Batman: Arkham VR

- Reviewed on PSVR -

Batman: Arkham VR released on October 11th, 2016.

Made by the same, outstanding studio, that brought us the original Batman Arkham series, Rocksteady Studios, Batman: Arkham VR is an incredibly short, yet very immersive experience in the world of The Caped Crusaders. 

With fully voiced characters, detective scenarios, puzzles, and more, Batman: Arkham VR provides players and fans of the Batman / DC universe, a glimpse of just how tragic the life of Bruce Wayne is / can be.

I had a blast initially with this VR title, but the lack of serious combat (which is what the main, streamline series is best known for), and the very short game length, made this whole experience feel like missed potential on the behalf of Rocksteady.

This review WILL have Major Spoilers so keep that in mind before continuing...

The main plot of Batman: Arkham VR is about Batman (Bruce Wayne) trying to figure out what has happened to two of his closest allies, Robin and Nightwing.  

Turns out, (SPOILER) Robin and Nightwing had been killed. But by who?

Kevin Conroy, who I debate is the best Batman voice actor ever (RIP Mr. Conroy), is back again as Batman, in Batman: Arkham VR, and it baffles Batman that Nightwing and Robin could be dead as they were very well trained. 

This is where the rest of the one-and-a-half-hour-long plot (average) comes into play, as you'll travel to multiple locations and do detective work with a combination of all your gadgets. 

The detective scenarios were interesting, as rewinding and scanning parts of holograms, items, and environments to put together a reasonable clue was enjoyable, but it did not keep my attention span for long.

I would've enjoyed more combat instead, and I know the newer Batman VR game, Batman: Arkham Shadow, has true combat, but playing this on the PSVR, the newer game wasn't an option (as of writing this blog post).

The only "combat" I experienced in Batman: Arkham VR was using my cowl to highlight gun pointing bandits, to allow the Batwing to neutralize them. 

Batman: Arkham VR is way more focused on the puzzle aspects. And these puzzles aren't the best either. 

You have Batarangs, the Grapnel Gun, and the Forensic Scanner at your disposal to solve these puzzles. 

Using the motion controllers to equip the gadgets, use them, and putting them back when needed was very immersive and neat!

Throwing batarangs at targets was decent, for as long as you threw them somewhat at your target(s), the batarang would automatically adjust and hit them.

The Grapnel Gun allowed me to shoot and unlock vaults, transport to other areas, and even grab out of reach items. 

This was important as there is no free roam in Batman: Arkham VR. 

It follows a more point and click control scheme. 

Finally, the Forensic Scanner gadget is the most immersive tool, as it allows you to point it all around and find clues, easter eggs, and of course, solve puzzles.

For Example, there was a safe in one of the acts, and using the Forensic Scanner to scan the keypad, allowed me to see fingerprints and open the safe!

Inside the Batcave, you'll be able to do target practice, dig through files, view character / vehicle models, and more.

This is like a miniature HUB world, instead the game is still too short to properly execute this (in my opinion).

The plot is still, by far, the best part of Batman: Arkham VR. 

Going to multiple locations like Wayne Manor, the Sewers, the GCPD Roof, and even Arkham Asylum was so incredibly unique and fun for a Batman fan like myself.

Seeing Killer Croc, Robin, Joker, and plenty of Easter Eggs in Batman: Arkham VR made for plenty of audible gasps too!

The ending was really mind bending as well, as the whole game turns out to be a nightmare, as you look yourself in the mirror, and Batman has Joker's green eyes. 

This ending is a direct tie in, with Batman: Arkham Knight. I adored that!

After completing the game once, you'll then unlock the dastardly villain, Riddler's, collectibles.

These are spread out through all acts of the game, and they ultimately unlock character models and such.

There is no platinum trophy for Batman: Arkham VR, which really sucks as these collectibles would've been a great New Game Plus option of some sort. 

Batman: Arkham VR is a well-made introductory title, for what Batman VR could truly become, later down the road.

The story and immersion are outstanding, and made my jaw drop multiple times. 

However, like I mentioned earlier, I feel there was a lot of missing potential with this VR title. 

This feels, to me, like a game you'd experience once, then revisit for the collectibles, later down the road. 

But, if not, then one playthrough will definitely be enough as the Batman universe is still one of the best ones out there!

Pros: 

    - Excellent VR Immersion

    - Great Music

    - Voice Acted

    - Interesting Plot

    - Post Game Content (Though Not the Best)

Cons:

    - Extremely Short

    - Puzzles Too Easy / Repetitive

    - Bad Longevity

    - Hardly Any Combat at All

My Rating for Batman: Arkham VR (on PSVR):

3 / 5

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Disclaimer

All Reviews, Ratings, Pros, Cons, and Opinions Shared on this Blog (Press A Reviews) are my (Connor Butler) own Thoughts and Feelings.