There was a time when theBatman: Arkhamfranchise was one of the biggest names in the superhero genre. Indeed, Rocksteady took players on an incredible journey following the caped crusader through an original trilogy set in the DC universe. Likewise, developers WB Games Montreal, Armature, and now Camouflaj have proven that the series can be just as bright when taken under other studios' wings. But, with the release ofSuicide Squad: Kill the Justice League,Batman: Arkham’s success has seemingly come to a screeching halt.
It is no secret thatSuicide Squad: Kill the Justice Leagueleft much to be desired, as seen by the fact that its post-launch story content is now complete. Even though that game may not have succeeded,theBatman: Arkhamseries is likely not going anywhereanytime soon. However, the franchise’s future may be in a bit of a tough spot right now. Not only does that next chapter need to win back the fans that were scorned by this latest venture, but it also needs to reinvigorate its Batman-focused story somehow.
The Arkhamverse’s Future is a Bit Unclear
After almost a decade without a new mainlineBatman: Arkhamgame,Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice Leaguewas hoping to bring the franchise back into the spotlight once more. Building off of the success of Rocksteady’s trilogy, this title was going to expand the Arkhamverse considerably by not onlyshifting the focus to the Suicide Squad. It also gave itself the daunting task of introducing the Justice League, the multiverse, and even Brainiac.
Players were quickly turned away due to the live-service elements and repetitive nature of the game. It may have deliveredan interesting new story within the Arkhamverse, but everything else about it arguably failed to deliver over a post-launch period.
Rocksteady Will Need to Do a Lot to Course-Correct
There has been no announcement yet ofanother chapter in the ArkhamversefollowingSuicide Squad. That being said, that next title will have a lot to prove if it wants to make any sort of impact. If Rocksteady does not hit all the right notes at launch, then the next chapter may suffer the same fate.
The next Arkhamverse game needs to tell a stellar story, give players a massive playground to explore, and be a game worthy of theBatman: Arkhamname. It cannot be another live-service game, and it must put the focus back on Batman, as that is what made players fall in love with the franchise to begin with. Luckily,the end ofSuicide Squad: Kill the Justice Leaguerevealed that the Bruce Wayne they killed was simply a clone, so there is still a chance for an exciting Batman-led adventure.
Batman: Arkham Shadow, the Arkhamverse’s latest game, is a prequel title exclusive to the Meta Quest 3. It’s fully possible that a VR sequel could come to fruition in the future, and such a choice could be brilliant sinceShadoweffectively brought the franchise back to its roots, albeit through a unique lens. Either way, Batman games are sure to persist.
