The Lost Possibility: The Uncharted Sequel That Never Came

Article Key Points

Gotham by Gaslight has the potential to rectify the shortcomings of The Order: 1886, offering engaging gameplay and a longer duration. This game could effectively fill the void left by its predecessor, serving as a worthy spiritual successor.

Set in a 19th century rendition of Gotham City, Gotham by Gaslight follows Bruce Wayne as he dons the mantle of Batman to uncover the mysteries behind Jack the Ripper's reign of terror. The game adaptation could introduce an unexpected twist regarding Jack the Ripper's true identity.

A game based on Gotham by Gaslight would provide a unique take on Batman's Gotham City, featuring a steampunk-inspired visual style and fresh interpretations of beloved characters. Fans of The Order: 1886 would undoubtedly find themselves drawn to this superhero title, offering them a new champion to root for in the form of Gotham by Gaslight.

There is a Batman title that could serve as a pseudo-sequel to the PlayStation 4 exclusive The Order: 1886. Although The Order: 1886 has become relatively obscure since its release eight years ago, it may be difficult to associate the two. However, Batman's extensive collection of stories extends further than one might think. Interestingly, one of Batman's tales aligns closely with the same niche as The Order: 1886, presenting an opportunity for him to fill that role in the gaming world.

Regrettably, The Order: 1886 failed to meet expectations, despite a compelling concept behind the game. Set in a steampunk rendition of London, players assume the role of Sir Galahad from the Knights of the Round Table. Instead of donning traditional armor and embarking on adventures in Camelot, these knights utilize powerful weapons to combat vampires and werewolves. Unfortunately, the game's lackluster gameplay, short duration, and overall unsatisfactory package left many players feeling disappointed. Despite its potential, The Order: 1886 ultimately became a story of missed opportunities.

Gotham by Gaslight Could Relight The Order: 1886's Vision

Looking for fresh inspiration for the next Batman game? Look no further than the Elseworlds comic series. These captivating stories transport DC's beloved characters into unique and unexpected settings, often within different eras or intertwined with famous tales. One particularly intriguing narrative is Gotham by Gaslight, which not only had a successful comic publication but also an animated adaptation. Set in a 19th century version of Gotham City, this gripping storyline follows an alternative Bruce Wayne who assumes the mantle of Batman to uncover the truth behind the notorious Jack the Ripper's killing spree. What sets the game adaptation apart is the opportunity for developers to create their own captivating twist, as the identity of Jack the Ripper is different from that depicted in the Gotham by Gaslight film and comic.

A game based on Gotham by Gaslight offers players a fresh take on Batman's Gotham City, immersing them in a historical setting instead of the usual modern aesthetic. Despite the time period, technology still plays a role in this iteration of Batman, as he utilizes a range of steampunk-inspired gadgets. Exploring the bustling city of Gotham, players will discover a new universe and encounter alternative versions of iconic characters like Selina Kyle, Commissioner Gordon, and the Robins. The potential for this setting is immense, as demonstrated by previous interest in developing a Gotham by Gaslight game. With Batman's diverse skill set as both a martial artist and detective, the game can offer a variety of gameplay styles and fill the void left by The Order: 1886. The anachronistic steampunk elements in Gotham by Gaslight evoke a similar ambiance to that of The Order: 1886, making it a captivating choice for fans of the latter to embrace a superhero title.

While a Gotham by Gaslight game would not be the direct sequel that The Order: 1886 deserves, it would serve as a worthy spiritual successor. Both games adopt a historical fantasy approach to a familiar concept, and Gotham by Gaslight can draw inspiration from The Order: 1886 to enhance its execution. Moreover, the conclusion of The Order sees Galahad adopting the role of a vigilante, akin to Batman. The prospect of exploring a steampunk version of Gotham with Batman as the protagonist forms a solid foundation for a game, even if it deviates slightly from the original narrative. A game based on Gotham by Gaslight holds the potential to achieve what The Order: 1886 aimed for.

Batman

Batman, created in 1939 by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, has become a beloved and iconic superhero over the years. After witnessing the murder of his parents as a child, Bruce Wayne dedicated himself to protecting Gotham City from its criminal underworld. Adopting the persona of his deepest fears, Batman courageously battles formidable adversaries such as the Joker, Two-Face, Bane, and the Penguin.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I'm excited about the potential for a Gotham by Gaslight game. The Order: 1886 was a great game with an interesting concept, but it fell short in terms of gameplay and length. A Gotham by Gaslight game could rectify those shortcomings and offer a longer, more engaging experience.

I'm also intrigued by the idea of a Batman game set in a historical setting. Gotham by Gaslight would be a great opportunity to explore a different side of Batman's character and see how he would handle the challenges of a different era. The steampunk aesthetic would also be a great way to give the game a unique look and feel.

Overall, I think a Gotham by Gaslight game has the potential to be a great addition to the Batman Arkham series. It would be a chance to explore a new setting, meet new characters, and see Batman in a different light. I'm hopeful that WB Games Montreal will consider making this game a reality.