Batman: Episode Two – Children of Arkham
Developer: Telltale Games
Publisher: Telltale Games
Release Date: September 20, 2016
Platforms: Mac, PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One, iOS and Android
ESRB: Mature
Telltale really seemed to listen to the critics of Episode 1. Episode 2 delivers delivers the action, ramps up the tension, gives us more Batman and all at a pace that will make you wonder where the time went.
There isn’t really much to criticize this time around. The story continues as more of Bruce Wayne’s parents’ mysterious criminal past comes to light. Where Episode 1 spent almost all of its time slogging along trying to make us question the Wayne name, Children of Arkham completely changes the aged story of the death of Thomas and Martha Wayne and then slaps us in the face with the revelation that it may not have just been a senseless and random mugging gone wrong.
Some of my original criticism still stands. Bruce is still way too wooden and boring. However, this time around, he’s got a sidekick that oozes enough charisma you may not notice it much. Also this episode seems to have one HUGE cliffhanger decision that actually has me worried I made the wrong choice. I hope Telltale doesn’t do something later on that makes it feel insignificant.
Without spoiling anything further, I have to say that I appreciate Episode One even more now. The choice to build the story slowly so that you could launch right into the next episode at full speed was a good choice. I’m greatly anticipating Episode 3 and more adventures as The Dark Knight!
Eric Snell
esnell@comicattack.net
