Similar to Marvel, DC characters have become ubiquitous across various media. Their presence is not only felt in numerous films but has also extended to a wide array of video games. Recently, DC launched two major co-op adventures - Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League and Gotham Knights. While both games have sparked controversy among their respective fanbases, a simple solution might have eased some of the issues.

Both Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League and Gotham Knights allow players to delve into unique DC universes featuring some of the most beloved characters. Gotham Knights presents an original narrative set in a world where Batman is no longer alive, whereas Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League continues the thrilling adventures of the Arkhamverse. While both games offer engaging DC stories, it seems that they could have had a more significant impact if their positions had been swapped.

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League and Gotham Knights - A Case of Misplaced Canon

Gotham Knights - A Seamless Arkham Continuation

Gotham Knights introduces players to a Gotham City where Batman is seemingly deceased at the hands of Ra's al Ghul. The responsibility to maintain order in the city falls on Nightwing, Batgirl, Robin, and Red Hood. The game unfolds as they investigate Batman's death and confront the Court of Owls and League of Shadows. While the story may not reach the heights of other DC titles, it still offers a compelling journey through the DC mythos.

Developed by WB Games Montreal, many anticipated that it would be a part of the Arkhamverse, given the studio's involvement in Batman: Arkham Origins. However, the game turned out to be entirely separate from that series, standing on its own. Although it may potentially spawn its own franchise, currently it feels like a standalone entry.

Despite being promoted as a distinct canon, Gotham Knights could seamlessly fit into the Arkhamverse. Batman: Arkham Knight concluded with Bruce Wayne activating the Knightfall Protocol, seemingly sacrificing himself to protect his loved ones. Gotham Knights also portrays a world where Batman is believed to be dead, thus with minor narrative adjustments, it could have seamlessly continued from where Rocksteady left off.

Suicide Squad - A Promising Start for a New Franchise

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League continues the Arkhamverse storyline, although it might have been more fitting elsewhere. The game places players in control of the Suicide Squad as they are dispatched to Metropolis to take down a mind-controlled Justice League, including Batman from the Arkham series. This represents a significant departure for the Arkham Batman, as he now collaborates with the Justice League under the influence of Brainiac.

This transformation feels drastic for the Arkham Batman, particularly because of his unfamiliar alliance with the Justice League. Placing Suicide Squad in a new canon instead of Gotham Knights might have made more sense. While one game explores the aftermath of Batman's alleged demise, the other embarks on a grand, world-ending narrative distinct from the Arkham series.

Perhaps if both games had been conceptualized differently initially, Gotham Knights would have seamlessly extended Batman: Arkham, and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League would have marked a captivating, unique start to a new franchise.