Available On: Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, mobile
We Played On: PC
The Final Episode of BATMAN: The Telltale Series had a lot riding on it. It needed to tie up loose ends, provide a satisfying conclusion to the series arc, and still be an exciting chapter all on its own. Luckily, City of Light did all of this and more.
The Story
With all of the plotlines truly converged, Episode 5 provided a thrilling, action-packed conclusion to a unique conflict. Batman has many choices to make, and being able to handle each one as you see fit is a wonderful feeling. In earlier episodes decisions didn’t feel quite so weighty at times, but here the results of Batman’s actions seem immediate and obvious. Some of my favorite moments from the whole series occur in Episode 5; you get to really see Batman in peak form.
While in the rest of BATMAN: The Telltale Series (particularly in the early episodes) I preferred my time as Bruce Wayne, City of Light was definitely Batman’s time to shine. Though Bruce Wayne still plays an important role, the Bat is definitely the one in the driver’s seat for the finale.
To my incredible relief, City of Light didn’t leave the player with any annoying cliffhangers. It tells a complete story, and that itself is something that I appreciate. Of course, this is not to say that it didn’t set the stage for further episodes. At the end of City of Light, things in Gotham can be seen falling into somewhat familiar patterns, which is a perfect jumping off point for new challenges and conflicts for Batman, Bruce Wayne, and Gotham City.
The Gameplay
City of Light had an excellent balance of crime scene investigation, dialogue choices, and quick time events. Every conversation was important, and the quick time events (which are usually my least favorite part) felt incredibly smooth and engaging. This episode saw a few different situations in which the events were used, and breaking from the usual brawling added a new life and excitement to them.
The Rating
Episode 5 contained violence, blood and gore, and language. However, this episode seemed less horrifying than most of the previous episodes in terms of pure brutality.
The Takeaway
BATMAN: The Telltale Series Definitely ended on a high note. It felt like more than just a wrap up session while still managing to cover all of the various different plotline endings (and, perhaps, beginnings), and provided seemingly meaningful choices for the player to take. I could not have been more pleased with this final chapter, except maybe if it had actually been two chapters. I didn’t want it to end, and I sincerely hope that Telltale continues onward with their take on the World’s Greatest Detective.
