Gotham Knights has been getting some attention again, especially since Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League is pretty much dead, with abysmal player counts. For the past three months, the game has been averaging a peak player count of only around 600 players on Steam.
As fans look to other DC gaming properties, comparisons between the two games come to mind. Let’s see how well both games hold up in 2024, and which one is still the best Batman-adjacent game.
Gotham Knights Also Had a Rocky Launch
When Gotham Knights launched in late 2022, it was met with a mixed to negative reception from fans and critics.
Many fans were excited to see the Bat-Family members step into the spotlight this time, but the game suffered from technical issues and lackluster gameplay that left a lot to be desired. The open world also felt empty and under-detailed, with little to do.
The graphics and characterization were decent, but the game struggled to keep up with the expectations set by its predecessors in the Arkham series. It was also baffling how poor its combat and gameplay were compared to Arkham Knight.
Then came Kill The Justice League, another highly anticipated title featuring Task Force X. Unfortunately, it too stumbled right out of the gate.
The game faced several delays over the years, and when it finally launched, it was plagued with bugs, poor live-service design, repetitive missions, and an underwhelming story.
Between the two, Knights seems to have the edge despite its issues. The narrative focused on the dynamic between the Bat-Family members, bringing a fresh perspective to the DC universe, and was engaging enough.
The combat is still a lot better than Suicide Squad, comparatively. The loot/gear system, and overall grindiness of it, are also far less than its competitor and aren’t as annoying.
Arkham Knight Still Trumps Both Games
The Arkham series set a high bar for superhero games. Arkham Knight was an amazing title in terms of narrative, gameplay, and overall experience. The combat system is often hailed as one of the best in any action game, with fluid mechanics and a satisfying combo system.
Narratively, Arkham Knight also excels with a gripping story that deals with the psyche of the titular character and his rogues’ gallery. While the newer games offer some interesting character development, it doesn’t quite match the emotional depth and complexity, with dialogues and voice acting that just aren’t on the same level.
In terms of graphics and art direction, Arkham Knight wins again. Its detailed environments, atmospheric lighting, and character models are still impressive even after nine years. Knights lack the same level of polish and attention to detail.
The open world of both Knights and Squad sometimes feels sparse and less engaging, but at least Knights has NPCs and civilians walking around the city, while Suicide Squad doesn’t even have that.
Despite its age, Arkham Knight remains the superior game compared to both, but between Suicide Squad, and Gotham Knights, the latter wins with flying colors.
Which of the two games do you think is better? Does Gotham Knights seem like a better game now that time has passed? Let us know in the comments below.
