Rocksteady Should Recognize That Batman Beyond Could Be a Familiar Thrill

The outlook for DC video games seems murkier than ever. With Gotham Knights receiving lukewarm reviews and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League not doing any better, fans pinned their hopes on Monolith’s Wonder Woman game to turn things around. This game was anticipated to be a narrative-rich, single-player experience crafted by a seasoned developer. However, recent news hit hard—with Wonder Woman canceled and Monolith shutting its doors, DC’s path forward seems uncertain. The only clear option might be leaning heavily on the Batman franchise.

Following the cancellation of Wonder Woman, Jason Schreier of Bloomberg reported that Rocksteady is revisiting the iconic Caped Crusader. Adding fuel to the speculation, leaker Lunatic Ignus shared on Twitter that Rocksteady’s next venture might draw inspiration from the Batman Beyond animated series and related comics. While this concept is rife with potential, falling back on the tried-and-tested Arkham gameplay might present challenges. Revisiting the same formula could potentially be both a blessing and a curse given how familiar it has become.

Looking back at the Arkham series, it’s worth considering how a repeat performance would be received. Although neither Schreier’s report nor Lunatic Ignus’ leak talked about Arkham’s gameplay making a comeback, it wouldn’t be shocking if Rocksteady leaned on those familiar mechanics, especially after the reaction to Suicide Squad’s shift to a third-person shooter. Bringing back Arkham’s signature Freeflow combat and Predator stealth might end up feeling stale. Many gamers have immersed themselves in these systems since 2009. Simply rehashing them might not generate the excitement needed for a new Batman title.

Considering this, Rocksteady shouldn’t hesitate to innovate and push boundaries right from the start. Tutorials are, of course, necessary, but offering them as optional could allow seasoned players to dive directly into the action. At the same time, fresh gameplay dynamics should be infused into the mix. New gadgets, special takedowns, and futuristic traversal methods fitting Batman Beyond’s setting could breathe new life into the adventure. As the story unfolds, these elements should evolve, crafting a unique skill set exclusive to this installment.

Narratively, a Batman Beyond game would also need to break new ground. While Batman’s rogues’ gallery is iconic, they’ve mostly been featured throughout the Arkham saga. To truly captivate fans, a new story should offer surprises while staying true to the essence of the series. Fortunately, Batman Beyond’s Neo-Gotham backdrop provides the perfect opportunity for this. Set in the futuristic late 2030s, it introduces villains and storylines that can redefine expectations and deliver a fresh take on the Batman legend.