Whilst the comparison of the two sets of games is unfair because Gotham Knights is a standalone title with its originality, many were left disappointed to see that the free-flowing combat system was not replicated in this case. Despite this, there are certainly multiple aspects within gameplay including both combat and traversal that will potentially please players.
5 Batgirl: Beat Down Ability
If there was one aspect of the combat many loved from the Arkham Trilogy, it was the special beat-down combo players were able to use to defeat enemies in classic Batman fashion. This along with the player’s ability to be able to jump from one enemy to another in quick succession, keeping the level of momentum high, is why the previous Batman games were held in such high regard.
While this certainly is not exactly the same in Gotham Knights and is confined to Batgirl alone, fans will be aware of how similar it feels to Batman’s vicious attacks. These are primarily useful against tougher enemies or those with a higher level, and using this can easily remind some players of their Arkham Trilogy experience.
4 Batgirl: Cape Glide
Considering the events at the beginning of the game in which players witness Batman’s death as revealed before release, Batgirl is the closest hero to him in terms of her abilities, gadgets, and attacking skill sets. Once completing all the tasks and quests to attain her ‘Knighthood’, players are finally able to use the cape glide featured in the Arkham series.
This did not come without frustrations from some fans, who feel as though the grind of side tasks for an ability that should be present by default, was needless. Regardless, for those who may have been looking for an experience that edged close enough to that of Rocksteady’s successful series, this is another trait within Batgirl’s gameplay that does just that.
3 Batgirl: Grapple Pull
The omission of gadgets or tools similar to what was presented in the Arkham Trilogy again left fans with another reason to be disappointed. Batman had numerous amount of weapons and tools in his arsenal in the lead-up to taking down enemies and was one of the highlights of each Arkham title. The comparisons between the two in these regions were unavoidable considering how loved previous Batman games were, but WB Montreal was able to implement ideas of their own here.
In the same category of ‘Knighthood’ players can unlock an ability that gives Barbara a grapple pull, which can be used to either pull herself towards bigger and tougher enemies or pull others towards her. This is one of the tools players could use in the Arkham Trilogy, and this helps blend in with all of the other unique attack animations and skills at players’ disposal.
2 Robin: Vantage Hanging Takedowns
With Robin’s character in Gotham Knights more suited to one revolving around stealth, developers were able to implement an ability from the Arkham Trilogy that allowed Batman to dispose of enemies silently from above. This is very much beneficial in Robin’s stealth gameplay, as it will lessen the number of foes to deal with, enabling encounters to be under more control by players.
As this stands as a unique skill for one character alone just as the other skills for Batgirl, it adds to the opportunity for players to experience some of Batman’s skill sets once again paying homage to the trendsetter titles. Having this integrated here suits multiple play styles, whether it is gung-ho or stealth-like.
1 Red Hood: Takedowns
Both Arkham City and Arkham Knight in particular feature in the aspect of the more brutal takedowns from Batman, especially after utilizing the beat-down. This would normally occur after interrogations or the player taking down the final enemy standing. Whilst Red Hood’s combat style is far different in comparison to Batman and the other three heroes available in his use of non-lethal guns and rounds, grabbing enemies and performing throws or takedowns can be ruthless. This is more fitting toward Jason Todd’s aggressive nature the game evokes, especially after acknowledging his death at the hands of Joker before being resurrected via the Lazarus Pit.
Whilst he certainly isn’t as fast and agile as Bruce, he still hits hard and players will feel that when using this character for both main and side quests. Based on comics and other adaptations of DC characters, Red Hood is censored in the aspect of using less lethal force as opposed to killing thugs and villains. Some fans may argue that the character is far more brutal than Batman as he finishes the job, so while this isn’t the case here in Gotham Knights, developers have enabled combat to feel as though Jason is right on the edge in the disposal of enemies.
Gotham Knights is now available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
More: Differences About Batgirl Between Comics And Gotham Knights
