With the impending release of "Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League," expectations are high for the next chapter in Rocksteady's series of DC Universe-based games. Building upon the solid foundation laid by their acclaimed Batman Arkham titles, Rocksteady is charting a new course with a multiplayer experience that retains the dark and gritty atmosphere those games were known for. Set within the same continuity as the Arkham games and occurring five years after the events of "Arkham City," "Kill the Justice League" weaves a narrative that holds surprises, especially for fans who know the fates of the characters from the previous entries.
A revelation that has sparked excitement in the gaming community is the announcement that The Joker will join the cast of playable characters. However, this is not the Joker we've encountered before in the Arkham series. This is a different embodiment of the infamous villain, coming from an alternate dimension akin to those found in DC's Elseworlds stories. Rocksteady is taking an imaginative leap by incorporating a variant of The Joker whose history is distinct from the one that perished in "Arkham City."
This alternative Joker portrays a rawer, seemingly less flamboyant version of the character we've come to know. He's a more grounded figure, sharp and witty without the exaggerated persona that his Arkham counterpart possessed. While Mark Hamill's iconic voice will not accompany this Joker, the nuance in this new portrayal paves the way for fresh interpretations, giving the character a uniqueness that reflects his cross-dimensional journey. Despite the change in voice, the Joker's love for the dramatic – showcased in his preference for purple and green attire coupled with clown-inspired face paint – endures.
The gameplay associated with The Joker is designed to match his dynamic personality, with a variety of inventive mechanics. From a rocket-powered umbrella that enables aerial combat maneuvers to a hefty mace wielded with chaotic flair, players will discover a wealth of new strategies and playstyles. This blend of new weaponry and traditional trickery defines the Elseworlds Joker's role in the squad.
Rocksteady has announced that The Joker will be the first in a series of free downloadable content (DLC) characters for "Kill the Justice League." This inaugural season will not only introduce The Joker as a playable character but also include themed environments, mission-driven gameplay episodes, new combatants, and challenging boss fights, as well as additional gear and armament selections. Music to the ears of puzzle enthusiasts, more Riddler content is also among the added features.
In an industry where monetization models often draw criticism, Rocksteady assures fans that this and future gameplay additions will be available at no additional cost. The pledge is that there shall be no paid battle pass system; only cosmetic items will bear a price tag for those wishing to customize their gaming experience further.
The rollout of these additional characters and contents is not a random selection of DC's vast roster but rather a story-driven inclusion, narrated through the game's overarching antagonist – Brainiac, whose portrayal benefits from the talented voicing of Jason Isaacs. Bringing together familiar faces from different realities under Brainiac's scheme adds depth to the narrative and broadens the scope of in-game player interaction and team dynamics.
With the game's release scheduled for February 2nd and its availability extended to the Epic Games Store by March 5th, players won't have to wait long to enjoy the new offerings. The Joker makes his grand entrance in March, setting the stage for following seasons that promise to bring three more characters into the fray, each accompanied by their own thematic content, gear, weaponry, activities, and missions.
Rocksteady's "Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League" not only inherits the legacy of the highly-regarded Arkham universe but dares to expand it, offering fans a novel approach to the comic book world they've grown to love. The addition of an Elseworlds Joker is just the beginning of a journey that will see fans traversing a game rich in action, depth, and variety. With the commitment to free post-launch content and a focus on engaging gameplay, "Kill the Justice League" is poised to become a benchmark for how superhero games can continue to evolve and entertain.
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