The new Batman game for the next generation, PlayStation V and Xbox Series X, looks like it has all of the devices and gameplay that make these games a joy...
Except for Batman himself. He's gone. The trailer opens with his goodbye if you see this then I'm dead video. You can see it here:
Batman has inherited his outdated gear to four heroes...
Robin
Batgirl
Nightwing
Red Hood
They've all been trained by Batman so he'll be seen in their gear and actions, but I'm going to miss actually being the Batman. I've been loving these games since the beginning. Of course there were 2D scrolling Batman games way back in the day, but these stealthy sneak around in the dark 3D Batman games began with the appropriate named, Batman Begins for PlayStation 2 and Xbox in 2005. They got really good at making us FEEL like we're the Batman in 2009 with Batman: Arkham Asylum. Every game since then has just been an updated tricked out version of that including Gotham Knights.
The Batmobile was OK, but I'm really excited to ride this Batbike. Batman: Arkham Knight made the Batmobile feel too much like a tank and just ruined the whole driving experience, but I'm hoping they make things fun again with the bike. Here's some pre-alpha gameplay footage:
2 Player Co-op
Batman bosses have always been challenging. Deadshot still gives me knightmares. Defeating Batman's enemies will possibly be more fun and maybe easier with a friend. This footage shows two players vs Mr. Freeze. I remember cowardly hiding from him several times. I won't be so afraid if I have a friend in the fight.
No Bat OK?
What do you think of this new Batman game that doesn't have Batman? Are you going to be playing this on the new PlayStation or the Xbox? These games have survived four generations now. I first played them on the original Xbox then on Xbox 360, PS4, and will surely get this on launch day for PSV. I'm hoping Batman isn't really dead and we get to play him at some point in Gotham Knights.