Why Batman Needs an RPG Twist: Unlocking New Gadget Potential

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In the continuous storyline of Arkhamverse, every tool Batman carries serves a specific function, be it for combat, stealth, moving around, or solving puzzles. These tools are acquired sequentially in each game, and there’s usually a logic to this acquisition process that determines which areas can be explored or what upgrades become available. For convenience, the tools disappear onto Batman when not in use and reappear instantly whenever needed from thin air. Additionally, it appears that Batman has no limit to the amount of equipment he can carry, although he once mentioned to Alfred Pennyworth his thoughts about a larger belt but rejected it due to concern it would slow him down.

In Batman: Arkham Knight, it’s thoughtful that the Disruptor can collapse because it could realistically attach to Batman’s belt. However, gadgets like the Line Launcher, Electrical Charge gun, and the Remote Claw from Batman: Arkham Origins are too big to be hidden convincingly.

A game isn’t necessarily improved by being extremely realistic or having every tool on Batman’s belt physically shown, as not all tools would be useful to the player and could potentially hinder the experience instead. However, designing a game with limited versions of Batman’s diverse equipment could offer a fresh take on the Batman genre after more than 15 years of the same Arkham series formula.

A Batman RPG Letting Players Equip Their Batsuit Loadout Could Have Endless Potential

In various game design scenarios, a Batman role-playing game might empower players to choose from several tools stored in the Batcave to carry along. Games like Arkham series are known for structuring their storylines by awarding players with new gadgets. Conversely, a customizable assortment of gadgets could lessen the need for Metroidvania-style progression systems, as some players might not possess all necessary items to access certain zones, rendering individualized builds ineffective at times.

In this scenario, gadget collections could reflect a ‘character build’ chosen by the player, creating a more engaging Batman experience. Not all tools from the Dark Knight’s collection may be able to be carried on his utility belt at once.

In another perspective, a build system could offer a unique and tech-focused twist in virtually any situation, whether players prefer their Batman to operate stealthily, taking down enemies one at a time, or charge head-on into groups of henchmen. Furthermore, if a Batman RPG game were to deviate from the rhythmic freeflow combat style as WB Games Montreal’s Gotham Knights did, it would be intriguing to explore how a novel or alternate combat system could harmonize with a thoughtfully chosen assortment of gadgets.

Why Future Batman Games are Unlikely to Rupture the Age-Old Status Quo

In a new game that isn’t an Arkham series title, it would likely be more fitting to steer clear of RPG inspirations, as the Arkhamverse is strongly associated with action-adventure gaming style. However, Rocksteady and Warner Bros., through their work on Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, have certainly expanded upon what an Arkhamverse game could be. In fact, they’ve hinted at this in numerous ways across various Arkham media. While it was unlikely that a Suicide Squad game would follow the same gameplay as the Batman games, considering the history and allusions to Task Force X within the Arkham universe, any apprehensions about deviating from the formula weren’t unwarranted.

Kill the Justice League” might prompt a significant shift back to the “Arkham” series’ game formula, as a means to address any negative impact. Redesigning the “Arkham” format for contemporary gaming could be within reach for Rocksteady Studios, and swapping role-playing game elements with action-adventure ones could offer numerous advantages in terms of gameplay, if executed properly.

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2025-04-01 21:37