Gotham Knights
" Atmospheric action-adventure RPG with unique Bat-family heroes but sluggish, repetitive combat "
Gotham Knights Review
Gotham Knights presents a fresh take on the Batman universe, focusing on the Bat-family members—Nightwing, Batgirl, Red Hood, and Robin—after Batman's death. The game offers an open-world Gotham with RPG elements, co-op gameplay, and a storyline centered around the Court of Owls. Many players appreciate the unique character interactions, atmospheric city design, and the ability to switch between heroes.
However, the game struggles with clunky and sluggish combat, repetitive mission design, and grind-heavy progression. The story and characters receive mixed feedback; while some enjoy the emotional depth and lore, others find it predictable and underwhelming. Technical issues like input lag, bugs, and performance inconsistencies also detract from the experience. Overall, Gotham Knights is seen as a game with potential and moments of brilliance but hampered by execution flaws, making it better suited for fans of the Bat-family or those seeking a co-op action RPG rather than Arkham series veterans.
Highlights
Players praise the game’s unique Bat-family character dynamics and engaging lore, especially the Court of Owls storyline. The graphics and atmospheric depiction of Gotham receive positive remarks, with detailed environments and stylish character models.
Co-op gameplay is highlighted as a fun experience, allowing teamwork with friends. The ability to switch between four distinct heroes with unique skill trees and playstyles adds variety. Cutscenes and character interactions are noted for adding emotional weight and authenticity to the narrative.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include sluggish, repetitive combat with floaty animations and enemies acting as damage sponges, making fights tedious rather than challenging. The RPG progression system is seen as grind-heavy and unrewarding, with marginal gear upgrades.
Players also point out a lack of polish with bugs, input lag, and UI issues. The open-world Gotham feels empty and repetitive, with side missions quickly becoming busywork. Story pacing and writing are often described as predictable and underwhelming, with some character dialogue feeling forced or cheesy.
Pros
- • Unique Bat-family characters with distinct playstyles and skill trees.
- • Atmospheric and visually impressive Gotham city environments.
- • Co-op mode adds enjoyable teamwork dynamics.
- • Engaging Court of Owls storyline and lore integration.
- • Ability to switch between multiple heroes seamlessly.
- • Good character interactions and emotional cutscenes.
- • Smooth traversal and well-animated character movements.
Cons
- • Combat feels sluggish, floaty, and repetitive.
- • Enemies act as damage sponges, making fights tedious.
- • Progression system is grind-heavy and unrewarding.
- • Technical issues include input lag, bugs, and crashes.
- • Open world feels empty and mission design repetitive.
- • Story pacing is uneven with predictable plot twists.
- • Dialogue can be cheesy and character development shallow.
Rating Criteria
Batman is dead. It is now up to the Batman Family - Batgirl, Nightwing, Red Hood, and Robin - to protect Gotham City.