Gotham Knights

A Bold Leap into a Bat-Free Gotham

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Game Introduction

In a world still reeling from the loss of Batman, Gotham Knights steps up as a bold attempt to reimagine the legacy of Gotham’s protectors. Developed by WB Games Montréal and published by Warner Bros. Games, this action and role-playing game offers players a fresh perspective on Gotham’s underworld, free from the shadow of the Dark Knight. With its intriguing premise, ensemble cast of vigilantes, and open-world design, Gotham Knights promises a unique experience within the Batman mythos — one that shifts focus from the Caped Crusader to his trusted allies.

From the outset, the game plunges players into a city on the brink of chaos, mourning the death of Bruce Wayne and Commissioner Gordon. With order crumbling and crime on the rise, it’s up to the remaining members of the Bat-family — Nightwing, Batgirl, Red Hood, and Robin — to restore balance. The title attempts to blend engaging combat, deep lore, and co-op gameplay, while carving out a new identity for Gotham outside of Batman’s shadow.

Gotham Knights Gameplay

The gameplay of Gotham Knights is centered around its four playable heroes, each with a unique combat style, personality, and narrative arc. Nightwing (Dick Grayson) is the acrobatic leader who excels in crowd control and agility. Batgirl (Barbara Gordon) brings a balanced skill set, combining hacking, melee combat, and stealth. Red Hood (Jason Todd) is the brawler with brute strength and ranged gunplay, while Robin (Tim Drake) specializes in stealth and teleportation-based movement.

Players can freely switch between the characters in the Belfry — the game’s main hub — and level them up individually while sharing overall progress. Each character offers skill trees and customizable gear that enhance their playstyles. The game emphasizes tactical combat with timed attacks, dodges, and momentum abilities, drawing inspiration from previous Arkham titles while simplifying some mechanics for a more approachable feel. The RPG-lite system also introduces gear levels, elemental damage types, and crafting, adding a loot-based progression layer that fans of modern action RPGs will appreciate.

The core gameplay loop revolves around nightly patrols in a sprawling open-world Gotham City. Players investigate crimes, dismantle gang operations, and uncover hidden clues leading to major story missions. The city itself is divided into five boroughs, each with its own criminal factions such as the Freaks, Regulators, and Mob. The Court of Owls — a secret society of Gotham elites — serves as the game’s central antagonist, manipulating events from the shadows.

While solo play is an option, Gotham Knights truly shines in its two-player co-op mode. The drop-in/drop-out multiplayer allows friends to team up and strategize together, unleashing synchronized takedowns and covering ground faster. This feature elevates the game’s replayability and encourages experimentation with different character combinations.

Side missions, “Villain Cases,” offer deeper dives into classic enemies like Harley Quinn, Mr. Freeze, and Clayface, each with distinct storylines and boss battles. These missions are optional but provide rewarding insights and unlocks that enhance the main campaign. The presence of a day-night cycle adds immersion, with players conducting investigations during the day and suiting up at night to patrol the streets.

Game Key Details

Release Date and Platforms

• Initially released on: October 21, 2022

Platform

• PlayStation 5
• Xbox Series X and Series S
• Microsoft Windows

Gotham Knights was officially released on October 21, 2022. It is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Notably, the game skipped previous-gen consoles, a decision made to focus on delivering a technically advanced experience without hardware limitations. This approach resulted in more detailed environments, seamless transitions, and a broader scope for design.

Genre

• Fighting game
• Action game
• Role-playing game
• Adventure game

Categorized as an action role-playing game with open-world elements, Gotham Knights blends exploration, strategic combat, and narrative progression. While drawing inspiration from its Arkham predecessors, it introduces RPG mechanics like crafting, gear upgrades, and level scaling — shifting the tone toward a more modern, customizable experience tailored to individual playstyles.

Developer and Publisher

• Warner Bros. Games Montréal
• QLOC

Publisher

• Warner Bros. Games

Gotham Knights is developed by WB Games Montréal, the same studio behind Batman: Arkham Origins. Known for their commitment to storytelling within the DC universe, the team approached Gotham Knights with the goal of exploring untapped narratives. Warner Bros. Games, the publisher, supported this vision with a focus on expanding the Batman franchise beyond Bruce Wayne. Together, they’ve delivered a title that dares to redefine heroism in Gotham through the lens of teamwork and legacy.

Game Story

The narrative begins with the shocking death of Batman, who sacrifices himself to prevent Ra’s al Ghul from exposing the secrets of the Batcave. With Bruce Wayne gone, his proteges must come together to uphold his mission. As Nightwing, Batgirl, Red Hood, and Robin step into the spotlight, they uncover a sinister plot involving the enigmatic Court of Owls — an ancient organization that manipulates Gotham from the shadows.

As the story unfolds, players learn that the Court has infiltrated every layer of society, using their undead assassins, the Talons, to eliminate threats. Each character grapples with their grief in different ways, and through personal missions, players see their growth and transformation from sidekicks to true heroes. The emotional core of the story lies in the Bat-family’s dynamic — their unity, struggles, and eventual acceptance of their new roles.

The game builds tension masterfully, with cinematic cutscenes, character-driven dialogue, and unexpected twists. Despite Batman’s absence, his presence is felt throughout — in voice logs, legacy missions, and the characters’ motivations. The narrative ultimately serves as a powerful tribute to Bruce Wayne’s legacy while passing the torch to the next generation.

Graphics and Sound Design

Gotham Knights delivers a visually stunning depiction of Gotham, drenched in neon lights, rain-soaked streets, and gothic architecture. The environmental design is rich with detail, from graffiti-covered alleyways to high-tech enemy lairs. Character animations are fluid, and the costume designs reflect both tradition and individuality, enhancing immersion.

In terms of performance, the game runs at 30 FPS on consoles, a choice that received mixed reactions. However, this trade-off allowed for more environmental detail and larger enemy groups. On PC, performance scales better with higher-end hardware.

Sound design is a highlight, with immersive ambient noises, character-specific audio cues, and impactful combat sounds. The soundtrack, composed by The Flight, enhances the atmosphere with haunting melodies and adrenaline-pumping combat themes. Voice acting is strong across the board, capturing the essence of each character while adding emotional depth.

Verdict

Gotham Knights is an ambitious and heartfelt attempt to redefine the legacy of Gotham City through fresh eyes. It may not reach the polished heights of the Arkham trilogy regarding combat fluidity and narrative pacing. Still, it succeeds in carving its own identity through emotional storytelling, strong character development, and an engaging co-op experience.

Gotham Knights System Requirements