RUNE WORKS ON GAMING:  BATMAN: A Tell Tale Series Ep 1: Realm of Shadows is Telltale Games latest entry in episodic gaming—continues to succeed in what the developers do best: story telling through immersive interactive gaming.
 
While Telltales’ BATMAN follows the same core mechanics that have made Telltales games wildly successful—critical decision making and a mild gaming style.
 
Episode One: Realm of Shadows bundles well known iconic heroes, anti-heroes and villains integral from Batman DC Comic Universe. However, it is the minor cameos of a surpassingly variety cast of characters that enriches the story with key conversation points; and ensures that the player will be sure to encounter them in future episodes.
 
BATMAN is scheduled to have a total of five episodes to be released monthly, with its next installment to be released in September 13th.

The first episode, finds the player donning the role of Bruce Wayne, while he continues his one-man vigilante crusade against Gotham’s criminals. Most of Realm of Shadows’ plot revolves around Carmine Falcone’s criminal dealings with a new mysteriously volatile and deadly substance that will hit the streets of Gotham and Bruce’s endorsement of Harvey Dent as mayoral candidate.
 
Classic lines delivered by Alfred Pennyworth, “a myth can be killed,” echo those mentioned in by Christian Bale’s Bruce Wayne regarding the importance of Batman being a symbol; to insight fear, hope and most importantly morph into an icon of what Gotham needs him to be.

These instances in dialogue serve as a type of homage to earlier iterations of Batman films and comics.
 
Yet what is most enjoyable from Realm of Shadows is its visually gratifying in color and illustration that reminds any dedicated comic book fan of Jim Lee, Greg Capullo and Neal Adams, comic art style. Players will be thoroughly relish stepping into the role of Batman.
 
Telltales showcases one of Batman best known traits: the analytical detective; through the use of puzzles and exploration of crime scenes. Also going as going as far as planning your plan of attack against opponents while infiltrating crime dens.
 
As CEO Kevin Bruner, the game's narrative does indeed offer a "fresh interpretation of the universe set in current times, not tied to any existing iteration of Batman in games, film, or comics"—and so far it delivers.
 
Add masterful story telling and it’s truly a winning first entry to the Telltale games take on BATMAN.
 
BATMAN: A Telltales Series is now available on all next gen consoles and PC; as well as Xbox 360 and PS3.
 
 
By Maria Sumoza @mcsumoza
Lead Staff Writer (and Avid Gaming Nerd)