Summary
While the Arkhamverse is getting a new addition viaBatman: Arkham Shadow,a VR-exclusive title likely isn’t enough for DC games to bounce back after recent titlesGotham KnightsandSuicide Squad:Kill the Justice Leaguelargely failed to reach the standards established by theArkhamgames.While there is speculation thatother DC projects in the workscould help repair DC’s gaming reputation, a much safer bet would be to rely on the character that got Rocksteady to the heights it achieved with the Arkhamverse, and the game wouldn’t even needArkhamin the title.
Batman Beyondis a beloved animated TV series that ambitiously departs from Bruce Wayne as the series’ Batman and instead finds its new superhero in teenager Terry McGinnis. The series brought an unconventional take on what a different Batman in a futuristic Gotham could be, and aBatman Beyondgame could have exactly what’s needed to propel DC back to the top of the superhero games genre.
What Makes Batman Beyond Compelling for a Video Game?
Stepping Away from Bruce Wayne
Instead of a character whose story has been tried and tested for decades in a variety of different media, a Batman game that explores a new character behind the bat suit could be a refreshing restart from what was created in the Arkhamverse. Terry McGinnis can be designed similar to howMiles Morales was introduced in theMarvel’s Spider-Mangames: as a young version of a well-established superhero now weighing the fame and responsibility that comes with crime fighting, while also trying to set himself apart from his predecessor. Putting an older Bruce Wayne in a mentoring role and letting Terry McGinnis shine as Batman will create an enticing dynamic in the game, alongside what inner turmoil a younger Batman faces in his new but difficult role as guardian of Gotham.
A New Way to Examine the World
The new Batman doesn’t have to match the intelligence and detective skills of his predecessor. While the forensic examination feature in theArkhamgames was an engaging way to highlight one of Bruce Wayne’s most prominent skills, aBatman Beyondprotagonist should have a unique investigation skill set of their own. Instead of a stone-cold demeanor when facing friends and foes alike, a different Batman could be designed with the young Terry McGinnis in mind, possessing equal amounts wit and tenacity. In Arkhamverse,Batman is definitively the world’s greatest detective, but a clever, street-smart Batman could provide a unique edge to the superhero yet to be featured in a Batman game.
Agility and Aggression
While a new genre ofcombat games inspired by Rocksteady’s Batmanflourished with rhythmic but brutal punches and kicks, the exploration and movement surrounding those fights inArkhamgames were intentionally made slow to capture Batman’s superiority in skill and strength, rather than speed and agility.Arkham’s Batman is a dark and looming shadow over daring criminals, but this was translated into heavy ground-based combat with creative gadget abilities for variation. It would be worthwhile to see a different version of Batman that relies on sheer athleticism and mobility to traverse through the world and take on groups of enemies.
In aBatman Beyondgame, Batman could acrobatically take down foes and include a completely different set of moves for aerial combat. Fighting enemies in the air wasn’t much of an option in theArkhamgames, but by using a combination of rocket boots and superhuman strength, a new Batman could benefit from criminals flailing in the air before slamming them to the ground. What this new Batman lacks in precision and mastery in several martial art styles could be made up for with energetic, acrobatic fights and an aggressive wrestling background. Combine that with this Batman’s experience as a street fighter, andBatman Beyondcould continue the lineage of DCgames with intense combatwhile also introducing a fresh and stylistically unique superhero.
The Potential For A Brighter Gotham
A Cyberpunk Future
Gotham’s desaturated and bleak look has served theArkhamgames well, but a new vision of Gotham will help aBatman Beyondgame be exciting to free roam through. A futuristic Gotham would pair perfectly with the cyberpunk aesthetic, as tall skyscrapers and holographic displays contrast the ever-present sense of doom and absence of human empathy. A young Batman facing the harsh realities of this Neo-Gotham would present plenty of creative story arcs within astory-rich open world gamefor players to experience. The advantages of technology for Batman and his foes could make for unique gameplay, but concerns surrounding artificial intelligence, for example, could be fully realized in this version of Gotham as a major plot point in this game.
A Gotham filled with vibrant colors and advanced architecture would be a big refresher from the traditional Arkhamverse look, and aBatman Beyondgame should make the most of this version of Gotham by rethinking character traversal. While zip-lining and gliding were simple yet fun ways to explore the city, designing a Gotham that an athletic Batman couldparkour around like in Spider-Man gameswould be a surprising but welcoming feature not seen in the Arkhamverse. Vaulting over neon signs and wall-running across corporate buildings is stretching the idea of what Batman does, butBatman Beyondas an animated series was made to experiment and defy expectations, as should a game with the same name.
While the Arkhamverse is one ofthe best video game universes created, aBatman Beyondgame has enough potential to stand apart and create a new universe that follows Batman in a future overflowing with style and flair. Warner Bros. Games should avoid making the same mistakes as its recent releases and develop a DC single-player game with Batman at the forefront, while allowing a studio to creatively develop a new take on the superhero set in an appealing and remodeled Gotham City. It’s a risky and ambitious idea, but if Warner Bros. Games wants to start a new franchise with Batman at the helm, it should strongly consider funding a project about a young, reimagined caped crusader.
Batman: Arkham Trilogy
WHERE TO PLAY
Protect Gotham City from all kinds of threats across the iconic Batman: Arkham Trilogy. Become the Batman and utilize a wide range of gadgets and abilities to face off against Gotham’s most dangerous villains, finally facing the ultimate threat against the city that Batman is sworn to protect.Face off against notorious DC Super-Villains: The Joker, Scarecrow, Poison Ivy, and more in Batman: Arkham Asylum. Step into the shadows of Batman: Arkham City’s open world, the new maximum security “home” for thugs, gangsters, and insane criminal masterminds. In Batman: Arkham Knight, tear through the streets of Gotham and take on the ultimate threat in the trilogy’s epic conclusion.Experience two of the most critically acclaimed titles of the last generation - Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City, with fully remastered and updated visuals. Complete your experience with the explosive finale to the Arkham series in Batman: Arkham Knight. The trilogy includes all DLC, in one complete package.
