if Batman VR 2016 has already left its mark, it remains an enjoyable but limited experience. Batman: Arkham Shadowfor its part, is a full-fledged real game offering camouflage Exclusively on Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S. After finishing the game, we have to admit that we were very impressed with the way we immersed ourselves in the skin of the game. Batman And in the dark streets Gotham. One thing is certain: incarnate Batman Not an easy task.
Unlike titles like Batman Arkham City or Batman Arkham Knightwhich presented open worlds, these works embrace a more contained scale while making the most of the possibilities offered by virtual reality. This more intimate approach allows us to truly flesh out the Dark Knight, providing unparalleled immersion. Although some of the mechanics from previous games are still present, Arkham Shadow innovates with more personal narrative and first-person combat.which radically changes the experience.
Batman: Arkham Shadow positions itself as the standard for standalone virtual reality, much like Half-Life: Alyx for PC VR
In Batman's shoes!
The story takes place a few months after the events of Batman Arkham Origins (2013). BatmanStill young and inexperienced, he does not yet have a network of allies nor the advanced tools he will develop later. The adventure begins in the sewers Gothamor BatmanWith guidance Alfredinvestigate King of micethe criminal who rallied the city's marginalized people to a chaotic cause.
Batman's equipment Arkham Shadow Includes well-known classics. the Hook grapplingnecessary to reach heights in the blink of an eye, and Detective visionActivated by touching the mask, it highlights interactive objects, detects enemy pressures, and allows you to follow electrical circuits. Batman being Vulnerable to fire, stealth is often the best option. the Batarangwhich recovers on the chest, automatically returns after use and is ideal for activating switches remotely or stunning an enemy. If detected, a smoke grenade allows you to hide in the shadows. Very quickly, stealth becomes essential: sneaking through air ducts, silently eliminating enemies, and setting sneaky traps become our best assets.
A city on the edge of the abyss
Arkham Shadow It perfectly replicates the unique atmosphere of Gotham: a veritable powder keg about to explode, where even Batman constantly seems on the razor's edge. Unlike previous games where Batman He was almost omniscient, but this version shows him more vulnerable and more human. Every fight requires precision, every blow we land and every dodge reminds us that we are not invincible. This more realistic approach is refreshing and offers a new perspective on the character.
The game becomes more complex as the adventure progresses.. The story is captivating and well-crafted, keeping us in suspense throughout the 15 hours of gameplay (we're perfectionists, Editor's note). Real-time interactions with the main characters and Viewer (Which we won't reveal what it looks like to preserve the surprise) A pleasure to follow. Although the scenes could be cut, we never felt the need to do so because they were done so well.
Impressive visual presentation
From the first minutes, we're immersed in Batman's world, with a full-body display, a far cry from the simple floating hands in many other VR games. The feeling of playing the role of the Dark Knight is interesting. The visual presentation is simply stunning: the character models, especially Batman's, are remarkably accurate. The textures of the environments embody the dark, gothic atmosphere of the city Gothamand Although the textures are a bit simplified compared to the console versions, the level of detail remains impressive. Lighting effects further enhance this immersion. Be it neon lights, street lamps or gadgets BatmanEach light source casts realistic shadows that make every movement stunning. Moments spent in tunnels or tight spaces are particularly striking. Everything becomes so natural that we almost forget that we are working in a virtual world.
Powerful gameplay!
Combat system Free flowSignature games Arkhambrilliantly adapted to virtual reality. Inspired by a boxing simulation, each fight begins with a punch that propels Batman towards his goal. Next, we fasten the tops and hooks precisely, according to the on-screen instructions. Timing is essential to avoid getting fired. If an enemy tries to surprise us, a blue icon appears, and we must strike in the right direction to counterattack immediately. The system evolves as the game progresses: enemies become more diverse, and Batman's skills can be improved using XP points. This combat system is one of the most satisfying in VR, staying true to its core Free flow While providing comfortable and enjoyable immersion. But be careful: the physical intensity can tire your muscles quickly and cause aches. Also, leave enough space to avoid bumping into objects in the real world!
Exploration and immersion
but Batman Arkham Shadow It's not just a fighting game. It's also an exploration game. We have to interact with characters, collect clues and solve puzzles. Although the game is not open world, the map is large enough to offer a variety of places for you to explore. Take the time to examine each environment: some places contain clues, secret passages, or hidden objects necessary to progress. Take our word for it, getting lost and losing something important is not uncommon; We suffered a lot in certain paragraphs. This is also part of the charm of this type of game.
Almost perfect…
The only downside is that there are some bugs that sometimes spoil the experience by crashing the game or forcing you to start over from the last waypoint. A priori, knowing that Batman Arkham Shadow pushes Meta Quest 3/3S a bit to its limits, it's worth noting that the game doesn't really like the multitasking or registry key which often ends in a crash. Best is to run the game after cold starting Meta Quest 3 to make sure the RAM is free and nothing is interfering with the launch. Intuitively, a large part of these concerns should disappear in the days following the release via patches.
A must have for standalone VR
camouflagewith a team of 75 developers, spent four years improving this adventure, and it shows in every moment. From intense battles to rich settings and a story steeped in traditionArkhamEverything reflects their passion for the universe Batman. In short, you not only embody it, you feel it physically and mentally. A It must be For any virtual reality fan and world Batman. Batman Arkham Shadow stands out, in our eyes, as a benchmark in the world of standalone virtual reality, with impressive technical characteristics and complete immersion in the game..
One final little tip: why not add some light dumbbells to your VR sessions? After all, being a vigilante requires being at your best!
Most
- Graphically at the top
- Very good age
- Captivating and immersive gameplay
- Fun and exciting battles
- A story faithful to Batman lore
- The American dub is very good
- Quality FR translations
least
- Some annoying errors sometimes
- No VF (planned before end of 2024)
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