Rocksteady's Batman: Arkham franchise is widely celebrated for redefining superhero gaming with its groundbreaking combat, stealth mechanics, and captivating storyline. The latest addition to this universe, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, pays homage to its predecessor in a unique and engaging manner.
While introducing a fresh narrative, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League ensures that both new and seasoned players are treated to a brief history lesson of the Batman: Arkham series. The game takes a remarkably inventive approach to revisit the defining moments of its predecessor.
The Batman Museum: Retelling the Batman: Arkham Saga
Following their encounter with Batman in Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, players gain access to the Batman Museum, where they can freely explore interactive displays showcasing pivotal events and characters from the Batman: Arkham games. Each display features a button that, when pressed, triggers a narrated summary by Jack Ryder, providing insight into the depicted scene or character.
Room 1: Arkham Asylum
The first room immerses players in the initial moments of Batman: Arkham Asylum, complete with familiar sounds and visuals that evoke a sense of nostalgia. Pressing the button unveils a comprehensive overview of the entire Arkham Asylum narrative, accompanied by a cutout of Killer Croc emerging behind Joker. As players proceed, they encounter depictions of the asylum's villains, including a Titan-infused Joker.
Room 2: Arkham City
The subsequent room presents a condensed rendition of Batman: Arkham City's story through dynamic cardboard characters that react to the unfolding events. The room culminates in a scene featuring Batman holding a lifeless Joker, symbolizing the conclusion of Arkham City. Additionally, images of the game's villains, including the now-reformed Deadshot, adorn the walls.
Room 3: Arkham Knight
The final room encompasses various scenes and characters from Batman: Arkham Knight, with the primary story being recounted through a button linked to the Arkham City room. A towering cutout of Scarecrow emerges, narrating key moments, including the unmasking of Batman. The room also details the pivotal moment when Batman fakes his demise at the conclusion of Arkham Knight.
While many game series resort to cinematics or non-playable characters for storytelling, Rocksteady's approach in Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League provides a refreshing and interactive method of revisiting the Batman: Arkham saga. This innovative approach exemplifies the developer's commitment to delivering originality within the franchise.