Best Of
Gotham Knights vs Batman: Arkham Knight
The Batman universe is never short of trouble. Well, what do you expect when the eclectic criminal masterminds are always gunning for a share of Gotham City? Gotham Knights and Batman: Arkham Knight are two high-grossing games that take on the famous Caped Crusader, Batman, and his unrequited desire to restore normalcy to Gotham City.
One would assume that Batman: Arkham Knight laid the foundation for Gotham Knights to rise. This is one angle you can look at it from. However, it's ideal to have an informed perspective. It's time to deduce how the two compare and which Batman game takes the cake. Without any additional preamble, here's Gotham Knights vs. Batman: Arkham Knight.
Waht is Batman: Arkham Knight?
It only seems like yesterday when Rocksteady Studios unveiled its last entry in the Arkham Knight series. Stepping into the shoes of a man who defies all odds despite not having a superpower and single-handedly fighting off notorious villains.
Batman: Arkham Knight continues the tales of the world's greatest detective after the demise of his nemesis, the Joker. You'd think Bat would finally put up his boots with the Joker out of the picture. The game just proves that there is no retirement for the Caped Crusader. Now that the Joker is gone, other nefarious foes get to step into the spotlight. Enter Scarecrow.
Scarecrow threatens to unleash a toxic chemical in Gotham City, forcing the residents to evacuate. On the sidelines, Batman gets a personality crisis after being injected with Joker's toxic blood. As if having to double as a human and a flying bat is not enough, he now has Joker's personality irking to take control. But this doesn't stop him. Unfortunately, the game ends on a sad note, with Scarecrow revealing the Bat's true identity. Of course, this is all the leverage the criminal world needs to attack Bruce Wayne, as we see his house explode as soon as he enters.
What is Gotham Knights?
Seemingly, Gotham Knights picks up the pieces from Batman: Arkham Knights following the “unconfirmed death” of Bruce Wayne. But not quite. Developed by WB Games Montreal, Gotham Knights presents an exciting and fresh concept by focusing on the Bat Family, including characters like Nightwing, Batgirl, Robin, and Red Hood.
Batman and Police Commissioner James Gordon are introduced during the game's inception. Consequently, the Court of Owls, the game's main antagonist, plans to take over the city with a group of assassins known as the Talons. With no champion of justice to defend the citizens of Gotham City, the four Knights must now rise to the occasion.
Graphics
Arkham's version of Gotham is visually stunning and highly detailed, showcasing the technological advancements of the game. The game presents a beautifully rendered rendition of Gotham City, capturing its dark and atmospheric essence.
From the towering skyscrapers to the intricately designed streets and alleys, every aspect of the environment is crafted with meticulous attention to detail. The character models are remarkably lifelike, with fluid animations and expressive facial features that bring the iconic characters to life. What's more, the lighting effects and shadows add depth and realism to the game world, enhancing the immersive experience.
On the other hand, Gotham Knights debuted in 2022, seven years after the release of Batman: Arkham Knight. Of course, given the apparent time gap, you'd assume that Gotham Knights has the advantage of better graphics adapted for the new generation of consoles.
But, in some way, Batman: Arkham Knight outshines the later-released game. The streets and characters appear lifeless, with minimal population. It's as if a mysterious airborne virus has hit Gotham City, and the citizens are either holed up in their houses or isolated. We don't really see the buzzing city life that Arkham Knight gave us plenty of.
Gameplay
Gotham Knights focuses on cooperative gameplay, allowing players to control multiple members of the Bat Family. Each character displays a unique play style and skill; hence, swapping characters gives you a fresh perspective on the game. Moreover, it emphasizes teamwork and coordination between characters.
In contrast, Batman: Arkham Knight is primarily a single-player experience where you only get to control Batman. The action-adventure game uses a third-person perspective, highlighting Batman's combat skills, stealth, and detective prowess.
Storyline
Batman: Arkham Knight precedes the events of previous Arkham games, with Batman facing off against the eponymous Arkham Knight and dealing with the city-wide threat of Scarecrow. The storyline feels complete, gives an epic conclusion to Batman's quests, and leaves room for more.
However, Gotham Knights feels like a rushed story. The game features an original storyline where Batman is seemingly deceased and the Bat Family must protect Gotham City from emerging threats. In the end, your chosen hero gets to be the protector of Gotham, but it leaves you with more questions than answers. Perhaps this is the premise of a sequel?
Combat
Batman: Arkham Knight's combat is simply exceptional. The Arkham series makes a name for itself with its fluid combat, which offers some upgrade options, and stealth gameplay. Unsurprisingly, other titles, including Spider-Man and Shadow of Mordor, have followed suit and included the same combat mechanics.
On the other hand, Gotham Knights introduces RPG elements, such as character leveling, skill trees, and gear upgrades. Players can customize their characters' abilities and combat styles. Instead of counters, players interact with classes, giving each character their own unique play style.
Thankfully, both games are set in an open-world rendition of Gotham City. However, Gotham Knights allows for more exploration and interaction with the city as you undertake various missions and side activities. Batman: Arkham Knight offers a similar open-world experience but with a more focused narrative progression.
Verdict: Gotham Knights vs Batman: Arkham Knights
Frankly speaking, the answer to this boils down to what experience you'd want from the Batman Universe. Arkham Knight is your ultimate choice if you wish to play as the Caped Crusade. However, if you're on the hunt for a new perspective on fighting crime in Gotham City, then Gotham Knights should be be your go to. Though head to head all maters put together Arkham Knight offer and all round better experience. Making it king between the two.
