The (Possibly) Darkest Knight: Batman: The Telltale Series Review

Episode One Review

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Telltale is the company that brought us The Walking Dead, The Walking Dead: Michonne, Tales from the Borderlands, The Wolf Among Us, Game of Thrones, Back to the Future: The Game, Jurassic Park, Minecraft: Story Mode and Poker Night 2. They are episodic games in which players can choose how the character reacts to others, and what actions they should take in certain situations. It includes players choosing responses, making key storyline decisions and stress-inducing quick time events. With each choice the player makes, the consequences of those choices carry over to the next episode of the series, and affects how the other characters react to the player. The majority of the games have an average of five episodes, with the notable exception of the ever-popularThe Walking Dead which spawned more than one season and a spinoff.

Their latest game is Batman: The Telltale Series which has players experience the world of Batman and Bruce Wayne. The first episode, released this August, focuses on Bruce Wayne instead of Batman as they establish characters such Alfred, Vicki Vale, Carmine Falcone, Harvey Dent, and others. When not galavanting as the billionaire playboy Bruce Wayne, players become Gotham’s Knight and fight bad guys, as he's one to do. As Batman, Telltale switched out their usual button mashing (for example: repeatedly press X or A to complete a struggle) for a directional pad/trigger and action button combo during brawls. While interesting, this feature makes it a challenge for players to keep with the pace of the battle and game without hurting their hands and fingers.

While playing as Bruce, players can control how the Dark Knight's alter ego wants to be. They can make Bruce the way they would in the comics by being a noble person, a hard technology mogul, the impassive observer, or a combination of all three - it all depends on the situation. Telltale tries to give as much freedom to the player as they can. They want the player to determine how the story plays out, or what kind of situation they want to be put in. The freedom is limited due to the linear storytelling, but it doesn’t bother players with any serious or frustrating restrictions

As previously stated, Episode One focuses on Bruce in a way to humanize the Batman. Most games that tackle DC's ultimate superhero will only show Batman, with little to no exposure to Bruce Wayne. Batman always seem to never take a break, or has experienced a total loss of his own humanity. Showing a more compassionate and enlightened character gives the player and fan of the Caped Crusader a different side. In the game, you see him supporting Harvey Dent’s campaign to be Mayor and having to show himself to the public while making introductory rounds with Gotham's citizens. It also shows how Alfred is, as is in his nature, very concerned for Bruce when he comes back badly hurt, bleeding and needing healing. He keeps him grounded and reminds him to not lose sight that he is human after all.

The title has a great establishing introduction for the world of Gotham and its many citizens. It keeps players intrigued in trying to figure out what exactly the members of Gotham's elite are up to. It features familiar names and faces, new characters and its own unique storyline that will unravel how dark Batman can get or how complicated Batman is. Only time and more exciting episodes can tell.

#JessicaMayo