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Coming after the debacle that was Suicide Squad Kill the Justice League, Batman: Arkham Shadow boldly returns to the beloved Arkhamverse behind new lenses. A VR adaptation of Rocksteady’s brilliant video game franchise, Arkham Shadow is steadfast in its conversion of everything Arkham to virtual reality.
Not made for the weak of heart, or weak of lungs, developer Camouflaj has perfectly recreated everything from free flow combat to the spectacular Gothic aesthetic of this series’ Gotham. Even compared to the likes of 2013’s Arkham Origins, Shadow feels like the first Batman game to come close to Rocksteady’s brilliant trilogy.
Arkham Shadows is a podium finish
While not the best game in the Arkhamverse, Camouflaj’s stab at adapting the Caped Crusader into virtual reality sits firmly as the third-best in the series. Sticking closely to the tight Metroidvania design of the original 2009 Arkham Asylum, Shadow never slumps in its Dark Knight roller coaster ride across its 12-or-so-hour campaign.
As the titular Batman, you’re tasked with taking down the Rat King before the mysterious villain kicks off his ‘Day of Wrath.’ Taking on the mantle of faux villain Irving ‘Matches’ Malone, you sneak into Blackgate Prison, acting as a convict by day, and donning the cowl at night.
Camouflaj’s adaptation of this iconic franchise really does make you feel like Batman in a way that even Rocksteady’s own VR stab at the Caped Crusader never could.
Every aspect of the Arkham games has been expertly translated into a virtual reality format. Stealth players will revel in a flawless recreation of the flat-screen games’ Predator gameplay. You’ll grapple to the tops of gargoyles, grab passing foes and string them up. You’ll climb in vents, sneak up to a guard and grab them to choke them out.
If your stealth attempts go south, the brilliant combat system of Rocksteady’s games is here in full. With your hands, you become an expert fighter, throwing hooks at goons and stretching out to the sides to counter incoming hits. You’ll also have to deal with bigger foes that require you to spin your cape before issuing a barrage of punches to take them out.
A pinnacle for VR
As a Meta Quest exclusive, Batman: Arkham Shadow is one of the best VR games ever released. While it may not be as accessible as many would like, there is no game on the market that makes you feel the way this game does. It may be cliché, but Camouflaj’s adaptation of this iconic franchise really does make you feel like Batman in a way that even Rocksteady’s own VR stab at the Caped Crusader never could.
It’s obviously smaller in scope than, say, Arkham Knight, and it doesn’t have the same slew of iconic villains that many players might expect, but fighting groups of goons and performing flawless combos with your own fists is a feeling unlike any other. After all, if even one criminal through a punch at me in real-life, I’d crumple like a wet paper bag in a filthy London alleyway. In Arkham Shadow, not only do I stand a chance but—dare I say—I’m a goddamn hero.
It’s to be expected, really. After delivering the phenomenal Iron Man VR, Camouflaj has perfectly mastered the feeling of Batman in a way that only leaves us wanting more. What’s next? A true Spider-Man VR game? A VR Captain America game where you can turn Nazis into a fine paste? Whatever is next, I’m here for it.
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