approached the announcement of another game with scepticism.
The timing seemed questionable, adding to concerns over how the legacy of the Arkham games might be handled in such a turbulent period.
Fast forward to October 2024, and the release of Batman Arkham Shadow marks not only a triumphant return to form for the series but also showcases lessons drawn from past titles, particularly Arkham Asylum, from which the developers, Camouflaj, took substantial inspiration.
Previously, Camouflaj made waves with Marvel’s Ironman VR, setting a high benchmark for immersive superhero gameplay.
With Arkham Shadow, they’ve surpassed even that achievement, delivering a VR experience that not only exemplifies the potential of the medium but also allows players to truly “Be The Batman”- a tagline that has long been a hallmark of the Arkham series.
When the Arkham series first debuted in 2009 with Arkham Asylum, it set a new standard for hero action-adventure titles, combining an intricate storyline, and immersive environments, further accentuated by its iconic and groundbreaking free-flow combat.
Fans of the series have continued to love how each subsequent game created a rich, world that encouraged exploration and detective work; along with new gadgets and toys to play with in an ever-growing sandbox that is Gotham City.
The VR version, Batman Arkham Shadows, honours these roots by retaining the essential elements of free-flow combat, puzzle-solving, and a gritty, atmospheric storyline, all while capitalising on the unique strengths of VR.
For the first time, players are offered a front-row seat to Arkham’s meticulously crafted chaos in an interactive 3D world, bringing Batman’s Gotham to life in ways traditional screen games could never quite capture.
One of the most iconic gameplay mechanics from the original Arkham series – the Free-flow combat, where Batman rhythmically pummels his way through waves of thugs – has been impressively adapted by Camouflaj into VR.
Unlike other VR combat games, where players often end up wildly flailing, Arkham Shadow delivers a more controlled experience.
Players are guided to strike enemies with precision through targeted hits and directional cues, along with counter moves, all of which closely mirror Batman’s fluid movements from the flatscreen versions.
As a result, the combat feels as if it’s been lifted directly from the flatscreen Arkham games, with players dashing across the room to take down a variety of foes, from standard thugs to armoured and weapon-wielding variants that demand a strategic approach.
Using moves like the cape stun to subdue tougher enemies adds an engaging layer of depth to the combat.
This faithful translation from flatscreen to VR also shines in the predator sections, where Batman methodically stalks enemies from the shadows, taking them down one by one.
Players can grapple between perch points, just as in the original games, while having multiple options to approach each stealth sequence.
Whether it’s executing the iconic inverted takedown from above or setting traps with Batman’s signature gadgets – like the sonic batarang and explosive gel – each predator encounter is uniquely dynamic, granting players the freedom to experiment with their creativity and strategy.
These gadgets are also cleverly integrated into various puzzle sections, some even woven into the storyline itself, as a younger and more relentless Batman works to unravel the mystery of the Rat King – a new villain whose reign of terror over Gotham has yet to be subdued.
Players begin their journey in the heart of Gotham, but much of the action takes place within Blackgate Prison, where Batman goes undercover as his alter ego, Matches Malone, to uncover the mystery at hand.
Beyond the main storyline, those with a keen eye for detail will find additional stories unfolding in the environment, particularly during Malone’s day-to-day interactions, adding depth and intrigue to the experience.
Though the game isn’t without its flaws, with bugs like glitched hands or issues reaching gadgets, Camouflaj has been quick to address these, deploying two hotfixes since release to tackle the most prominent issues.
By adapting this beloved franchise with such commitment to detail and immersion, Camouflaj has set a new bar for VR gaming. Together with their previous success, Ironman VR, Batman Arkham Shadow truly brings new meaning to the Arkham series’ iconic tagline, “Be the Batman”, elevating the experience in ways that a traditional screen could never achieve. – Daniel Lim
