Batman: The Enemy Within - The Telltale Series
" Immersive adventure with deep branching narrative and strong character depth but uneven pacing "
Batman: The Enemy Within - The Telltale Series Review
Batman: The Enemy Within - The Telltale Series is widely regarded as a strong sequel that builds upon the foundation of the first game, delivering a darker, more emotional, and morally complex narrative. Players particularly appreciated the fresh take on the Joker's character and the exploration of Bruce Wayne's dual identity. The game offers improved pacing, enhanced gameplay mechanics, and meaningful player choices that influence the story's outcome.
However, some players found the story's handling of Batman's secret identity less believable, with many characters seemingly aware of it, which hurt immersion. The ending was also viewed by some as unsatisfying or incomplete. Technical issues like occasional bugs, frame drops, and a broken episode on second playthrough were reported but were not widespread. Overall, it is praised for its character development and narrative depth, though pacing and some gameplay elements could be improved.
Highlights
Players praised the game's complex branching narrative and the emotional depth of character interactions, especially the portrayal of Joker (John Doe).
The improved gameplay mechanics, including detective sequences and combat, were well received. The comic-inspired graphics and strong voice acting enhanced the immersive experience.
Exploring Bruce Wayne's perspective and his relationships added a fresh dimension to the story, making it more engaging for fans of Batman and narrative-driven games.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the unrealistic exposure of Batman's secret identity, which broke immersion for some players.
Some felt the story’s pacing was inconsistent, and the ending lacked closure or felt unsatisfying. Gameplay segments, particularly involving the Riddler, were sometimes frustrating due to complicated mechanics or controller issues.
Technical problems like invisible models, frame rate drops, and crashes were reported on certain playthroughs. Additionally, some side characters were underdeveloped, and combat remained simplistic.
Pros
- • Deep, branching narrative with meaningful player choices shaping the story's outcome.
- • Exceptional portrayal of Joker, adding emotional complexity to the character.
- • Improved gameplay mechanics over the first game, including detective and combat sequences.
- • Strong voice acting and soundtrack enhance immersion and character depth.
- • Exploration of Bruce Wayne’s perspective offers fresh storytelling angles.
- • Comic-inspired graphics and improved lighting provide a stylish visual experience.
- • High replayability due to multiple story paths and endings.
Cons
- • Story’s handling of Batman’s secret identity is often unrealistic and immersion-breaking.
- • Inconsistent pacing and an ending that some players found unsatisfying or incomplete.
- • Riddler gameplay sections are overly complicated and sometimes frustrating.
- • Occasional technical issues such as invisible models, frame drops, and crashes on some playthroughs.
- • Simplistic combat mechanics that lack depth compared to other gameplay elements.
- • Some side characters feel underdeveloped and lack narrative impact.
- • Chapter release schedule frustrated some players with cliffhangers and wait times.
Rating Criteria
In this latest chapter from the award-winning studio behind Batman - The Telltale Series, both Bruce Wayne and Batman will be forced into precarious new roles. The Riddler has returned to terrorize Gotham City, but his gruesome puzzles merely foreshadow an even greater crisis.
