BATMAN The Telltale Series Episode 3: New World Order Review
As Bruce Wayne pays for the sins of his father, Batman begins to realize he has to be the one to save Gotham – New World Order Review
BATMAN The Telltale Series – Episode 3: New World Order picks up where things immediately left off from Children of Arkham. The stakes are getting higher, people have already begun being targeted by the Children of Arkham, and Bruce Wayne really begins to question his place and purpose. Thanks to the events of the previous episode, Harvey Dent won the race for mayor by default and gives his acceptance speech despite being horribly injured. Gordon found a way to signal for Batman so they can work together, and Bruce Wayne’s life is unraveling as the truth of his father’s actions are being revealed. Bruce Wayne is asked to step down as CEO of Wayne Enterprises, and Oswald Cobblepot is elected to take his place. From what we know in the First Episode, Cobblepot does not have the history to be worthy to run a company. Yet the board believes he does, and his appointment is the perfect contrast to the truths revealed about Thomas Wayne. Meanwhile, Harvey is becoming much more aggressive and beginning to talk to himself. Bruce does his best, but it becomes his powerless to really do anything to fix the situation becomes more and more apparent, so he turns to Batman to fix it. Batman discovers the Children’s next move and is able to stop it, while also progressing his relationship with Selina. However, as Batman’s life becomes more realized, Bruce Wayne’s and Harvey Dent’s appear to be on their last legs. Harvey sees Selina and Bruce together and fully loses face; becoming an entirely different, angry, and violent person. Harvey regains control, but it is obvious that he is no strong enough to keep it. Lastly, Bruce officially and publically steps down as CEO, and players are given the chance to do so quietly or defiantly. During these last moments of the episode, players discover that Martha Wayne also plays a part in the dark Wayne past and that not everyone is who they appear to be.
New World Order seems to be the catalyst of Bruce Wayne’s fall, and Batman’s Rise. All things considered, Bruce Wayne loses everything, while Batman has it all. Bruce Wayne loses his family’s company, the public’s respect, and all his relationships aside from Alfred and Lucius crumble or revealed as shams. Batman is now working with the police, gets some new upgrades, and a romantic relationship with Catwoman. Batman does lose access to his chief scientist but gains an informant in Wayne Industries. The line between Bruce Wayne and Batman is now almost a wall and it looks like Bruce Wayne will be the one on the outside of it.
Harvey’s fall from grace is equally as enthralling. Where the Bruce Wayne/Batman identity is more of a character being shaped by their choices and becoming the person needed, Harvey Dent/Two Face is a man who is having his identity. Harvey Dent, for the most part, played by the rules and at worse dabbled in gray area. Now he is permanently marred because there are those outside of the system who are changing it as they wish. Harvey’s regret, rage, and reasons, are morphing into an entirely separate being. A being who eats away at Harvey, constantly reminding him how his choices to be rational, to be honorable, to be good, have led him to the misery he is currently in. It’s a brilliant duality and not only provides context as to why Harvey becomes Two Face, but also a completely justifiable reason to do so. Also, it is brilliantly portayed in the game, with alternating focuses on which side of the face is shown. It’s a very subtle, relying more on the character model rather than camera cuts.
The only downside to the episode is that it ends in the middle of an intense situation. But otherwise, it is dramatic in the best way possible. You have Bruce/Batman’s identity being established by the sins of his family and the choices he (you the player) makes, and also the identity of another character who is having his choices taken away from him. Not to mention all of the ancillary characters who are affected and affecting the choices you have. New World Order not only refers to the new societal systems of a new Mayor or a new party of power in Gotham, but the new identities Batman and Two Face have become because of it. It’s layers upon layers of metaphors and symbolism that are intricate without being pretentious.
BATMAN The Telltale Series
- Episode 3: New World Order - 10/1010/10
The Verdict
The only downside to the episode is that it ends in the middle of an intense situation. But otherwise, it is dramatic in the best way possible. You have Bruce/Batman’s identity being established by the sins of his family and the choices he (you the player) makes, and also the identity of another character who is having his choices taken away from him. Not to mention all of the ancillary characters who are affected and affecting the choices you have. New World Order not only refers to the new societal systems of a new Mayor or a new party of power in Gotham, but the new identities Batman and Two Face have become because of it.