Ah, my first video game review in over two years. The reason for that is that I don't play as much as I used to. I only got one video game in all of 2015, Arkham Knight, and there was just so much to process that I couldn't really put it in words, not to mention it was really a slow year for me. Next year will pick up for me though in the games department with new sequels to Injustice and Marvel vs. Capcom. But let's focus on today's game.
What may surprise people is that for the longest time, I've completely avoided online gaming, even when it came to DLC. Part of the reason is I didn't always have the best connection and I thought that DLC wasn't important enough if it wasn't already available on the physical disc. It wasn't until I got my Xbox One, which required an internet connection, and the Arkham Knight expansion pack came out that I finally gave in.
Which brings us to "Batman: The Telltale Series". When it was announced, I didn't really care since it was an online game. But when they announced a season pass disc, I thought I'd give it a shot. I'm a guy who prefers to physically own things rather than digitally; comics, movies, games, you name it.
For those who don't know, Telltale Games creates what you would call "choose your own adventure" games, where choices you make along the way impacts what happens later on.
Knowing this, going into this Batman game, I expected something like the Arkham games but with less button mashing. After getting the game back in September and just finishing the season finale this week, I have to say that if you're looking for a new kind of Batman experience, this is right up your alley.
First off, some key aspects of Batman's history get turned upside down in this series. So if you're well knowledged in that department, best forget that with this game (or remember and be prepared for some surprises). I kept expecting one specific twist that I won't spoil to be revealed as a hoax by the end, but it doesn't. In that respect, I give props to the story writers for taking such a twist, and adding an extra layer to this version of Bruce Wayne, as well as how it relates to the game's main villain. Coincidentally, while this isn't an Arkham game, the Asylum still plays a major part. I guess if it ain't broke, right?
I will talk about a few characters in how they've been re-imagined though. First off, Oswald Copplepot, AKA Penguin. This version is a lot more slender and is able to put up a fight than what we're used to; he even wears a penguin mask, which may sound ridiculous, but actually works within the context. He's also a childhood friend of Bruce; the comics, and even the Arkham games, have referenced before about a relationship between the Waynes and Copplepots, so the two being old friends is a nice addition.
At one point in the game, Bruce ends up in Arkham and interacts with three well-known Batman villains: Zsasz, the Ventriloquist, and as you probably expected, the Joker. Apparently though, Bruce has not had any interaction with any of them, or if he has as Batman, is just playing dumb. That applies to Zsasz and the Ventriloquist, but with this version of Joker, he has yet to make a name for himself, only being known as "John Doe", and appears to be a model patient, despite his eccentric behavior and nihilistic views. I guess it's plausible for Joker to lay low before making his public debut, but it does kind of feel weird to see him interact with Bruce in Arkham and knowing his fame isn't preceding him. I prefer to see Batman's villains as a response to the hero's presence in Gotham.
The voice acting is pretty top notch in the game, many of whom I recognize from various other projects. Bruce/Batman is voiced by Troy Baker (Joker in Arkham Origins, Hawkeye in Avengers Assemble), Selina Kyle/Catwoman is voiced by Laura Bailey (Kid Trunks in Dragon Ball Z, Black Widow in Avengers Assemble), Harvey Dent is voiced by Travis Willingham (Thor in Avengers Assemble, Roy Mustang in Fullmetal Alchemist), and Penguin is voiced by Jason Spisak (Razer in Green Lantern, Wally West in Young Justice). Other characters like Alfred, Gordon, and Vicki Vale also have some good voices behind them. Joker's voice, provided by newcomer Anthony Ingruber, is...interesting. It might be that it's hard not to compare anyone who voices Joker to Mark Hammil, but Ingruber's Joker is a different take, reminding me of Michael Emmerson's in the animated Dark Knight Returns adaptation. It would have been nice if Troy Baker had provided the voice again, but given how much the game deviates from the Batman norms, how it was done probably for the best.
It should be worth pointing out that this game has an M rating, which it rightfully earns. Right off the bat (no pun intended), a security guard is shot right in the face with blood splatter to boot, and it doesn't end there. Given the game's stylistic approach similar to that of a comic book, showing more graphic imagery goes right in line with that, much like DC's animated film line has done. This also makes for some pretty intense fight scenes. While they're only quick time events (as in having to push the right buttons at the right time) as opposed to direct combat in the Arkham series, the gamemakers did a great job at immersing the players into the situation. It made me feel like I was Batman, and that if I didn't act quickly, who knows what could happen. The final battle of the game probably the most epic out of all of them.
But let's get right to what makes this game so unique: choices. It's this aspect that makes the Telltale Series better than the Arkham games at least in one way. While the Arkham games are pretty much a straight path (aside from having the option to do side missions during the main story and earning upgrades along the way), the Telltale Series offers many paths. This is your chance to be the Batman, as well as Bruce Wayne, you want to be. It's definitely a thinking man's game.
Personally, the choices I made during my playthrough were based on a number of factors. Will this make for a better story? How will this make me (as Bruce and Batman) viewed by others? Overall, the choices I made had more to do with emotion or restraint, because that's the way I see Batman, something along the lines of Kevin Conroy or Christian Bale's versions. There are some opportunities for Batman to take a more brutal approach, such as breaking a mercenary's arm even after he gave you the information you needed. When it comes to a brutal Batman who does whatever it takes, the most extreme case that comes to mind is Frank Miller's version from "All Star Batman and Robin", who enjoys hurting criminals and corrupt police officers and often refers to himself as "the Goddamn Batman", earning his designation from comic book reviewer Linkara as "Crazy Steve". Just for fun, at some point, I'll play through the game again through what I felt were the "wrong" choices. But aside from that though, there are choices in the game where I feel like Bruce or Batman can come across as a dick, even when it's not necessary, and considering what Bruce is going through in the game, he needs as much good PR as he can get.
But that's just my take. How you play Batman is your business, which makes this game so unique.
In a way, I see the Telltale Series similar to the Dark Knight trilogy, taking a more realistic approach while offering it's own spin on things, whereas the Arkham series adhered mostly to the comics with some cinematic quality. As far as comic book inspirations I sensed from the game, I definitely noticed the spirit of The Long Halloween coming through, as well as a more obscure Batman story "Jekyll and Hyde", which I highly recommend.
It's worth noting that since they referred to the last episode as the "season finale", which makes it a safe bet that a sequel is already in the works, with hints that it will be Joker as the main villain, and who knows how far the soon to be Clown Prince of Crime will go to top the craziness that's already happened.
As this was my first Telltale game, I'm really excited for what they'll do with the Guardians of the Galaxy game they'll be putting out next year.
Overall, this is a must-buy/must-play for any Batman fan, especially for those wanting something different from the Arkham series. Considering it's the Holiday season, the Season Pass disc would make the perfect gift for the Bat-fan in your life.
RATING: 9/10
