Summary
There are still a lot of stories worth telling inBatmanvideo games, and Bruce Wayne doesn’t necessarily need to be the star. Of course, considering how much content could be drawn from the variousBatmancomics and TV shows, there could theoretically be enough story ideas to make a near-endless amount of games. That’s even before getting into game-exclusive stories such asArkham AsylumandGotham Knights. As one of DC’s heavy hitters, Batman’s unlikely to fade away. However, upcoming games could shake things up with a new face under the cowl of the Caped Crusader.
The sheer amount ofvideo games starring Batmanhas made Bruce Wayne almost as famous in the gaming world as he is in most other mediums. From old-school side-scrollers on the NES to his most recent appearance inGotham Knights, Bruce’s video game career is longer than that of many gaming icons. Even outside his own series, he’s practically guaranteed to be front and center of any games in the DC universe not focused on a specific character. Even with such a popular character though, the games need to innovate to remain interesting. Thankfully, theBatmanseries has a few twists waiting in the wings.
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Batman Beyond’s Version of Bruce Wayne Would be Excellent in a Video Game
A prime example of aBatfamily member who deserves to be playableis Terry McGinnis, the hero ofBatman Beyond. Taking place after Bruce Wayne has retired from heroics due to his advancing age and physical complications,Batman Beyondfollows Terry as he takes up the mantle as Bruce’s new apprentice in Gotham City’s future. A major draw of the series was Terry himself, being a rather inexperienced crime-fighter whose natural smarts and toughness made him a great candidate for the role nonetheless. Under Bruce’s guidance, Terry develops into a talented and principled hero who lives up to the role of protecting the people of Gotham.
Batman Beyondwould be an excellent source for thenextBatmangame’s story to draw frombecause the passage of time isn’t the only new development for Gotham. With most of Batman’s past foes being retired by the time ofBatman Beyond, the void in Gotham City’s underworld is filled with new threats. From nuclear-powered CEO Derek Powers, shapeshifting mercenary Inque, and the Jokerz gang, Terry has no shortage of foes to fight. However, even though Bruce is no longer active, he serves as Terry’s mentor and mission control, keeping him while he learns the job as well as his new high-tech bat suit.
In aBatman Beyondgame, Bruce Wayne could become the equivalent ofAlfred as seen inGotham Knights. While Alfred wasn’t in the field duringGotham Knights, he is still a source of support for the team, as well as a father figure in Bruce’s absence. Bruce himself is perfectly positioned to play the same role for Terry. Not only did he spend the bulk of the cartoon doing exactly that, but he’s also the closest thing that Terry has to a father after his dad’s murder in the first episode. This side of Bruce has been underplayed in recent years, andBatman Beyondcould spotlight it.
Bruce Wayne playing the role of a mentor is only one reason whysomeone should make aBatman Beyondgame, but it is one of the most compelling. Bruce is at his best when he can be a more emotional and human character, rather than a stern crime-fighting machine.Batman Beyond, likeBatman’s animated series before it, did an excellent job of bringing out that side of him. In aBatman Beyondvideo game, there is no doubt that Bruce would shine while acting as Terry’s mentor.
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