When it comes to the world of superheroes, Batman is basically the dad who shows up to the party with a weird, expensive gift no one knows how to use. Enter Telltale’s Batman: The Telltale Series, which takes the Dark Knight and squeezes him into a narrative-driven adventure that might make you cry more than Batman does over his parents’ untimely demise (and believe me, that’s a lot). On the Nintendo Switch, the game’s episodic format makes it a perfect companion for a subway ride, or whenever you're trying to avoid actual responsibilities.
Gameplay in Batman: The Telltale Series revolves around decision-making and quick time events. Players split their time between being Bruce Wayne, the billionaire playboy with a penchant for awkward social gatherings, and Batman, the brooding vigilante whose best friend is the shadows. You’ll make decisions that not only impact the current scene but also echo throughout the five episodes like a bad pun during a serious monologue. The choices often force the player to juggle morality, and since this is Batman, you’ll find that not every choice leads to redemption. Expect to grapple with elements like stealth and detective work, including the series’ trademark 'using logic’ mechanic—which is basically Batman doing what he does best: thinking while you stare at the screen and contemplate life’s greatest mysteries, like 'Why is pizza so good?'
The art style is a love letter to comic books, drawing heavy inspirations from titans like Jim Lee and Greg Capullo while taking a few liberties and looking like a moving graphic novel. On the Switch, the graphics look sharper than an overly eager butcher’s knife; however, the occasional framerate drops can turn those dramatic moments into awkward slow-motion encounters. It’s like when you accidentally said something inappropriate at a family gathering and have to see everyone’s shocked faces in super slow-mo. Still, the moody atmosphere and colorful character designs help keep the immersion alive, plus it’s Batman! Seriously, does anyone care if his suit has a small glitch?
Batman: The Telltale Series is more than just a narrative-driven game; it’s a chance to don the cape and cowl and engage with the material. By flipping between Bruce Wayne and Batman, you’ll wade through emotional turmoil, make tough choices, and ultimately shape Gotham's future.While the game isn't without flaws—like the odd technical hitches and a story that sometimes runs into a brick wall—it's hard not to enjoy the ride. So grab your Switch (and maybe some popcorn) to catch all the drama, action, and enough plot twists that you might just forget the actual Batman movies exist. With its compelling storytelling and character-driven choices, this series might just be enough to hold you until Gotham's next reboot—because let's face it; it’s only a matter of time before that happens again.