Batman: Shattered Dimensions is a video game featuring DC Comics superhero Batman. Batman: Shattered Dimensions blends together four universes from the DC Comics multiverse, allowing the player to play as four different Batmen. Known Batman voice actors Kevn Conroy, Bruce Greenwood, Rino Romano, and Diedrich Baker voice a Batman from each of their respective alternate universes.
The game revolves around an artifact known as Pandora's Box. When it is opened during a skirmish between Batman and Joker it causes problems with multiple DC Universe realities. Pandora calls on four versions of Batman from four realities to assist her in bringing the realities back into balance: the New Earth Batman; Batman: Gotham by Gaslight, an 1880s Batman; Batman Beyond, the Batman of a possible future; and The Flashpoint Batman, the Batman's father who became Batman after his son died.
Shattered Dimensions received fairly positive reviews from critics, with reported aggregate scores averaging 94% or higher at GameRankings, and Metacritic reporting scores of 96 out of 100. Reviewers generally praised the idea of bringing four DC universes together, and lauded the voice acting. The game's story was more divisive, with some reviewers enjoying the link between the four universes, and others stating there was not enough depth to carry the game. Glitches and bugs present in the game also drew criticism.
Gameplay
The player can control four versions of Batman, spanning the New Earth, Gotham by Gaslight, Beyond, and Flashpoint universes. During key moments of gameplay Shattered Dimensions switches to a first-person perspective. During these sequences the player uses the analog sticks to control the given Batman's arms, punching their opponent. Developers described these sequences as a reward for the player.
Each universe's Batman has a unique fighting technique that distinguishes him from the others. New Earth Batman uses a combination of melee and batarang-attacks, mixing up-close and long range combat. Batman Gotham by Gaslight uses stealth and timing to silently defeat his enemies in combat. When the player is in the shadows the screen turns black and white, signifying concealment. When the player is exposed in light the screen becomes colored meaning the character can be seen.
Batman Beyond uses acrobatics and his suit's advanced abilities in combat. He has accelerated vision similar to a detective mode which allows him to dodge attacks quickly, much like the Batman: Arkham Asylum video game. The Flashpoint Batman uses his guns to devastate enemies. There is also a drunk meter for the Flashpoint universe. Flashpoint Batman does not appear in the Nintendo 3DS version.
Characters
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