Batman: Arkham Shadow proves that VR gaming doesn’t have to be a gimmick. Moreover, it removes the idea that it is aimed at a lower gaming calibre. Instead, you are welcomed by fast-paced combat and a captivating world. Additionally, the storytelling is great and it felt as if the world was alive.
This VR adventure experience was developed by Camouflaj and published by Oculus Studios. Additionally, it is a single-player game that sits in a bizarre prequel/sequel timeframe. As such, you may worry that you need to play every game to understand the lore and finer elements. Thankfully, you can enjoy this as a standalone title and you are not penalised for a lack of knowledge.
Batman: Arkham Shadow treads some old ground.
It wouldn’t be an Arkham game if you didn’t revisit some classic moments. However, Batman: Arkham Shadow does enough to stand out from the crowd. Moreover, the use of several key characters helps to break up the gameplay while keeping you focused on the surrounding world.
Unsurprisingly, you play the role of Batman. A new villain is making waves and the Rat King and his minions must be stopped. However, this is easier said than done, and some inside knowledge is required. Accordingly, you enjoy a mixture of high-octane Batman fighting and some scummy prison visits. The latter allows you to dig deeper into the Rat King’s plans while interacting with the kingpins of the underworld.
Exceptional gameplay.
VR gaming was a no-go for me. The janky action of dated headsets made me violently ill. Thankfully, the Meta Quest 3 and Batman: Arkham Shadow have changed my perception. The smooth movement and immersive world are a thing of beauty. When combined with the exceptional storytelling and the fantastic world, I couldn’t help but smile.
Though you know you are not Batman, this is the closest you’ll ever come to it. Grabbing your cape to soar through the air was enthralling. However, it was ridiculous to look at and my kids laughed repeatedly. The ability to grab and feel the world was awesome. Climbing ladders and leaping obstacles felt exciting. Additionally, I loved leaping huge chasms and fighting every goon I encountered.
So much fighting.
Though stealth is a key component in Batman: Arkham Shadow, there is plenty of fighting to get your fill. What’s more, the goons surround you and you feel under pressure to perform during every fight. Blocking, dodging, and following the correct fighting pattern were key if you wished to be successful.
Alongside this, there are many tools to use and unlock. The latter mechanic complements the Metroidvania layer of gameplay. As you unlock new gear, you may explore otherwise unreachable locations. This was great as this large game kept getting bigger. Furthermore, searching for the rat idols and solving the intricate puzzles was a joy.
Batman: Arkham Shadow looks great.
The high frame rate and decent resolution make this a joy to play. Yes, there are some bugs and glitches, but these do not detract from the end product. Visually, the textures and character models are not next-gen. Yet, this matters not. The world feels amazing and though it can be a bit off during the more open sections, it isn’t enough to disappoint you.
Combat and movement are amazingly crisp and easy to follow. This makes a world of difference if you suffer from motion sickness. As previously mentioned, VR gaming used to be my Achilles Heel. Thankfully, this proves that new technology and more power reduce these issues and make it a viable option for more gamers.
The audio is an absolute dream. The speaker placement on the Meta Quest 3 creates a captivating soundscape that distracts you from the real world. On top of this, the acting is second to none and I adored the loud sound effects. Though the goons were somewhat repetitive, this didn’t bother me. They were cannon fodder and every time I saw a group of thugs, I got my punching fists ready.
Exceptional controls.
I cannot find fault with the control system. Every motion and grabbing element was well-explained and well-considered. Grabbing your sides and extending your arms for your cape was great. Moreover, throwing your fists as you fought felt smooth, if not a little dangerous to those watching. I loved the excellent UI and newbie VR gamers will get to grips with this in no time at all.
Batman: Arkham Shadow is a big game. Consequently, there is loads of longevity and it is worth every penny if you were to buy it. Replay value is also at the fore as there are plenty of collectables and a challenge section if you wish to return for more. This was great as my kids love to fight without the demands of the adventure/Metroidvania mechanics.
Batman: Arkham Shadow is an amazing VR game.
It shouldn’t surprise you when I say that I think this is an amazing VR game. It ticks every box from beginning to end. If I were to be critical, the bugs and glitches undermine the polish. Despite these shortcomings, I think this is the best Batman experience to date. Accordingly, I adore it and I recommend buying it here! Can you stop the Rat King and prove your hero status? Defeat the thugs, infiltrate the prison, and thwart the Rat King’s plans.
