BATMAN hardly speaks during his crime-fighting sprees in Gotham City.

The vigilante might growl at or threaten his foes as he swoops in but that is about it.

So at first glance, the DC Comics icon seems an unusual choice for a Telltale series.

The American studio specialises in dialogue-led choice and consequence games whereas the Dark Knight's previous adventures on consoles have been action-heavy titles like the acclaimed Arkham series.

But the developers at Telltale have wisely decided to tap into the Jekyll and Hyde-like relationship billionaire Bruce Wayne has with his alter ego Batman.

This has been previously explored in films, comics and animated series but not in the Caped Crusader's games.

It offers much inspiration for a rich story in which Wayne is more the protagonist – and hero – when he is out of the suit.

Like other Telltale games, what you say and choices you make will have an impact throughout the episodic series.

The story explores the toll that Batman's actions have on Wayne and his relationship with District Attorney Harvey Dent, Lieutenant James Gordon, Selina Kyle (Catwoman), reporter Vicki Vale and his loyal but worried butler Alfred.

It is also about Wayne's run-ins with gangster Carmine Falcone as he campaigns for a new hospital in memory of his murdered parents while Oswald Cobblepot (Penguin) has been completely reinvented.

Combat is the only disappointing element of the game, made up of a series of clunky quick-time events.

But it is better later in the game when you can plan your attack from afar before watching it unfold like a cut scene.

This is similar to the game's detective mode where you uncover and then link together clues to solve a crime.

Essentially this feels like you are playing a living, breathing animated film and is a must for fans.

- Episode one of the five-part Batman The Telltale Series is available to download now on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC. New episodes will be released monthly. You can also buy the whole series as a 'season pass' online now or on disc from September 16.

RATING: 8/10

DAVID MORGAN