10 Batman: Arkham Characters That Deserve To Return In Rocksteady's New Game

It seems like Rocksteady is making a new Batman game set in the Arkham series. While no one outside the studios knows many details yet, players will likely be able to explore Gotham's dark streets again with a returning cast. This means stalking through the unique architecture and getting back into the great combat the series offered. The previous Arkham games brought a wide range of characters, each with their own struggles, goals, and connections to Batman.

As Rocksteady prepares for this new adventure, there's a lot of potential to bring back some of these memorable characters. The new Arkham game will likely bring back characters whose stories should be continued, hinting at the interesting narratives and gameplay they could add to a new version of Gotham. From villains trying to change their ways to complex anti-heroes facing their pasts, these characters would be great to see again as Rocksteady builds on the Batman legacy.

Dick Grayson as Nightwing

Batman's First Son

Nightwing, also known as Dick Grayson, is an interesting character who should play a major role in the next Arkham game for a few reasons. First, he contrasts well with Batman's serious nature. Nightwing's fun personality and sense of humor can bring some lightness to Gotham's dark atmosphere. This difference could lead to exciting story moments, especially when Batman and Nightwing have to work together. Additionally, Nightwing likely had to protect Gotham while Bruce was preparing a return as Batman, since he does this often in the comics when Batman is gone.

It would be interesting to see how Nightwing feels about the events following Arkham Knight, particularly regarding the Knightfall Protocol and the sacrifices Batman has made. His struggles with living up to Batman's legacy and the fear of losing more loved ones would add a lot of weight. Mostly, players likely want to see how he feels about Jason Todd (Red Hood/Arkham Knight) being back, and if they’re friends or reluctant partners now.

The Riddler & His Trophies

The Trophies That Take Way Too Long To Find

Edward Nigma, known as the Riddler, is an important character in the Batman Arkham games, and he deserves to make a strong comeback in future installments. He’s extremely intelligent and has an obsessive need for recognition, constantly trying to prove he's smarter than Batman and everyone else. This leads him to create tricky puzzles, dangerous traps, and challenges throughout Gotham, which makes for a great side story in every Arkham game, even if the amount goes incredibly overboard.

Bringing the Riddler back is essential, thanks to his many puzzles and trophies that the Arkham players have had to pick up. The last game had so many that a mod was made to remove them. The Riddler always raises the intellectual stakes, and he is a significant part of the story and gives a real sense of achievement when he is finally outsmarted.

Tim Drake as Red Robin (The Current Robin)

The Current Sidekick In The Arkhamverse

Tim Drake, known as Red Robin (or just Robin in the Arkham timeline), would be a great character to include in any future Batman Arkham game. His smart thinking and detective skills make him special, which aren't always highlighted in other Bat-Family members in the Arkham series. Since the games focus on detective work, having Tim around to help Batman with puzzles or investigations shows off his intelligence differently than Batman's detective mode.

At the end of Arkham Knight, Batman puts Robin in a cage to protect him. Tim was likely okay with this, as they all expected Bruce to do what was needed for the city. It’s still something that could be touched on. The Bat Family would never give up protecting the city. so it’s almost a guarantee that Batman’s sidekicks would be there.

Scarecrow Needs A Comeback

The Two Time Main Antagonist

Jonathan Crane, also known as the Scarecrow, is a fascinating character in the Arkham universe. If he returns in a future game, it would be a big plus since he’s been a big part of two of the biggest games. If anyone tries to play the games in order again, they’ll see Scarecrow a lot. In Arkham Asylum, Scarecrow's fear-based sequences were some of the most memorable parts of the game, highlighting how fear can be used as a weapon. While Arkham Knight made him a main villain, there's potential to explore more of his psychological background.

A new game could go deeper into Crane’s mentality and explore what fuels his obsession with fear. Additionally, there's a chance to update his visual design. While his appearance in Arkham Knight was scary, a new interpretation could improve the creepy and alarming aspects of his character. Rocksteady is likely planning to bring Batman back to its Arkham roots with a focus on story and combat, so Jonathan Crane would be the ideal villain for Batman to face again.

Catwoman, Batman's Main Love Interest

A Protagonist of Arkham City

Selina Kyle, known as Catwoman, is an interesting character who should have a bigger role in the next Arkham game. Her mix of good and bad makes her really captivating, and the games should explore making her a playable character again. Her skills in stealing and acrobatics give a fresh take on gameplay, giving players a different way to navigate and fight compared to Batman. This would add a nice variety to the game.

Her playful and sometimes flirty relationship with Batman is a big part of her appeal. The tension between them, which can get romantic, breaks up the usually dark mood of the Arkham games. Diving deeper into this relationship, maybe even having them work together as close allies, would be a great way to continue her story. There are also hints that she knew Batman's secret identity far earlier, and exploring that further would be a fitting way to wrap up her character arc.

Harley Quinn Has Been In Most Games Already

What's She Doing Since Suicide Squad?

It is a shame that Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League wasn't better because Harley Quinn was a fascinating character in the Batman: Arkham series. Having her in a future game would be vindicating, since it wasn’t her fault KTJL wasn’t well received. She’s a tough anti-hero dealing with loss. This variety creates lots of opportunities for interesting stories and gameplay. The Arkham games could continue to explore her complicated mind, showcasing her obsession, moments of clarity, and desire for independence.

She could show her potential as a leader in a future Arkham game. Harley is one of the few characters who can stand up to tough villains like The Penguin and Two-Face, often taking charge in those situations. Additionally, she brings the same level of craziness as Scarecrow and the Joker, both of whom are major threats to Batman. Watching her carve out her own gang without the Joker’s influence would create a strong and interesting story.

Azrael Needs His Redemption

His Story Still Isn't Over

Azrael, also known as Michael Lane, is an interesting character whose story wasn’t actually finished in the Arkham games. His complex sense of right and wrong comes from his background of serving as a police officer before being manipulated and transformed by the Order of St. Dumas. His struggle between his own morals and the twisted beliefs of the Order created a captivating storyline.

Azrael’s canon ending is likely him shunning the order and going after them. Azrael’s journey is about seeking redemption, and the developers didn’t make his return in Arkham Knight all that great. With his background, unique fighting skills, and the opportunity to delve deeper into the Order of St. Dumas or just see Azrael become a protector in the next Arkham game.

Calendar Man Was Supposed To Be Huge

He Was Set Up But Was Mostly An Easter Egg

Julian Gregory Day, better known as Calendar Man, is a fascinating character in the Batman Arkham universe because of his unique and creepy theme. His crimes are linked to holidays, which makes him different from other villains in Gotham. Day isn't just a killer; he is like a twisted artist, creating elaborate and disturbing performances that put Batman's detective skills and understanding of people to the test. Calendar Man was set up so well as if he’d be a big part of the games, but it never came to be.

Instead, Calendar Man was just an easter egg watching Batman’s mansion as it exploded. He needs to come back as a real villain. While a physical fight with him might not fit, his intellectual battles would provide an interesting puzzle for players to figure out. The next Arkham game should definitely bring him back and make him part of the story or connect him to Riddler's puzzles.

Man-Bat Is Still On The Loose

He Escaped In Arkham Knight

Man-Bat, also known as Dr. Kirk Langstrom, is a fascinating character in the Batman Arkham universe, making him a great candidate for a future game. He is a scientist with good intentions who ends up transforming into a monstrous creature because of his struggles with deafness. He’s a lot more interesting than many other villains, and In the Arkham Knight game, Man-Bat is portrayed in an unforgettable jumpscare. Batman puts him in jail, but not for long.

Man-Bat manages to escape the jail cell Batman puts the beast in, but Man-Bat is not seen again in the game. So, it sets up a future game in which Man-Bat could be involved. This time, it’d be better if his story was fleshed out because he’s a villain who can inspire sympathy and fear. He really deserves to have a significant role in the upcoming Arkham stories.

Commissioner Gordon Is Now The Mayor

He's Been In Every Game

Commissioner James Gordon is a great recurring character in the Batman Arkham games, and it would be awesome to have him in the next game. He plays a significant part in the games and is basically the narrator in the prologue and epilogue for Arkham Knight. In Arkham Knight, his journey of betrayal and eventual reconciliation with Batman was one of the most powerful parts of the game.

Gordon eventually becomes the mayor of Gotham in the Arkham universe, and dealing with the fallout from Batman's absence in the next game would be a fantastic way to bring him back. He represents Gotham's potential for good and is an essential part of the overarching story that will deepen the emotional impact of the next game. He’s almost as important as Batman himself.