Just about everyone on CBM is looking forward to Rocksteady’s final Batman game, but there’s still eight months (!!) until it is actually released. Since it feels like it’s a massive wait between bits of Arkham Knight news, I thought I’d quench my thirst and put together this editorial. Just why am I unbearably excited to play this game? Here are six reasons.
1. The Return of Rocksteady
Now, I was extremely happy with Warner Bros. Montreal’s prequel Batman: Arkham Origins — I found there was a lot to love, including the story, character design and cutscenes — but I think I speak for everybody when I say Rocksteady coming back is one of the most thrilling aspects of the game. Well, technically, they never left (Arkham Knight’s just had an extremely long development process), but you get what I mean. Origins just wasn’t quite as polished as the previous two instalments, and lacked a bit of the RS magic; that’s sure to return with this game.
2. Driving the Batmobile
Every Arkham game so far has featured the iconic vehicle in some capacity, but the devs have finally introduced it as a playable mechanic within Arkham Knight. Completely redesigning the entirety of Gotham City to suit this monster of a car, the Batmobile’s two modes — Pursuit and Battle — are set to offer two varying gameplay styles, and both look amazing. Slick driving mechanics mixed with frantic gunplay seem like a real winner to me. The key thing here is to have the Batmobile balanced enough so you don’t feel overpowered, something Rocksteady are working hard to perfect.
3. To Experience A Current-Gen Batman Game
The next generation of videogame consoles have been with us for over a year now, and I imagine it will be a fair while before the hardware’s pushed to the limit like the previous line. However, Knight is, visually, looking like one of the greatest games I’ve ever seen. There’s the promise of fluid game-to-cutscene (and vice-versa) transitions, a stunningly realised rain and neon-drenched Gotham, and even more improvements to that incredible combat.
4. Discovering the Identity of the Arkham Knight
This fourth game will see the introduction of the Arkham Knight, a brand new character created by the studio… or at least, that’s what they say. Though the armoured moniker is definitely a new design, I, like many, have a hunch that there’s a familiar face beneath the helmet. There are a few theories, including Jason Todd, Thomas Elliot/Hush, Azreal or even the Joker (*shudders*) but I’m not sold on any of them yet. I hope this is does end up being a total surprise because the mystery surrounding this guy is amazing.
5. Seeing Friendly and Fresh Faces
The series has prided itself on its expansive cast of characters, and so far there are only a handful that have been officially announced. Fan-favourite villains Scarecrow, Two-Face, Harley Quinn and the Penguin are all confirmed, but I’d also love to see the return of Catwoman, Mr. Freeze and Poison Ivy from Arkham City. I’m also very interested to see how big of a role Robin plays — plus, there’s that Red Hood DLC that I’m thinking a connection to the main story…
6. Tying Up the Loose Ends
One thing that sets the Arkham franchise apart from others are the wide array of compelling side missions — so many games offer optional quests, but none seem as interesting and fan-pleasing as the ones in these games. I’m dying to play this new game to conclude some of the sub-plots from City in particular, including Hush, Azreal and the League of Assassins, but, since Rocksteady are firmly set on making Knight the final instalment, I’m extremely curious to find out how the conclude the story as a whole. Will Batman die? Will he continue his crusade indefinitely? Will he step down from the mantle and hand it over to another, continuing the legacy? I honestly have no idea.
And that’s what so exciting. The developers have done a great job keeping much of the game a mystery, just the way I like it. How it will turn out is anyone’s guess, but I’m willing to bet they knock Batman: Arkham Knight out of the park — hopefully, it’s best of the series. Are you looking forward to the June 2015 release? Of course you are. Feel free to share your thoughts on the game and this editorial down below, and click that good ol’ red thumb if you enjoyed reading!