For better or for worse, the main innovative highlight for Arkham Knight appears to be the introduction of the Batmobile. Rocksteady have demonstrated their capacity for this in the past, having created the widely praised free-flow fighting system in Arkham Asylum and Batmans gliding mechanics in Arkham City, so its safe to say that the team knows how to make a worthwhile sequel. In the gaming industry, it is very easy to simply imitate instead, or even worse create a gimmick. But, as demonstrated by Monoliths excellent Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor, innovation and imitation can go hand in hand. The widely-revered game quite unashamedly bases its combat, stealth, and navigation mechanics on the Arkham series, but it does enough new things with it to make it feel fresh and enjoyable. Not only that, but the fantastic Nemesis system was also introduced - a truly unique and fresh gameplay aspect that really cemented the title as Game of the Year in the eyes of many. Developers shouldnt be afraid to borrow certain mechanics from other games, but the desire to improve on them must always be ever-present. Superheroes and their worlds present a wonderful opportunity to developers - to refine and innovate whilst taking advantage of some of the richest source material in history. Is there an element of Arkham you think deserves praise? Or maybe a superhero you feel deserves a game of their own? Sound off in the comments below!
Resident movie guy at WhatCulture who used to be Comics Editor. Thinks John Carpenter is the best. Likes Hellboy a lot. Can usually be found talking about Dad Movies on his Twitter at @EwanRuinsThings.
