Unveiling Rocksteady's Masterstroke: Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League Sets the Stage for Epic Gaming

Scheduled for release later this year, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is the newest addition to Rocksteady Studios' iconic Batman: Arkham series. Departing from the traditional Arkham formula, this upcoming game shifts its focus onto the infamous Task Force X, allowing players to delve into the perspective of DC's villains. This bold move by Rocksteady, known for their exclusive dedication to the Batman universe, will undoubtedly redefine the franchise as Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League enters the current generation.

While this new direction in the action series brings a breath of fresh air, it has received a mixed response from long-time Arkham fans due to the significant change in cast. The previous games in the Arkhamverse were acclaimed for their exhilarating melee combat, which set a standard for years to come. However, the "genre-bending" third-person shooter gameplay of Kill the Justice League has yet to generate the same level of excitement. Concerns have also been raised regarding its live service nature and similarities to the controversial Marvel's Avengers game released in 2020. The debut of the Suicide Squad IP in a AAA game could have been executed more gracefully.

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League Introduces Too Many New Faces

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League will have players battling against the usually heroic superheroes. With the choice of playing as Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, or King Shark in the co-op friendly and open world of Metropolis, this game sets itself apart from the solo-focused Batman: Arkham games. Among the playable characters, Harley Quinn stands out as the most popular and well-known, overshadowing the others in terms of fame. The mixed reception to the game's reveal can be better understood when considering the shift in star power from Batman to these characters, with Harley Quinn being the only recognizable DC icon in the group.

While a solo Harley Quinn game would be welcomed by many fans, the same cannot be said for her unconventional team members. While characters like Captain Boomerang may work well in an ensemble, their stories and character development are vastly different from Batman's solo-focused games. Perhaps Harley Quinn could have had her own game leading up to this team-based adventure, but the rest of the cast would have benefited from gaining more recognition through their own solo games before joining Suicide Squad.

The Justice League Deserves Better than a Supporting Role

The introduction of characters as major as members of the Justice League, who are not portrayed as the central heroes in a Rocksteady title, is a risky move, especially after years of rumors about a Superman game. While turning a brainwashed Justice League into antagonists is not a flawed concept, characters like The Flash and Green Lantern could have benefited from their own villain-centric titles. Wonder Woman and Superman, being the most popular among DC fans, could have easily handled their own spotlight.

Although it may not have the most hype right now, the 10-month delay of Kill the Justice League could actually help move the franchise forward. Even if the game doesn't achieve the desired success, it sets a precedent for expanding the scope of the franchise. While continuing the Arkhamverse canon and featuring the deaths of its fallen heroes, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League could also pave the way for Rocksteady to explore other heroes beyond Batman in the future.

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League releases February 2, 2024 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.