Why a Gotham Knights Sequel Would Could Sell Original Game’s Premise Better

by

Why a Gotham Knights Sequel Would Could Sell Original Game's Premise Better

Highlights

  • Gotham Knights failed to resonate with fans due to technical issues and an uneven narrative setup.
  • A sequel tied to the Arkhamverse could better sell the original game’s premise and story.
  • Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League sets the stage for an intriguing Gotham Knights sequel in the future.

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I can’t help but feel a tinge of disappointment when it comes to Gotham Knights. Having grown up with the Arkham series and its gripping narrative, I found myself yearning for more from this spin-off title. However, technical issues and a story that failed to fully resonate left me feeling underwhelmed.

As a devoted fan of the DC Universe, I found myself somewhat disappointed with Gotham Knights. Although WB Montreal’s effort was commendable, the game faced numerous technical hurdles and its biggest drawback was an inconsistent setup and narrative flow. The twist was that, despite sharing similar mechanics with the iconic Batman Arkham series, Gotham Knights stood alone, disconnected from the Arkhamverse saga that concluded with the apparent demise of Batman.

In the game titled “Gotham Knights,” an entirely new tale unfolds when Batman is no longer present, allowing Gotham’s criminal network to gain control over the city. Players have the option to switch among four distinct characters from the Bat Family – Batgirl, Nightwing, Red Hood, and Robin – each bringing their unique gameplay styles and narrative twists to the adventure.

Suicide Squad Saw Arkham’s Batman Canonically Killed Off

In the beginning of ‘Gotham Knight’, we find Batman and Ra’s al Ghul mortally wounded, seemingly ending their lives. This leaves the protection of Gotham in the care of a grieving Bat Family. The story told by the title serves primarily to establish the setting, as the status quo of Gotham, its villains, Batman, and the Bat Family are taken for granted once gameplay begins. However, this significant sacrifice is undone by the time the last act unfolds. By the end of ‘Gotham Knights’, Batman has perished again, and the Bat Family mourns, leaving things mostly as they were when the players started their campaign.

In February 2024, Rocksteady Studios and WB Montreal launched the long-awaited “Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League,” an Arkham series game not seen for over eight years. The storyline featured the Suicide Squad taking on a mind-controlled Justice League, resulting in numerous hero deaths. Notably, the Arkhamverse’s Batman met his demise during this campaign, following a canonical death that was faked five years prior at the conclusion of “Batman: Arkham Knight.” Before succumbing to Brainiac’s control, Bruce Wayne left instructions on defeating each member of the Justice League. These guidelines were utilized by the Squad to eliminate each corrupted hero. Towards the end of the game, Harley Quinn is responsible for Batman’s canonical killing off, concluding a legacy that originated in 2009’s “Batman: Arkham Asylum.”

Kill the Justice League Sets the Stage for a Compelling Gotham Knights Sequel

Although the game Gotham Knights didn’t leave a lasting impact due to its one-shot narrative, a follow-up or spin-off set within the Arkhamverse could offer a captivating journey for the Bat Family. The demise of Batman in Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League paves the way for an engaging Bat Family storyline that surpasses the sacrifices in Gotham Knights. Since Suicide Squad focuses on Metropolis, it opens up opportunities for a compelling narrative that builds upon the storyline from Arkham Knight. Furthermore, future seasons of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League could introduce Elseworld versions of DC’s heroes and villains.

The future of Gotham Knights and the Arkhamverse is uncertain as both ended on a somewhat disappointing note. The Arkhamverse has at least one more installment, Batman: Arkham Shadow set for Fall 2024, which is believed to fall between Arkham Origins and Arkham Asylum. This makes Suicide Squad the starting point for any potential sequels, while Gotham Knights’ sequel could be an exciting continuation for fans. For now, we can only guess what happens next until WB Montreal or Rocksteady Studios provides more information about Gotham Knights and the Arkhamverse.

Read More

2024-08-06 00:33