This could entail a more concise experience with individual characters as the sole protagonist. In doing so, fans would become more acquainted with Gotham Knights’ titular characters, and whichever protagonist is chosen to feature could be elaborated upon greatly. There would be obvious downsides to making standalone stories, including the fact that one of Gotham Knights’ main appeals is its multiple protagonists, but if it does get spin-offs they should follow the same formula as Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales.
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Gotham Knights Spin-offs Could Make Batman Playable
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales’ playtime depends on how many optional activities the player engages with, but its main narrative can be completed in several hours. This may sound short to some fans, but it is a concise experience with refined mechanics that plays uniquely different from Marvel’s Spider-Man. Miles is given his own storyline after the events of Marvel’s Spider-Man, and comes into his own as a new wall-crawler. Rhino is even reprised to great effect, becoming a more interesting villain.
If Gotham Knights followed this template for one or more spin-offs, WB Games Montreal could flesh out its original IP with deeper worldbuilding. Considering the fact that Bruce Wayne is supposedly dead in Gotham Knights, fans would likely be excited to see him appear in a prequel narrative.
Batman could then be playable, or perhaps serve as a playable companion in two-player co-op or as an NPC to fight alongside. This would allow for fans to enjoy Batman without the character disrupting the Bat Family’s moment in the spotlight, which they are supposed to be relishing in Gotham Knights.
A Gotham Knights spin-off could also realistically feature any one of its playable protagonists. Seeing more of their early crime-fighting days would be incredible, for instance reliving Jason’s origins as Robin through to his death and rebirth as Red Hood.
Gotham Knights Needs to Avoid DLC Like Arkham Episodes
One thing is certain about post-launch content in Gotham Knights: the formula for DLC packs in Batman: Arkham Knight should be avoided. Batman: Arkham Knight’s The Season of Infamy is superb and offers closure on influential Arkhamverse villains, but besides Batgirl’s A Matter of Family DLC, its Arkham Episodes are woefully abrupt. Arkham Episodes are supplementary story packs that feature Nightwing, Robin, Batgirl, Red Hood, Catwoman, and Harley Quinn in their own mini-narratives.
Almost all Arkham Episodes last about 10 minutes and can be underwhelming, which begs the question of why they were not simply added as AR Challenges. Batgirl’s is more substantial as a nearly hour-long prequel story where she and Robin search Seagate Amusement Park for Jim Gordon, who is held hostage by the Joker and Harley Quinn. Of course, the option to make spin-offs instead of simple DLC packs is a much larger investment that WB Games Montreal may not want to risk.
Standalone spin-offs could also alienate players who may not have enjoyed one character over another. If fans do not end up caring to play Red Hood in Gotham Knights, for example, they will hardly be inclined to play a full-fledged title featuring him. Still, Gotham Knights’ Bat Family deserves a more substantial experience than just one game can provide.
Gotham Knights is scheduled to release on October 21, 2022, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
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