Game Review

Gotham Knights

With the end of the Batman Arkham series, the failure of the Avengers game, and one year left for the next Spider-Man game, it was the perfect time for Gotham Knights by WB Montreal, the studio behind Arkham Origins.

The game was initially heading in a similar direction to Avengers, but delays and the cancellation of old-gen versions saved it from being a live-service game disaster. Instead, Gotham Knights launched as a story-driven game with optional co-op.

But does it deliver as a superhero game? Is it worth playing? Let’s find out!

The Story

Gotham Knights takes a bold step by excluding Batman. The story revolves around the Bat Family—Nightwing, Batgirl, Robin, and Red Hood—who step up after Batman’s death. Their goal is to uncover the mystery behind his death and investigate his last case.

This leads them to Gotham’s secret society, the Court of Owls, which has controlled the city for centuries.

The supporting characters are well-developed, and the Court of Owls missions are the most intriguing, offering mystery and impactful storytelling. The story spans over several nights, allowing for character development and pacing that feels natural.

Gameplay

The gameplay is a mix of positives and negatives. Certain features, like the Belfry (your base), feel like filler content. You’re forced to return to the Belfry before major missions, which disrupts the game’s flow.

Side missions involve solving crimes such as robberies, cybercrimes, and murders. While well-designed, they become repetitive over time.

The combat system stands out, with each character having unique abilities and skills. Unlocking momentum abilities adds depth to fights, and the traversal mechanics for each character—like Batgirl’s gliding and Robin’s teleporting—make exploration fun.

Unfortunately, enemies are level-gated, forcing players to grind side missions to match their power levels. This design choice feels lazy and takes away from the experience.

The boss fights are good but limited, featuring only three major villains—Mr. Freeze, Harley Quinn, and Clayface. While enjoyable, they don’t match the quality of Arkham Origins’ iconic battles.

Graphics and World Design

Gotham City is beautifully designed, filled with atmospheric details that capture the dark, eerie feel of the comics. For the first time, the city feels alive with pedestrians, cars, and vibrant streets.

Music and Voice Acting

The music blends seamlessly with the game’s tone, enhancing both quiet moments and action scenes. The voice acting is excellent, with a standout performance from Alfred, reminiscent of the Arkham series.

Conclusion

Gotham Knights has its flaws, including forced side missions and weak stealth mechanics. However, it offers a unique experience, allowing players to step into the shoes of the Bat Family. With a compelling story, vibrant Gotham, and the option for co-op gameplay, it’s worth playing if you manage expectations.

Final Rating

8/10