It seems inevitable that another Batman game will be developed soon, whether it continues the Arkhamverse series or explores a new storyline. For instance, while Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League marked the end of the Arkhamverse's Batman, there are possibilities for alternate Batman iterations or even prequels within the same universe.
The previous Batman games from the Arkhamverse had a more animated and lively tone, drawing from Batman: The Animated Series, but a darker, grittier portrayal of the Dark Knight is yet to be fully realized in gaming. There is untapped potential in showcasing Batman in ways not previously seen, which could also involve exploring the character behind the mask, Bruce Wayne.
Batman's Identity vs. Spider-Man's Dual Life
In the Insomniac's Marvel's Spider-Man games, the segments where Peter Parker is himself rather than the superhero may not be the most action-packed, but they serve a crucial narrative purpose in fleshing out the character. Unlike Spider-Man, Batman's dual identity is more blurred, with Bruce Wayne's public persona being a deliberate facade rather than a true reflection of himself.
While Peter Parker has a distinct life outside of being Spider-Man, with personal struggles and responsibilities, Bruce Wayne could choose to isolate himself completely as Batman, disregarding his billionaire status. This distinction makes Peter's character more relatable and his story more multifaceted compared to Bruce's.
The Importance of Bruce Wayne's Role
Marvel's Spider-Man recognizes the significance of showcasing Peter Parker's life alongside his superhero persona. However, Batman games have struggled to make playing as Bruce Wayne as compelling. Games like Batman: The Telltale Series have attempted to balance both aspects of the character, but the traditional action-adventure gameplay of the Arkham series doesn't always accommodate Bruce's more nuanced portrayal.
Despite this, games like Batman: Arkham City and Batman: Arkham Origins have integrated segments where players control Bruce Wayne, hinting at the potential for meaningful storytelling in these sequences. If future Batman games can successfully weave engaging gameplay with Bruce's character, it could offer a fresh and immersive perspective unique to the Batman universe.