Every now and then, a outstanding recreation comes alongside to the too-often underdeveloped area of VR, that challenges the idea that magic head-goggles are a distinct segment product. May Batman: Arkham Shadow be one such instance? Right here’s every part it is advisable to know.
Early phrase means that like Half Life: Alyx earlier than it, Batman: Arkham Shadow may very well be a stellar displaying 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 dangerous guys within the course of, clearly. In case you’ve been inquisitive about Batman: Arkham Shadow let’s see if we are able to reply your questions.
Is Batman: Arkham Shadow a direct sequel?
It’s been an extended whereas since we’ve acquired a recreation within the Arkham collection, so that you is likely to be 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 often known as the Rat King. This new villain has kidnapped quite a lot 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 choose up on, Batman: Arkham Shadow stays a superbly satisfying standalone Gotham journey.
Who developed Batman: Arkham Shadow?
Batman: Arkham Shadow was developed by Meta-owned developer Camouflaj, the crew 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 out there for?
Batman: Arkham Shadow is solely out there for the Meta Quest 3 VR headset. As of this writing, Camouflaj has not revealed any plans to deliver 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 in the event you’re considering 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. In case you’ve been VR-curious however haven’t taken the plunge but, I’d say that’s a reasonably good incentive!
That being mentioned, the Meta Quest 3 can really feel a bit dear at $499. In case you don’t thoughts the slight (although admittedly noticeable) downgrade in pixel rely and backbone, the Meta Quest 3S retains a variety of the identical expertise for $299.
Who voices Batman in Batman: Arkham Shadow?
Followers will likely 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 standard online game characters like Ezio from Murderer’s Creed and Chris Redfield from Resident Evil, is usually rated as among the best actors to liven up Bruce Wayne and his ass-kicking detective alter ego, for the reason that unhappy loss of life of Kevin Conroy in 2022.
Different notable stars within the recreation embrace Elijah Wooden as Scarecrow, Tara Robust as Harley Quinn, Troy Baker as Harvey Dent, and The Strolling Lifeless’s Khary Payton as The Ratcatcher (to not be confused with the Rat King). All in all, it’s clearly a star-studded solid.
How lengthy is Batman: Arkham Shadow?
Many VR video games are on the shorter facet, so chances are you’ll be shocked to listen to that Batman: Arkham Shadow can take fairly some time to finish. As a matter of reality, clearing the sport with none facet content material can take 8 to 10 hours. If you wish to see and do every part on this VR recreation of Gotham Metropolis, you’ll be able to spend as much as 15 hours monitoring down varied kinds of collectibles and finishing distinctive challenges.
Batman: Arkham Shadow is obtainable now on Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S for $49.99.