Why Gotham Knights Isn’t a Sequel to Arkham Knight: A Deep Dive
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The burning question on many fans’ minds since the announcement of Gotham Knights has been: Is it a sequel to the beloved Batman: Arkham series? The simple and definitive answer is no, it is not. Gotham Knights is an entirely separate entity, existing within its own universe and telling its own distinct story. The developers at WB Montreal explicitly stated their desire to craft a fresh narrative within the Batman mythos, unburdened by the continuity and established events of the Arkhamverse. This decision is evident in the vast differences between the two games, from character portrayals and plot points to overall tone and gameplay mechanics. While Gotham Knights draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of Batman lore, it is not a direct continuation of the story begun in Batman: Arkham Asylum and concluded (for the most part) in Batman: Arkham Knight.
Differences in Story and Setting
One of the most compelling reasons why Gotham Knights isn’t an Arkham sequel lies in its narrative structure and the core premise. The Arkham series revolves around Batman as the central protagonist, with his personal struggles and relationships often at the forefront. Gotham Knights, on the other hand, shifts the focus to the wider Bat-Family – Batgirl, Nightwing, Red Hood, and Robin – and their efforts to protect Gotham in the wake of Batman’s death.
The Fate of Batman
Perhaps the most glaring divergence is the fate of Batman. In Arkham Knight, the ending leaves his future somewhat ambiguous, hinting at his continued existence despite the events that took place. In contrast, Gotham Knights begins with Batman definitively dead, setting the stage for a world where his proteges must step up and fill the void. This radical departure from the Arkham series’ trajectory is a crucial marker of its separate continuity. Furthermore, the manner of Batman’s death is also different. In Gotham Knight, Batman supposedly dies in the destruction of Wayne Manor, which does not correlate to the end events of Arkham Knight.
Character Variations
Beyond the main narrative, there are also significant differences in character portrayals. For instance, certain character arcs and relationships are drastically different from what fans experienced in the Arkham games. This is because WB Montreal sought to present their own unique interpretations of these iconic figures, allowing for fresh storylines and character developments that don’t have to adhere to the Arkham universe canon.
World Building and Tone
Another key differentiator is the overall tone and world-building. Gotham Knights has a less dense city than Arkham Knight, and some areas can feel less detailed. While Arkham Knight had a very distinct and, at times, claustrophobic atmosphere, Gotham Knights attempts a broader and more open-world approach. The combat system, traversal mechanics, and overall gameplay experience are distinctly different, reflecting the developers’ intent to create a new and unique Batman experience.
The Developer’s Vision
WB Montreal’s stated reason for creating an independent story is paramount. They wanted the freedom to explore the Batman universe without constraints, and to present their vision without being confined to the plot lines and character arcs already established in the Arkham games. They wanted to create a unique, open-world experience centered around the Bat-family. This desire for creative independence explains why the game is set in a new continuity, allowing them to tell the story that they wanted without the pre-established rules and narrative baggage of the Arkham franchise.
Original Story
Gotham Knights boasts a fully original story that is separate from all other Batman-related media. While drawing from established lore, the plot, villains, and overall conflict are specific to this game. This intentional difference further solidifies the fact that it’s not designed to be a continuation or a side story within the Arkham series. They want to tell a new Batman story, rather than continue an old one.
Avoiding Ties to Past Media
The developers explicitly chose to avoid the narrative constraints of the Arkham games. This choice was intentional to ensure that Gotham Knights would stand on its own merits as a unique experience, and not to be treated as a continuation of previous storylines. This autonomy allows for new takes on classic characters and storylines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions that further clarify the differences between Gotham Knights and the Arkham series:
1. Is Gotham Knights in the same timeline as Arkham Knight?
No. Gotham Knights is set in an entirely different timeline and universe than the Arkham games. While characters might make references to familiar events, it does not share a direct continuity.
2. What happened to Arkham Asylum in Gotham Knights?
In Gotham Knights, Arkham Asylum was condemned due to structural issues, and most of its inmates were transferred to Blackgate Penitentiary prior to the building collapsing.
3. Why is Gotham Knights disliked?
Many criticisms of Gotham Knights stem from comparisons to the Arkham series. People often compare its combat, traversal, and mechanics, and finding them less fluid and complex than those in the Arkham games. This is because Gotham Knights isn’t trying to be an Arkham game, but a different style of game.
4. Is Joker dead in Gotham Knights?
Yes. The Gotham Knights reality establishes that Batman killed the Joker, deviating from many traditional interpretations.
5. Who killed Bruce Wayne in Gotham Knights?
The game shows that Bruce Wayne dies during the destruction of Wayne Manor. Although there is no character directly responsible for the death in-game, the primary antagonist, the Court of Owls, are responsible. Some theories hint that Batman’s adopted son, Turner Hayes, might have been responsible for Bruce’s death.
6. Where is Joker in Gotham Knights?
The Joker does not appear as a villain in Gotham Knights, although there are references to him throughout the game.
7. Why is Joker not in Arkham Knight?
Joker is not in Arkham Knight because he died in Arkham City. The game opens with his body being cremated.
8. Is Suicide Squad a sequel to Arkham Knight?
Yes, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is the fifth main installment in the Batman: Arkham series, taking place five years after Arkham Knight.
9. Will Arkham Asylum be in Gotham Knights?
Yes, Arkham Asylum is part of the map in Gotham Knights, though in a dilapidated state due to it being condemned and structurally compromised.
10. How does Gotham Knights fit into the DC universe?
Gotham Knights is a story about the Bat Family protecting Gotham City after Batman’s death. It fits into the DC universe as a fresh take on the Batman mythos but exists in its own distinct continuity.
11. Will there be a 4th Arkham game?
There are currently no plans for another Arkham game, according to Kevin Conroy (before his passing), the voice actor for Batman in the series.
12. Is Batman still dead at the end of Gotham Knights?
Yes, Batman is definitively dead at the end of Gotham Knights. His sacrifice is a core element of the game’s narrative.
13. Is Bruce dead at the end of Gotham Knights?
Yes, Bruce Wayne is dead at the end of Gotham Knights. He dies destroying the Lazarus Pit and Ra’s Al Ghul.
14. Is Batman permanently dead in Gotham Knights?
Yes, the game’s entire premise revolves around Batman’s death, and he is permanently dead within the Gotham Knights universe.
15. Why does Gotham Knights look worse than Arkham Knight?
Gotham Knights uses a different art style which is more cartoony than realistic. It also has less depth of field, and a less dense city than Arkham Knight, which contributes to the visual differences. However, some argue that Gotham Knights has better overall art direction.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Gotham Knights is a standalone experience, crafted with the intention of providing a unique take on the Batman universe, focusing on the Bat-Family and offering a new perspective on Gotham without the shadow of the Arkham series. By understanding the developers’ goals and the differences in the game’s narrative, setting, and characterizations, it becomes clear that it was never designed to be a sequel to Arkham Knight in any meaningful sense. Both games, while sharing the Batman lore, offer very different experiences and should be appreciated as separate entities. Gotham Knights should be appreciated for its unique story and characters, while not held up as a replacement for the Arkham games.