Summary
There’s no news on the horizon regarding a possibleBatman Beyondgame, but a recently unveiledBeyondmovie pitch could be a launching pad for the series' current-gen gaming debut. This idea would be a departure from theArkhamstyle ofBatmangamethat has proven to be so popular with fans of the character, but this differentiation could pay off.
Yukhi Demers, a production designer and producer of theSpider-Man: Spider-Verseanimated films, recently shared their experience pitching aBatman Beyondfeature film to DC and Warner Bros. The finer details of the pitch have not been revealed, but Demers did share some concept art depicting the iconicBeyondsuit and near-future rendition of Gotham in the now-popular, strikingSpider-Versestyle. As evidenced by the overwhelmingly positive response to Demers' social media posts about the pitch, this concept has a lot of promise, but unfortunately, it got a soft rejection from Warner Bros. and DC.
‘Batman Beyond Meets Spider-Verse’ Could Be a Great Video Game Foundation
A New Type of Batman Game
Making aBatmanstory without Bruce Wayneunder the mask always comes with some level of risk, butBatman Beyondmanages to pull this feat off. Terry McGinnis' distinct personality and backstory, along with this new era of society and technology, are reflected in his behavior, his relationship with his fellow heroes and villains, and his iconic, sleek suit, which he uses to fight crime in a similarly transformed Gotham City.
All in all,Batman Beyondis a big step outside the series convention, and a bold animation style would be a good way to honor that in a video game adaptation.
Of course, aBatman Beyondgame could simply follow theRocksteady formula for aBatmangame, focusing on a somewhat grounded, yet still fantastical, rendition of Gotham and its heroes and villains, but this approach could squander its potential. ABatman Beyondgame ought to be as big a leap from otherBatmangames as the show was fromBatman: The Animated Series, and the bold, colorful, art direction shared by Demers would be a good way to do that.
A Stylized Batman Beyond Opens the Door for Creative Opportunities
Crafting a game in the visual style of something like theSpider-Versefranchise comes with several benefits beyond just flashy and memorable visuals. Many ofthe bestBatmangamesexperiment with different gameplay styles, setpieces, and level design elements, and this sort of experimentation could be elevated by the singular art style on display in the concept art for the pitchedBeyondfilm.
The Scarecrow hallucinations from theArkhamtrilogy, for example, could be cranked up several notches in a game implementing such a unique visual design. Exploration could also be enhanced, as the experience of traversing a comic-inspired science-fiction city, complete with over-the-top architecture and acceptable logical inconsistencies, will be necessarily different from moving through a more grounded and gritty landscape, such as those found in theArkhamseries.
The enduring popularity of theArkhamfranchise, surpassing evennew releases likeSuicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, proves that gaming audiences are hungry for a new game starring The Dark Knight. At the same time, a newBatmangame that just rehashes the atmosphere, tone, and visual design of theArkhamseries, even if it does adapt theBatman Beyondstory, could feel a bit old hat, so injecting some personality by way of the bold,Spider-Verseinspired visuals, with unique game design to boot, would go a long way.
Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League
WHERE TO PLAY
Play as the Suicide Squad to take down the World’s Greatest DC Super Heroes, The Justice League. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, is a genre-defying, action-adventure third-person shooter from Rocksteady Studios, creators of the critically acclaimed Batman: Arkham series.
