Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 1: Realm of Shadows

 Xbox One
Metascore
65

Mixed or average reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 15
  3. Negative: 2 out of 15
  1. TrueAchievements
    Aug 3, 2016
    90
    Fans of the studio, and especially fans of the character, can rightfully get excited for the season ahead. Under the cowl, and just as often not, Episode One: Realm of Shadows is a worthy introduction to comics' greatest hero.
  2. Brash Games
    Aug 23, 2016
    80
    Without a doubt an awesome way to kick-off the series. It does a great job balancing out play time between Bruce Wayne and Batman and the gameplay was varied enough to keep me engaged the whole way through.
  3. ICXM
    Aug 8, 2016
    80
    Batman: The Telltale Series still has a ways to go before it can prove that it can live up to its potential, but the first episode has the series off to a good start. The ending offers a fantastic twist that leaves me intrigued for where the story will go next, and I eagerly await episode two.
  5. Critical Hit
    Aug 5, 2016
    80
    Batman: The Telltale Series may stumble a bit in the opening act, but it quickly hits a comfortable stride with a promising first episode as Bruce Wayne steps out of the shadows.
  6. Game Revolution
    Aug 5, 2016
    80
    This is the best first episode since Borderlands for Telltale Games. I can’t wait to see where Batman: The Telltale Series goes next.
  7. Xbox Achievements
    Aug 2, 2016
    80
    Telltale and Batman fans are well catered for in Batman: A Telltale Series' first episode, with a hefty dose of action and intrigue to set things up for the rest of the ensuing saga. We can't wait for more.
  8. IGN Spain
    Aug 3, 2016
    77
    An interesting new environment for the storytelling of Batman with the classic Telltale style.
  9. AusGamers
    Aug 10, 2016
    75
    But story is what you pay for, and ‘Realm of Shadows’ will certainly leave you in a position of wanting to see more. The episode ends in a position far more confident than where it begins, and with equal focus placed on both Bruce Wayne and Batman, we’re probably in for quite a ride.
  10. MondoXbox
    Aug 7, 2016
    75
    Batman: The Telltale Series starts quite slowly, mixing great Batman scenes to sometimes boring Bruce Wayne dialogues, all in just a couple of hours. Moreover, it looks like yet again Telltale completely forgot about Italy during localization, something quite penalizing seen the often very quick dialogues. It shows potential however, and the next episodes should be able to put more meat on their bones.
  11. Windows Central
    Sep 6, 2016
    70
    This episode feels significantly shorter than episodes from other franchises, but it isn't. Three hours just flew by and you won't miss any achievements because they're all chapter based.
  12. High-Def Digest
    Aug 3, 2016
    70
    It's not ready yet, not fully formed, and could die by the end of the series or even by the second episode, but it could also bring their craft to a new level. Either way, I don't see a need to wash my hands of it just yet.
  13. Multiplayer.it
    Aug 3, 2016
    60
    With its first episode Realm of Shadows, Batman: The Telltale Series shows itself as an interesting twist on the story of the Dark Knight. There are also some interesting new elements in the gameplay, but unfortunately the experience is flawed by important technical issues.
  14. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    Sep 26, 2016
    50
    A promising start for the Bat. If only it didn't run like a dog. Telltale: sort it out for part two. [Oct 2016, p.94]
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  15. games(TM)
    Oct 7, 2016
    40
    For games so wholly focused on delivering key emotional beats and complex narratives, the presentation and optimisation leaves a lot to be desired.
  16. Games Master UK
    Oct 3, 2016
    40
    One of Telltale's weakest opening chapters yet. [Issue#179]
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  1. The A.V. Club
    Aug 3, 2016
    Much of this first episode is just table-setting, and for all its familiar elements, by the final scene, Batman has effectively built an intriguing mystery—one that tackles the fundamental question of how someone can live a split life—without merely retreading classic tales of the caped crusader.

Awards & Rankings

69
#69 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2016

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 45 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 45
  3. Negative: 9 out of 45
  1. Nobilis1984
    Aug 4, 2016
    8
    Good game but

    this time is more action like adventure. Press the silly buttons will stay with us. The story is well so far. I got myself    Good game but

    this time is more action like adventure. Press the silly buttons will stay with us. The story is well so far. I got myself the other episodes and am curious whether Catwoman and Batman come closer.    … Full Review »
  2. Derf_Xephon
    Aug 3, 2016
    9
    Although I've sometimes found Telltale to be hit and miss in terms of enjoying their games, I'm happy to say that episode one is a great startAlthough I've sometimes found Telltale to be hit and miss in terms of enjoying their games, I'm happy to say that episode one is a great start to what I hope will be a great Batman series.

    To anyone that's played a Telltale game before the mechanics will be very familiar. Combat is handled through quick time events which are fairly forgiving, and the player is given three dialogue choices when speaking with others with silence always being an available fourth option.

    Graphically the game shares the same sort of cell-shaded look as all of Telltale's other franchises and looks good, though at launch I did notice a few bugs and a bit of lag. The voice acting is great though some may be disappointed to discover Kevin Conroy is not the voice of Bruce Wayne/Batman in this series.

    Story wise Realm of Shadows did a great job a drawing me in. Characters and settings are very recognizable to anyone familiar with the Batman universe. However, certain alterations have been included to make for a somewhat unique experience for seasoned Batman fans. Don't expect to see every character with the same exact motivations as always.

    And as far as overall gameplay goes, I'm happy to see that Telltale has used this opportunity to show more to Batman than simply swinging between buildings and beating up bad guys. As Bruce you must navigate the treacherous world of high society and politics, choosing your dialogue options carefully while never being certain where people's allegiances truly lie. And as Batman a good amount of your time will be spent gathering evidence, investigating crime scenes, and using your awesome gadgets to scope out enemies, all before swooping in for some fairly tense and entertaining fight sequences.

    But where this game shines to me is the decisions you're forced to make while wearing the cowl. Do you want to be a brutal, uncompromising vigilante or a more thoughtful detective? I felt these paths were well supported for this first installment, and I really hope Telltale continues this into future episodes.

    Overall I really enjoyed my time with episode one and I'm looking forward to the next installment.    … Full Review »
  3. GamesXtreme
    Sep 6, 2016
    8
    If you're familiar with a Telltale Game then I don't really need to explain how they work. If not, well, consider them part action, partIf you're familiar with a Telltale Game then I don't really need to explain how they work. If not, well, consider them part action, part investigation, and consequence driven gameplay in the style of some of the old point and click games of the past. If you're not a fan of Quick Time Events, then these aren't going to be the games for you.

    Sign up if you're a fan of twisting stories, great characterisation, interesting applications of QTE mechanics - and meaningful choices that have far-reaching consequences across each episode of their series. Yep, just like the others, Batman is an episodic game - with Episode 1 out now, and 2 soon to follow on September 20th.

    I've got a good feeling about this series, and it's off to a cracking start, introducing some great moments and some really solid action in this episode. The voice work and acting, along with the music and the writing are stand-out, bringing Gotham to life and nailing many aspects of my favourite Batman show of all time: the Classic Animated Cartoon Series starring Kevin Conroy.

    Only this time you get Troy Baker as Batman.    … Full Review »
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