DC video games find themselves in a state of uncertainty like never before. With the lukewarm reception of Gotham Knights and the overwhelmingly negative feedback for Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, hopes were pinned on Monolith’s Wonder Woman game to redeem DC’s gaming reputation. This single-player, narrative-driven experience from a seasoned studio promised much potential. Alas, the game’s development has been halted, Monolith has shuttered its doors, and recent insights suggest Batman might be DC’s remaining hope for a successful game.
In the wake of Wonder Woman’s cancellation, Jason Schreier from Bloomberg confirmed that Rocksteady is working on another Batman project. Twitter user Lunatic Ignus leaked that this upcoming game would take inspiration from the Batman Beyond animated series that aired from 1999 to 2001, along with its related comic books. While a Batman Beyond title from Rocksteady holds promise, relying solely on the familiar Arkham gameplay could be a risky move that might backfire given the current gaming landscape.
Although Schreier and Lunatic Ignus did not explicitly state Rocksteady’s plans to reintegrate the Arkham series’ gameplay mechanics in this new title, it seems probable. Considering the feedback surrounding Suicide Squad’s shift to a third-person shooter format, Rocksteady might be inclined to revert to what worked in the past. However, duplicating the Freeflow combat and Predator stealth elements without innovation may lead to a feeling of déjà vu for players. A prolonged reintroduction of these mechanics could feel tedious, especially for long-standing fans familiar with Batman: Arkham’s style since its 2009 debut. Simply recycling old mechanics would hardly ignite excitement among the community.
While tutorials provide necessary guidance, Rocksteady’s anticipated Batman Beyond game could shine by offering an optional tutorial, giving experienced players the opportunity to dive right into action. Minimizing tutorial phases and immediately immersing players with fresh gameplay mechanics can enhance engagement. Keeping the core combat and stealth systems aligned with the Arkham legacy is essential, but new features are key. Adding gadgets, special takedowns, and innovative traversal methods, all suited to Batman Beyond’s futuristic universe, could distinguish this installment. These additions should evolve progressively to offer a comprehensive and unique set of skills.
When it comes to narrative, Batman boasts an extensive lineup of villains, but most have already made appearances in the Arkham series. As with gameplay, the story must stay true to the essence of the franchise while delivering new thrills for devoted fans. The Neo-Gotham setting from Batman Beyond provides a fertile ground for innovation. Set in the 2030s, this unique backdrop introduces a fresh roster of adversaries, allowing Rocksteady to surprise its audience with a captivating and new storyline.
If executed well, Rocksteady’s Batman Beyond could breathe new life into DC gaming, honoring its past while forging a captivating future.
