Batman: The Enemy Within- A Review
The second season of Telltale’s Batman is a massive improvement
Batman, the Enemy Within is one of if not the best Batman game. The graphics are significantly improved after the first season and the antagonists are given enough character development.
The choices are much more meaningful and also question Batman and his code. Batman can be lost in his quest for vengeance or be a pacifist like he usually is. This makes the player create their own story which the previous season didn't completely succeed in doing.
This season begins with Riddler, who is a perfect balance between the campiness of the comics and a modern villain who is relevant to today's world. He is portrayed as a disturbed genius, one who has a reason to do what he does. While I am critical of the way the season finishes his arc, I think he is the ideal Batman villain.
Amanda Waller is effective as a tool to test Bruce's commitment to his mission. The game gives the player complete freedom in shaping the relationship Bruce forms with her and how it ends. This adds another layer of complexity to Batman's image as an undented saviour of Gotham.
The combat system is much better and offers choices for the player to determine whether the Caped Crusader believes in brute force or blunt violence. This makes sure that the fight sequences also feel like a part of the overall story. Batman can be acrobatic in his approach or be more direct, much like the Arkham series.
The previous season’s choices impact this season but I wish it was taken even further by making it impact not only Bruce but also Batman and his public perception.
Alfred is portrayed as more than just a butler to Bruce like the first season and he even determines whether he quits his mission as Batman or abandons him.
The pact tests Bruce’s commitment to his crusade by forcing him to take a different approach to protecting Gotham, one that spells life or death for his legacy as Batman as well as Bruce.
John Doe’s role in the previous season is expanded upon here and it is one of the best aspects of this season. Unlike other versions of the Clown Prince of Crime, he develops a friendship with Bruce which creates an even more compelling dynamic with the billionaire’s alter ego. He is portrayed as a huge fan of the masked vigilante which makes his turn to villainy more compelling. No matter which path the player follows, he will always have to eventually fight the Joker.
One of the best things that this series does is it breaks the traditional goodwill between Gordon and Batman. While that is also certainly a choice, the player can make the vigilante ruthless and erratic. This grounds the character in reality and makes him human.
The ending is one of the best things I’ve ever seen in Batman media. Alfred is made even more significant in this season and the relentless nature of Bruce's crusade takes a toll on him both physically and emotionally. Making Thomas Wayne corrupt in the first season also pays off since it allows Bruce to make a life-changing decision.
Overall, The Enemy Within is a great game that succeeds in concluding the story arcs established for Batman and the supporting characters in the first season while also teasing a future that may or may not come to fruition.
