Sekiro enthusiasts are currently thriving, while Batman games seem to be experiencing a period of scarcity. This situation paves the way for the development of a Dark Knight-themed soulslike game, a concept I've long envisioned.
Harvey Randall, a freelance writer with a passion for gaming, has expressed a desire for a unique Batman experience. In a blog post from three years ago, he voiced his longing for a Batman game that could provide the same sense of mastery and immersion as Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.
Randall found himself transformed into a "sedentary" Batman while playing Sekiro, mastering its stealth, martial arts, gadgets, and grappling hook. This game, he believes, allowed him to feel like a mortal going blow-for-blow with a god. And now, he yearns for a similar experience in the world of Gotham City.
If Warner Bros is looking for something new, they might consider a soulslike game. Randall believes that a Batman soulslike could be good, blending the challenging, skill-based combat reminiscent of Soulslikes with the signature fluid and fast-paced multi-enemy engagements seen in Batman action games.
The gameplay could emphasize a dark, gritty Gotham atmosphere inspired by noir and expressionist influences, integrating psychological and narrative depth related to Batman’s psyche and his rogues’ gallery. Iconic locations like Arkham Asylum could feature prominently, offering unique enemies and environmental storytelling.
Key ideas for this concept include a hybrid combat system, an open or semi-open Gotham City setting, narrative and themes focusing on psychological horror, character progression through role-playing elements, and unique mechanics such as detective investigation puzzles.
This concept aligns with current trends in the genre that fuse intense combat with immersive worldbuilding and narrative depth, fitting the expectations of Soulslike fans while leveraging Batman’s iconic abilities and dark mythology.
As we enter a golden age of Sekiro-like games, with titles like Lies of P: Overture, Nine Sols, Nioh 3, and Phantom Blade Zero, the time might be ripe for a Batman soulslike to emerge from the shadows.
Rocksteady, the studio behind the acclaimed Arkham games, is unlikely to produce a good Arkham game due to their current situation. However, this opens the door for a new developer to take on the challenge and create a Batman game that truly captures the essence of the Dark Knight.
Randall, who has a soft spot for RPGs, soulslikes, roguelikes, deckbuilders, MMOs, and weird indie titles, remains hopeful that his "bat-shaped hole" in his heart will one day be filled. Until then, he continues to discuss gaming topics, including dialogue wheels for PC Gamer's Gripes Week, and plays a shelf load of TTRPGs in his offline time.
Despite his love for gaming, Randall does not have a favourite system and is cursed with a Final Fantasy 14-brain, harbouring a huge crush on G'raha Tia. He also does not believe in manifesting and does not make dream boards. But one thing is certain: he will continue to advocate for a Batman soulslike game, hoping to see it become a reality in the future.
Batman, with his ordinary humanity and obsession with perfection, is a character that resonates with many. The Arkham games deliver a sense of his power, but they may not be the best for conveying his story. A soulslike game, with its focus on skill, strategy, and narrative depth, could provide a fresh perspective on the Dark Knight's saga.
- Harvey Randall, in search of a unique gaming experience, desires a Batman game that emulates the mastery and immersion of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.
- Randall, when playing Sekiro, felt like a mortal combating a god, and now seeks a similar experience in Gotham City.
- A soulslike game could provide an innovative approach for a Batman title, blending skill-based combat and signature Batman action gameplay.
- The game's atmosphere should reflect noir and expressionist elements, incorporating psychological and narrative depth into Batman's psyche and rogues' gallery.5.arkham Asylum should be a prominent feature, offering unique enemies and environmental storytelling.
- Key ideas for the game include hybrid combat, an open or semi-open Gotham City setting, psychological horror themes, role-playing elements, and detective investigation puzzles.
- The concept aligns with current trends in the genre that combine intense combat with immersive worldbuilding and narrative depth.
- As we enter a golden age of Sekiro-like games, the arrival of a Batman soulslike could be imminent, with popular games like Lies of P, Nine Sols, Nioh 3, and Phantom Blade Zero leading the charge.
- Rocksteady, known for the acclaimed Arkham games, may not be the studio to deliver a successful Arkham title, leaving room for a new developer to step up and create a Batman game.
- Randall, with a passion for various genres such as RPGs, soulslikes, roguelikes, deckbuilders, MMOs, and indie titles, remains optimistic about finding a Batman soulslike game that fills his "bat-shaped hole."
- Despite his love for games, Randall doesn't favor a specific system and has an affinity for Final Fantasy 14's G'raha Tia.
- Randall neither believes in manifesting nor creates dream boards but stands firm in his advocacy for a Batman soulslike game.
- Batman's ordinary humanity and obsession with perfection have resonated with many, and a soulslike game could offer a fresh perspective on his story, focusing on skill, strategy, and narrative depth.
- As entertainment trends shift towards adventure travel, pop culture, sci-fi and fantasy, movies and TV, product reviews, and a wide array of other experiences, the demand for a captivating Batman soulslike game seems to only grow.
