10 Video Game Villains Who Secretly Won

After unleashing mayhem during the events of Batman: Arkham Asylum, Batman: Arkham City sees the Dark Knight's main nemesis Joker slowly dying from a blood disease caused by the Titan formula he injected himself with in the first game's final showdown. To encourage Batman to help him find a cure, he performs a blood transfusion on the caped crusader, infecting him with the same deadly disease.

By the end of Arkham City, however, Joker succumbs to his affliction after accidentally spilling the last of the cure in an ironic twist. But even in death, the legendary villain manages to get the last laugh.

Nine months later during the events of Batman: Arkham Knight, it's revealed that some of the Joker's toxic blood still lingers in Batman's body. Combined with the fear gas released by Scarecrow, Batman is subsequently plagued by visions of his deceased rival, who constantly berates and taunts him throughout the game. With Batman becoming deeply concerned that the Joker's blood will cause him to become the new Joker, the clown is still a major threat to the hero.

Moreover, Joker's past cruelties also manifest themself through the game's titular villain, proving that his death isn't enough to stop him from getting the upper hand over Batman.