Batman: Arkham Shadow Review (Meta Quest 3 & Meta Quest 3S)

Batman Arkham Shadow marks a bold leap for the Arkham series, bringing the thrill of being the Dark Knight into the immersive world of VR. From intense combat to stealthy predator sequences, the game offers fans a chance to experience Gotham’s dark streets like never before.  When the game was announced as a Meta Quest exclusive, excitement and skepticism filled the air. Questions emerged from all corners, wondering the extent to which this ambition would come to life owing to the great Arkham legacy. Spoiler alert: it mostly does. From intense combat to stealthy predator sequences, this game offers a fresh yet familiar experience. Ready to dive in? Let’s break it down in this review.

From a Sequel to a Prequel

The story of Bruce Wayne has always been central to the Batman franchise, and Arkham Shadow takes that legacy seriously. This time, it plunges into Bruce’s early years, exploring the complexities of his transformation into the Caped Crusader. Unlike a typical prequel, this game goes deeper. It focuses on the struggle of balancing his dual life in a Gotham that’s on the edge of chaos.

What makes Arkham Shadow special is that players get to step into the shoes of Matches Malone, one of Bruce’s criminal disguises. This fresh take gives a new view of Gotham’s underworld. In the past, players were used to Batman fighting bad guys. But now it is about sneaking into places that Batman, in his cape and mask, wouldn’t be able to go. As Matches Malone, you’ll interact with criminals, gather secrets, and do things Bruce can’t do as Batman.

This narrative choice lets players feel the tension of living two lives while interacting with iconic characters like Harvey Dent and Jim Gordon in their formative roles. It’s all about understanding the alliances and mistrust that define Gotham’s dark streets. The game’s attention to detail is perfect, pulling from classic comics and making nods to earlier Arkham titles.

What really stands out is the introduction of a new villain, the Rat King, and a return of familiar faces from Arkham Asylum and Arkham City. While some may find the game more linear and enclosed compared to its open-world predecessors, the engaging narrative more than makes up for it. It captures the essence of being Batman, solving mysteries, confronting criminals, and making difficult choices. The game stays true to the spirit of the Arkham series while adding fresh elements to keep long-time fans hooked.

The Battle Gets Real

One of the biggest challenges for Arkham Shadow was bringing the series’ signature free-flow combat into VR. Those combat scenes in the older Arkham games set the bar pretty high. Now, how does this VR version stack up? Well, it takes a different approach, but it still delivers plenty of fun.

The button-mashing combos of the console games are quickly becoming a thing of the past. Instead, you are physically throwing punches, blocking attacks, and using your whole body to fight off Gotham’s thugs. It’s an intense workout. The VR mechanics make every punch and counter feel real, and, notably, you’ll break a sweat in bigger battles. It’s thrilling, and when you get into the rhythm of the action, you feel every bit like the Dark Knight himself. 

When you see a group of enemies, you decide who to target first. You then dash toward them and get a chance to throw a punch, block, or counterattack based on visual prompts. While the gameplay feels a bit strange at first, it quickly turns effortless after a few rounds and becomes highly interactive.

Initially, you might miss the feeling of gliding through a dozen thugs without breaking a sweat. But here’s the thing: in VR, you actually feel like you are fighting. Throwing punches, blocking attacks, and moving around physically gets your heart pumping. It’s different, but so intense that it feels surreal. To complement this, the developers kept the stealth mechanics that make you feel like a true predator. Hanging from the rafters, picking off enemies one by one, it’s as satisfying as ever. By the end of a battle, you’re not just Batman in the name. You will be sweating and breathing like the Dark Knight would.

Strategic Choices, Big Payoff

When bringing Batman Arkham Shadow to VR, Camouflaj had some tough decisions to make. After all, it’s not easy turning a game series known for its massive, open-world Gotham into something that fits within the limits of a standalone VR headset. 

Recreating all of Gotham City would have been a technical nightmare. Therefore, the game focuses on the Blackgate Prison, with a few key locations around Gotham sprinkled in. This keeps the world detailed and immersive without overreaching. Of course, some fans might miss soaring over the city rooftops for hours. However, the tight, intense environment of Blackgate works well in VR. You feel the tension and claustrophobia, which adds fun to the experience.

Another bold choice was tweaking the combat system. The fast-paced, free-flowing combat of the older Arkham games was simplified to work in VR. While it doesn’t have the same seamless flow, it brings a new kind of excitement. Fighting feels more physical, and every punch you throw has weight. 

Ultimately, these design choices make Arkham Shadow a unique VR game. It’s not a perfect replica of the console games, but it offers something new, intense, and worth playing.

Gotham in All Its VR Glory

The graphics in Batman Arkham Shadow is nothing short of impressive, especially considering the hardware limitations of the Meta Quest 3. No one expected Meta Quest 3 to push those levels. Despite that, the developers have done an outstanding job of creating a visually captivating experience. Notably, Gotham’s signature look, which is full of Gothic and neo-Gothic architecture, comes out beautifully. 

Blackgate Prison, with its rusted metal walls, now feels alive and full of tension. The detailed environments, from shadowy alleys to abandoned warehouses, perfectly capture the city’s dangerous vibe. Even though you’re mostly indoors or in enclosed areas, the visuals are rich and immersive. They make each setting feel like a character in its own right.

Additionally, character models are surprisingly well done, with unique designs for NPCs that keep them from feeling repetitive. The main characters are highly detailed, with facial expressions and animations that bring them to life. The lighting is a standout feature, too. Dynamic shadows and amazing use of light sources make the game feel immersive. They highlight Batman’s iconic silhouette, complete with the Bat-ears casting shadows on the walls.

While it’s easy to wish for higher-resolution textures or more open landscapes, the graphics of Arkham Shadow are a testament to what VR can achieve. The game may be somewhat confined, but it makes up for it with style, capturing the gritty, dangerous essence of Gotham like never before.

The Bad

While Batman Arkham Shadow delivers a mostly incredible VR experience, it isn’t without its flaws. One of its biggest issues is the game’s linear and sometimes claustrophobic feel. Gone are the days of freely gliding over a wide-open Gotham. Instead, the action is mostly confined to Blackgate Prison and a few other tight, limited locations. This can feel like a big letdown for long-time fans who loved exploring the vast cityscapes of previous Arkham games.

Another frustration comes in the form of technical hiccups. Occasional bugs and glitches pop up. For instance, doors not opening when they should or objects not responding correctly to player interactions. It’s annoying but not game-breaking, and usually, a simple reload or checkpoint restart fixes the issue.

In addition, frame rate drops can also break immersion, especially during loading sequences or when the game transitions between areas. Even with dynamic resolution settings, these moments can be distracting.

Combat, while engaging and in physically demanding scenarios, doesn’t have the same fluidity as the original Arkham games. The simplified system and quick-time prompts can feel limiting, especially for players expecting the seamless combos of the console versions. 

Finally, having the game exclusive to Meta Quest 3 has left some fans feeling alienated. Players without a VR setup or those hoping for a console or PC release are understandably frustrated. While the game does shine on Quest, the platform’s limitations are evident, leaving some aspects of the experience feeling lacking.

Verdict

Batman Arkham Shadow delivers on its promise to bring the Arkham experience to VR. It takes bold steps by creatively adapting the series’ combat and stealth mechanics while retaining the story-driven essence that made the original games legendary. The visuals, though limited by the hardware, are stunning for a standalone VR title. They capture Gotham’s dark atmosphere with style.

While the Quest 3 exclusivity may be a deal-breaker for some, fans of the series who are willing to dive into VR are in for a treat. From the rich narrative to the engaging gameplay and immersive predator sequences, Arkham Shadow nails it.

Arkham Shadow gives you the perfect experience of hiding in the shadows, taking down bad guys, and solving tricky mysteries. Camouflaj didn’t just make a game; they created an experience that truly makes you feel like the Dark Knight. This game is hands-down the best Batman experience VR has to offer and arguably one of the best VR games.