Batman: Arkham video game fans have had a barren spell as of late. Not counting the collections and DLCs, the last completely original title, Batman: Arkham Knight, was released in 2015.
The rumour mill has suggested that Rocksteady Studios has been quietly working on a Suicide Squad game, then the Justice League, and more recently a Bat-Family-esque title. Right now, no one is a hundred per cent certain of what’s next for the Dark Knight in video gaming or when it’ll be released as we await an announcement.
Since we’re spitballing here, why not a Batman Beyond video game?
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Batman of the Future and it’s become an important part of the Caped Crusader’s lore. For a while now, fans have clamoured for a continuation of the animated series or even a live-action film, but have had to make do with the outstanding ongoing comic book series. Maybe a video game could fill the void in our hearts in the meantime…
Releasing a futuristic, open world Batman title in the same vein as the Arkham games would undoubtedly appease the fanbase and find justice for the horrendous Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker video game from 2000, released on PlayStation, Game Boy Color and Nintendo 64. The title is regarded as one of the worst superhero games ever created and the less we say about it the better.
Of course, fans have been able to play as the Batman Beyond skin in the Arkham series; however, it isn’t quite the same thing. Looking at a title like Cyberpunk 2077, it’s an example of what sort of world and mood we’d expect from Neo Gotham. It’s darker, grittier, futuristic and loaded with a host of new and advanced tech to play with and experience.
The call for a Batman Beyond video game isn’t an original idea and many fans and pundits have suggested it’s the perfect way to continue the established Arkham storyline. It makes sense, since the Arkham series told Batman’s story in a pleasing and concludable manner. Where else do we go from there except for him to fight the same supervillains over and over again?
One thing’s for sure, though: A new Batman title is imminent. After making so much money in the past, there’s no way that this franchise will be ignored in video gaming. Hopefully, a Batman Beyond title is a consideration for everyone involved.
