The last major Rocksteady game was four years ago. Batman: Arkham Knight left fans scratching their heads with its true ending(unlocked after 100 percent completion). It was Rocksteady’s version of the Knighfall protocol: Batman’s identity is revealed so let’s blow up Wayne Manor. Sounds like a good idea. Also, not to mention, the demon Batman floating in the sky and attacking a mugger.
It’s been four years of rumors and speculation since that perplexing ending. After a long period of silence, which includes being absent from two E3’s in a row, it’s about time for Rocksteady to announce another DC game. Especially after the success of other superhero games such as Marvel’s SpiderMan and more teases of a DC game in development.
What’s left for a fan to do in this hiatus? Speculate of course. Without further ado, here are seven games that Rocksteady could do justice.
6.) Batman Beyond
This just seems like the logical progression if Rocksteady wants to continue with Batman. The timing is right as well with the announcement of a BluRay release for the original show. It’s 2023 and everyone thinks Batman is dead. Bruce Wayne is also too old to fight crime so he recruits a young Batman -Terry McGinnis. That’s the basis of the story, but Rocksteady could get creative with McGinnis’s adventures. The best part would be the futuristic take on the already excellent Arkham world. Players have new gadgets to play with including rocket boots and cloaking devices. They could do a lot with the futuristic setting while building on the established lore. The game could give the player a new version of previous Villians to fight as well. Not to mention, Kevin Conroy can return as the caped crusader.
5.) Green Arrow
The Green Arrow’s arsenal fits so well with the established gameplay formula for the Arkham games. The bow and arrow gameplay can also bring something new to the mechanics. There are so many arrow types that could fit well with combat and stealth scenarios (they have to include the boxing glove arrow). As for the story, Rocksteady can bring the witty Green Arrow to life, not the gloomy CW Arrow. Players can play through Oliver Queen’s time on the abandoned island, Lian Yu, before entering the free roam playground of Star City. Green Arrow could navigate the city with his motorcycle. Rocksteady could even have two playable characters with Green Arrow and Black Canary, much like Catwoman and Batman in Arkham Knight.
4.) Suicide Squad
Let’s go back to the roots – Batman: Arkham Asylum. Rocksteady could create a creepy, violent game featuring The Suicide Squad, a group of incarcerated villains forced to carry out missions for special government agencies. The player can switch between a number of characters. There are a lot of characters for Rocksteady to choose from, but they have to include Harley Quin and Deadshot. It would be fun to play as these villains within Belle Reve prison and the globe-trotting missions they are sent on. The Belle Reve portions of the game can call back to the confined gameplay of Arkham Asylum while missions outside of the prison allow for more freedom. It would give Rocksteady a chance to explore different environments across the world. All-new gameplay elements should be introduced because every villain needs a unique set of mechanics. This will also give Rocksteady a chance to introduce optional co-op gameplay where the main story can be played solo or with friends.
3.) The Question
The Question is a ruthless hero who focuses on his detective skills and uncovering conspiracy theories. One of the best parts of the Arkham games was the detective aspects of them. A game featuring The Question could take that mechanic and run. It would focus on the ground level conspiracies in Hub city. The game should be inspired by L.A. Noire where players have to solve mysteries and uncover clues. These mysteries could develop into major scenarios for the Arkhamverse and maybe even include Lex Luthor( if Rocksteady wants to follow the Justice League Unlimited storyline). The action would still be on full display in the form of stealth and fisticuffs. The Question, though, would take environmental gameplay to the next level. Players have tons of opportunities to use the environment to their advantage. Lastly, a Question game should be dark and gritty, which Rocksteady does pretty well.
2.) Wonder Woman
Let’s get out of the street-level heroes and envision a game that puts superpowers on full display. A Wonder Woman game is much more preferred than Superman. It simply has never been done before. It would be free roam and players can do all sorts of things with Wonder Woman’s powers – use super strength and speed, use her sword and shield, use or cuffs to deflect bullets, and use her lasso of truth. The lasso of truth, in particular, should be used to get more information from bad guys and unlock new gameplay missions. It would also be fun to explore Wonder Woman’s backstory on Themyscira and watch her transition into her role on earth. Let’s hope the invisible plan makes an appearance.
1.) Static Shock
This one is difficult because Infamous is a game already. Infamous is a PlayStation exclusive that features a protagonist with powers surprisingly similar to Static Shock. They also share familiar origin stories. It would be fun, though, to see Rocksteady’s take on the Static Shock. They could do a lot with Static’s metallic disks, which can be used to fly across the city. Static could also use electromagnetic fields and shoot upgradable electricity. Black Lightning can also make an appearance as a supporting character. It’s a big change of tone for the developers. They have to transition from dark and gloomy to lighthearted. A major change is never a bad thing, especially since they already made three gloomy Batman games.
What DC character(s) do you want to see Rocksteady tackle next. There is a whole universe to choose from. Or would you rather see a new genre of game entirely? Let us know in the comics.