Rocksteady, the storied developer behind theBatman: Arkhamtrilogy, is in dire need of a fresh start. Though the company had not been immune to criticism in the past, it was generally thought of as a prestigious and talent-laden studio, one responsible for some of the most influential AAA games of the past decade. That decade of goodwill was swiftly washed away with the arrival ofSuicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, which hastainted the legacy of the so-called Arkhamversefor many players.
But now, rumors have emerged about Rocksteady possibly chipping away at aBatman Beyondgame, which would come as welcome news for fans who have been praying for such a project for years. How exactly this rumored game would connect to theBatman: Arkhamgames is unclear, as the originalBatman Beyondstory was born from theBatmananimated series, therefore linked to that continuity.Beyondfollows Terry McGinnis, Bruce Wayne’s protégé, who takes up the mantle of Batman in a futuristic Gotham City while Wayne serves as more of a mentor. Naturally, this exact premise is impossible within the Arkhamverse due to Bruce Wayne’s death, suggesting that this rumored game would be part of a new universe.
Rumors about thisBatman Beyondgameare as-of-yet unconfirmed, but it’s worth noting that Rocksteady job listings claim the studio is working on an open-world brawler, which would fit with theBatman: Arkhamformula.
Batman Beyond Offers the Perfect Blank Slate for Rocksteady
Rocksteady Can Leave the Spoiled Arkhamverse Behind
While one can debate whether it’s fair to call the Arkhamverse “ruined” as a result ofSuicide Squad, it’s definitely hard to imagine where the series can go from here. Even if Batman were to come back through multiverse shenanigans, Lazarus Pit magic, or some other plot contrivance, so many essential players of theBatmanmythos are either dead or squeezed of all their potential after so many years in the Arkhamverse. So, even if Rocksteady were to develop adirect continuation ofSuicide Squadstarring Batman, so much would have to change, to the point where it would feel like a new universe anyway.
Loose continuity is something that comic book fans are all too familiar with: stories spun out ofFlashpointhave covered all manner of bizarre and unfamiliar DC concepts, and Marvel’s multiversal structure has made the sky the limit for storytelling. There’s no reason why this same casual connection to canon shouldn’t be reflected in the world of gaming. In the case of Rocksteady’s superhero games, this could manifestin a completely new take onBatman, both the character and the series, putting a different premise and protagonist at the forefront.
Fresh looks at Gotham City, villains, and allies would all be inherentbenefits of aBatman Beyondrebootfrom Rocksteady. Although audiences have grown enamored with the Arkhamverse, there’s little reason to believe that the same love couldn’t be nurtured for a new interpretation of theBatmanseries. In other words, it may be better to start anew rather than try to claw the Arkhamverse back to its glory days.
A Batman Beyond Spin-Off Could Respect Kevin Conroy’s Legacy
Kevin Conroy, the unmistakable voice of Batmanin countless properties, including theArkhamgames, tragically passed away in 2022 from intestinal cancer.Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice Leaguewas, in fact, one of his last appearances as the iconic character. All of this is to say that he can most certainly not reprise his role as the caped crusader, and it’s difficult to imagine another actor filling his shoes any time soon. But a new incarnation of Batman—the Terry McGinnis incarnation—would serve as a buffer between Conroy and his successor, thereby respecting his decades-long history as the de-facto voice of the Dark Knight.
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.
