Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 2: Children of Arkham

 PC
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Vandal
    Sep 23, 2016
    70
    We like where the story is going, but at the same time we feel like our decisions aren't really relevant, and we miss having more control over the character.
  2. Twinfinite
    Sep 20, 2016
    70
    Batman: The Telltale Series is still firing on all cylinders in terms of story, and is introducing new and more complex dynamics to character relationships with Bruce and Batman, as we should know to expect from the studio. Due to this, I find myself less enthused about pulling off slick combos as Batman, and more about watching how he and his human side tackle this sticky situation and the consequences of their choices.
  3. Destructoid
    Sep 20, 2016
    70
    You still have your patented "safe" approach from Telltale with Batman: A Telltale Games Series: Children of Arkham, but its heart is in the right place.
  5. GameGrin
    Oct 22, 2016
    65
    So short Batman himself should be investigating, but what they have added is a decent and different interpretation of the Batman lore. Those of us on the train will enjoy and be looking forward to the third installment.
  6. PC Invasion
    Sep 21, 2016
    60
    An improvement on the first episode, but still marred by technical issues and. A move in the right direction, but it's still too early to tell if this is more The Killing Joke or Batman & Robin.
  7. Trusted Reviews
    Sep 21, 2016
    60
    Children Of Arkham does build on the foundations laid by Realm Of Shadows, going for more of a slow burn than firing off surprise after surprise. If there’s a satisfying outcome in a few months then it’ll be a worthwhile wait, especially as Telltale does have a great understanding of not only Batman himself, but of the version of Batman it wants to represent.
  8. The Digital Fix
    Sep 20, 2016
    60
    A step back for the series, but still an enjoyable couple of hours despite the flaws.
  9. We Got This Covered
    Sep 20, 2016
    60
    Children of Arkham eventually gets to really interesting places, but it takes them a little too long to get there — and many interesting story threads from the premier aren't given proper attention gameplay-wise or story-wise. Still, it's nice to see Bruce Wayne and Batman taken in such a dark new direction.
  10. GameSpot
    Sep 20, 2016
    60
    Anyone expecting Telltale to continue deconstructing Bruce Wayne and his alter ego will come away from Children of Arkham unsatisfied. It effectively lays the groundwork for future events with the help of a few unexpected twists, but in leaving out meaningful detective work, it falls short of the series' first episode.
  11. 4P.de
    Sep 30, 2016
    50
    In terms of storytelling this is a step forward to the pilot episode, but it still lacks gaming elements.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 74 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 74
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 74
  3. Negative: 11 out of 74
  1. Buhaj47
    Sep 23, 2016
    9
    I have played Batman The Telltale Series as my first game from Telltale. While I have noticed frame rate drops, the story itself is soI have played Batman The Telltale Series as my first game from Telltale. While I have noticed frame rate drops, the story itself is so engrossing that I finished the episode in one go. It is more of a cinematic experience, there are some reflex-based moments, but these are quite easy and what the player does is choosing dialogue lines.

    For everyone interested in comics, and Batman especially, the game will be a refreshing experience. Bruce Wayne is the main protagonist here indeed, with Batman being more of an addition. Add an EXCELLENT plot to that and you will easily get 9/10 for Batman fans.    … Full Review »
  2. DBPirate1129
    Oct 28, 2016
    8
    The second episode in the Batman Telltale saga expands the story and makes it the main focus. One of my main complaints in the first episodeThe second episode in the Batman Telltale saga expands the story and makes it the main focus. One of my main complaints in the first episode was that the crime scene section of the game was a bit of a drag. The second episode is thankfully lacking these particular segments, except for a brief intro that removes the "linking" mechanic.

    Children of Arkham includes more important decisions. Some may not directly impact the story, but they do manage to make you feel like you did something. I think that we could've had one more episode where a certain death and a certain injury didn't occur as those parts of the story felt a bit rushed. Other than that, the story is extremely engaging and really keeps you waiting to see what happens next, especially with its unique take on the Batman origin story, even if this installment is quite a bit shorter than its predecessor.    … Full Review »
See all user reviews »