Gotham Knights seems like quite the departure from the Batman Arkham follow up many fans were expecting, which led to a mixed reception following Gotham Knights’ reveal at DC Fandome. And while it would be easy to dismiss it as too different from the franchise’s origins, new details continue to emerge about it that make it seem a bit more complex.
In a recent interview with IGN, Gotham Knights Creative Director Patrick Redding and Senior Producer Fleur Marty answered questions about the game, revealing some key details about it. Topics ranged from Gotham Knights’ open-world to the decision to ditch Batman, but particularly interesting is how the game is approaching new gear compared to the Batman Arkham titles, and whether or not its a live service game.
One key confirmation from the interview is that Gotham Knights isn’t a “games-as-a-service” or live service game as some fans had feared. Senior Producer Fleur Marty commented, “This is very much not designed as a game-as-service. There is an ability tree, which is different for each of the characters, and then there’s gear that you craft - and so choices that you’re going to be making - but that does not mean that this is a game-as-service.”
Marty went on to say that the game can be a completely contained solo experience for players that don’t want to indulge in Gotham Knights’ co-op play, and that they won’t be missing out on any content. The option to play as a duo is still a “really great experience” according to the developer, but remains completely optional.
Additionally, the developers detailed how gear will work in the game, which will be comprised of a melee weapon, ranged weapon, and a suit. Additionally, there’s the suit style, which is effectively a suit skin. The developers didn’t want to turn the player’s suit into “a random crazy quilt.” Players will be able to tweak the suit skin to make it exactly how they want it.
Tweaking suit skins should come as a relief to fans, as RPGs frequently feature mismatched gear that can throw off a look. While games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey have implemented a transmog system, it’s still a frequent issue in games. The developers didn’t elaborate on how Gotham Knights will approach skin unlocks, but one can hope that there’s a large variety.
While fans may still be upset about the absence of Batman as a playable character, the news should be welcome to Gotham Knights fans nervous about the approach. More details will continue to emerge as the game nears launch, but until then, the rest of the game will remain a mystery.
Gotham Knights will release in 2021 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
Source: IGN
