Released in June 2015, Batman: Arkham Knight is still considered to be Rocksteady’s last great work, after the Suicide Squad failed to deliver. While the game ended up tarnishing Batman’s history, the story could have been very different if the game’s sequel had progressed as expected.
Known as “Project Sabbath,” the title was being developed by WB Games Montréal and had several concept images leaked this week. They reveal details about the face of the new protagonist, who would no longer be Bruce Wayne. In his place, fans would see an older version of his son, Damian Wayne.
The material related to the sequel to Batman: Arkham Knight also shows the return of old villains, such as Croc. At the same time, the protagonist would have new allies in his mission to protect Gotham . Among them would be Huntress, a vigilante who uses a crossbow as her main weapon.
The images were shared by artist Rodrigue Pralier, who does not confirm whether he was actually working on Project Sabbath — but does not deny it either. The game was in development throughout 2015, before being canceled. In its place, the studio ended up delivering the controversial Gotham Knights , from 2022.
Batman: Arkham Sequel Would Have Shadow of Mordor Elements
Before the leak of the concept images — now removed by Pralier from his Artstation page —, other details about Project Sabbath were already known . While Damian Wayne would be the protagonist, Bruce would remain alive and could be seen in an older, more time-worn version.
The sequel to Batman: Arkham Knight would also feature an even more decadent version of Gotham City, as well as villains like Gorilla Grodd. Gameplay-wise, the title was supposed to feature elements seen in Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, including an improved version of its Nemesis System .
Game has already had several leaks
Although the game was canceled, several of its concept arts were preserved and ended up leaking over the years. In 2021, the @ArkhamChannel profile on X revealed details of what would be the uniform worn by the protagonist, which would mix black and red colors.
The images also show a still-active Bruce Wayne , sporting a long white beard and his classic uniform. While none of this has come to fruition, hopes for a new single-player game featuring the hero remain alive. According to Bloomberg, after the failure of Suicide Squad, Rocksteady will have another chance to work with the character in this way.
The title is expected to be part of a major overhaul of Warner Bros. Games, announced on June 17. After years of commercial failures, the company believes it will find success by betting on four of its major franchises . In addition to DC heroes, it is also betting on new releases of Harry Potter, Mortal Kombat and Game of Thrones.
Source: Eurogamer
