Batman: Arkham VR

Batman: Arkham VR puts the player in the role of Batman himself, letting them explore, from a first-person perspective, a detective mystery tied to the disappearance of two close associates, with the game, instead of the classic combat of the Arkham series, focusing on slower, exploration- and puzzle-driven passages. The player uses Batman's gadgets, such as the batclaw or the forensic scanner, to analyze the crime scene, gather evidence, and uncover connections, which overall creates more of a detective experience than the action-driven, adrenaline-fueled ride the series was previously known for. Playing as Bruce Wayne, the player moves between several iconic locations well known to fans of the previous games, gradually gaining the ability to fire a Batarang or use the batclaw for quick movement, even though movement in the game itself is handled mainly through safe teleportation.

The short playtime is offset by an exceptionally strong sense of presence – the player can, for the first time, look into a mirror and see themselves as Batman, examine the Batmobile in detail, or the interior of the Batcave, moments that reviewers repeatedly praised as emotionally powerful precisely because of the virtual reality medium. The visual and sound design continues the dark, gothic aesthetic of the Arkham series, and the voice acting maintains the high quality fans were used to from previous entries. It is precisely this connection between a familiar world and a new first-person perspective that makes exploring even simple rooms an unusually powerful experience.

At release, Batman: Arkham VR was received as one of the best pieces of proof that licensed characters and worlds can offer an entirely new type of experience in VR – not just playing as the hero, but literally being the hero. The title became a frequently cited example of how even a short, seemingly modest game can leave a strong impression thanks to thoughtful work with space and first-person perspective.

Why play: For a short but powerful experience where you don't just play as the hero but literally are him, Batman: Arkham VR ranks among the most cited examples of what licensed characters can achieve in VR.