Every now and then, a exceptional recreation comes alongside to the too-often underdeveloped house of VR, that challenges the assumption that magic head-goggles are a distinct segment product. May Batman: Arkham Shadow be one such instance? Right here’s the whole lot you have to know.
Early phrase means that like Half Life: Alyx earlier than it, Batman: Arkham Shadow may very well be a stellar exhibiting for the VR world, that grants full management of the world’s biggest detective as he solves a brand new thriller in Gotham Metropolis—and beats down a bunch of unhealthy guys within the course of, clearly. If you happen to’ve been interested by Batman: Arkham Shadow let’s see if we are able to reply your questions.
Is Batman: Arkham Shadow a direct sequel?
It’s been a protracted whereas since we’ve obtained a recreation within the Arkham collection, so that you is perhaps delighted to listen to that Batman: Arkham Shadow is ready inside that very same universe.
Happening between the occasions of Batman: Arkham Origins and Batman: Arkham Asylum, it casts you because the Caped Crusader as soon as once more, as he seeks to guard Gotham Metropolis from a recent risk referred to as the Rat King. This new villain has kidnapped a wide range of officers from town, with plans for his or her execution, giving Batman solely per week to rescue them and enact justice as soon as extra.
Regardless of being a part of the grander Arkham universe, although, you shouldn’t really feel the necessity to have performed the opposite video games within the collection. Whereas there are many references and plot factors that franchise followers will little question decide up on, Batman: Arkham Shadow stays a superbly pleasing standalone Gotham journey.
Who developed Batman: Arkham Shadow?
Batman: Arkham Shadow was developed by Meta-owned developer Camouflaj, the group behind 2020’s pretty well-received PSVR unique, Iron Man VR. Earlier than getting purchased by Meta to work in-house on VR video games, Camouflaj additionally made episodic stealth recreation, République.
What platforms is Batman: Arkham Shadow accessible for?
Batman: Arkham Shadow is solely accessible for the Meta Quest 3 VR headset. As of this writing, Camouflaj has not revealed any plans to convey the sport to competing headsets like PlayStation VR2, though given they’re owned by Meta, that appears most unlikely. It’s Meta Quest 3 or nothing when you’re concerned about taking part in it anytime quickly.
The excellent news is that anybody who buys a Meta Quest 3 or Meta Quest 3S earlier than April 25, 2025 will obtain Batman: Arkham Shadow included with the acquisition of the headset. If you happen to’ve been VR-curious however haven’t taken the plunge but, I’d say that’s a fairly good incentive!
That being mentioned, the Meta Quest 3 can really feel a bit dear at $499. If you happen to don’t thoughts the slight (although admittedly noticeable) downgrade in pixel depend and backbone, the Meta Quest 3S retains plenty of the identical know-how for $299.
Who voices Batman in Batman: Arkham Shadow?
Followers might be thrilled to listen to that Arkham Origins’ Roger Craig Smith returns as soon as once more to voice The Darkish Knight himself. Smith, additionally identified for voicing in style online game characters like Ezio from Murderer’s Creed and Chris Redfield from Resident Evil, is usually rated as top-of-the-line actors to liven up Bruce Wayne and his ass-kicking detective alter ego, because the unhappy dying of Kevin Conroy in 2022.
Different notable stars within the recreation embrace Elijah Wooden as Scarecrow, Tara Sturdy as Harley Quinn, Troy Baker as Harvey Dent, and The Strolling Useless’s Khary Payton as The Ratcatcher (to not be confused with the Rat King). All in all, it’s clearly a star-studded forged.
How lengthy is Batman: Arkham Shadow?
Many VR video games are on the shorter facet, so chances are you’ll be stunned to listen to that Batman: Arkham Shadow can take fairly some time to finish. As a matter of truth, clearing the sport with none facet content material can take 8 to 10 hours. If you wish to see and do the whole lot on this VR recreation of Gotham Metropolis, you may spend as much as 15 hours monitoring down varied kinds of collectibles and finishing distinctive challenges.
Batman: Arkham Shadow is out there now on Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S for $49.99.