The wait is over and Warner Bros. Games finally releases Gotham Knights. Announced in the summer of 2020, the game for current‑gen systems offers a fresh premise: a Batman universe story without the Dark Knight himself. In this tale, the hero is gone — the synopsis makes that clear — leaving Gotham’s protection to the Batman Family: Red Hood, Robin, Batgirl, and Nightwing. The development team surprised many, prompting questions about a Batman game without Batman. How can a Batman title stay compelling without its central figure? Yet WB Games Montreal has built a solid product that stands on its own.
fallen hero
Right from the opening sequence, Gotham Knights makes it clear it does not hold back. The Batcave resounds with clashes and shadow, signaling a deadly encounter between Batman and Ra’s Al Ghul, the League of Shadows’ ruthless leader. The duel ends in tragedy, and one hero sinks into the night.
Gotham Knights is an open world, third‑person action role‑playing game that offers both a single‑player campaign and cooperative multiplayer for up to two players. It’s important to note that this title does not tie into the Arkham series; WB Games Montreal chose to tell its own story within the Batman universe. The loss of Bruce Wayne at the outset creates a power vacuum in Gotham that only the Batman Family can attempt to fill before chaos sweeps the streets.
The streets were left without guards of darkness
Without the city’s main protector, classic rogues like Mister Freeze, Harley Quinn, and Clayface rise alongside gangs and criminals. A standout element is the Court of Owls, a secret organization introduced in a 2011 comic by Scott Snyder with Greg Capullo on art. Its long control of Gotham adds a rich layer to the plot. Gotham Knights weaves the Court’s mythology and pacing into a story that aims to feel like stepping into a comic book. It also shines in giving attention to less prominent characters who win affection through the adventure. The narrative invites players to explore how the hero team dynamics operate throughout the journey.
Watching and punishing in Gotham City
Gotham Knights gracefully avoids heavy ties to the Arkham games. Although not directly linked, the experience evokes familiar vibes from those titles with missions that echo Asylum, City, Knight, and Origins. The Arkham titles set a high bar in the superhero genre, especially for combat mechanics that feel intuitive from the first move. The camera work and combat rhythm deliver a satisfying, responsive experience that fans will recognize.
One notable innovation is the ability to switch between characters on the fly. Each hero brings a distinct playstyle: Robin favors stealth and cunning, Nightwing offers fast combos and agile maneuvers, Batgirl specializes in hacking and security breaches, and Red Hood combines power with straightforward, heavy hits. Changing Alter Egos during missions adds strategic depth, prompting players to choose the best fit for each scenario.
Despite each hero leaning into certain abilities, all four blend stealth and direct confrontation effectively. Players can cling to walls, statues, and gargoyles to survey the area, scan enemies with detective mode, and plot the best approach. The combat is gripping, and controls respond quickly to commands, which matters when the action escalates.
Lots to do in Gotham
Beyond fighting, exploration, crime stopping, and side quests keep players busy. A major innovation is the cooperative mode that supports up to two players. For those who love customization, the game offers changing outfits and color schemes, with each cosmetic calling its own stats and features that can influence performance and health at different rarities and with unique bonuses.
Players can switch among Red Hood, Robin, Nightwing, and Batgirl during the campaign, ensuring no one is stuck with a single hero. As heroes level up and acquire gear, their teammates also gain loot. The game scales with the story: as enemies grow stronger, players see escalating challenges. Mission design includes level guidance to prevent unwinnable battles, while side objectives and puzzles expand the investigative side of play, from crime scene chemistry to shadow‑pinpoint puzzles.
WB Games Montreal’s work stands out graphically, and Gotham Knights leaves a lasting impression. The technical performance is solid, though some frame rate dips exist. The cinematic sequences deliver a cinematic feel that fans will enjoy, complemented by an art direction that immerses players in Gotham’s dark ambience. Voice acting remains strong, with option to hear original performances, and the soundtrack reinforces the city’s conspiracy‑tinged mood.
Results
Gotham Knights offers substantial entertainment and hours of play. The game succeeds as a complete, engaging experience that appeals to DC fans and players curious about a story centered on a family of heroes. The Court of Owls storyline and the broad array of missions, side quests, and exploration tools deliver a robust foundation for varied gameplay.