It has been eight years since Rocksteady Studios released their last major title. From 2009 to 2015, the UK based studio churned out the remarkable “Batman: Arkham” series, culminating in “Batman: Arkham Knight.” Since then, the studio released a short Batman VR game, and then, nothing. Speculation was rampant they were working on a Superman game, but as it turns out, it was actually “Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.”
Unfortunately, development of the title seems to have been not as rocksteady as the title that was supposed to release in May 2023 is now being delayed… again.
The title was originally supposed to arrive in 2022, but got pushed to May 26th, 2023. A new trailer and the May release date were announced in the State of Play presentation from Sony. Reaction to the footage was not positive. Immediate comparisons to “Marvel’s Avengers,” unfavorably, began. Both titles require an online connection even when playing alone, both games promised continual post-launch content with new characters, both have passes you can purchase to allow access to cosmetics and the like.
Basically “Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League” looks like another live service game. But if you think this negative reaction is the reason why it’s being delayed; think again.
Delayed Again
Reports indicate the reason for the delay is due to bug fixing. It seems the game needs a bit more “polish” and that certain elements aren’t on the level yet. Based on the generally negative reception of the title, questions can be asked about what the use is of polishing a turd. Perhaps a bit more concerning too is that as of right now, there is no official date for when the game WILL be released.
There are two things really working against Warner Bros. on this. The first is that their latest DC related release, “Gotham Knights,” was not well received at all. The game was criticized for its bland, repetitive game play, lack of refined combat, numerous bugs, and performance issues. Fortunately, this game was not made by Rocksteady, but it did not do the DC brand any favors. More dangerous and telling of “Suicide Squad”‘s potential fate though, is what happened to Square Enix and the aforementioned “Marvel’s Avengers” game.
An Avengers title should have been a sure fire hit, but because of the live service elements and repetitive gameplay, the title tanked. In fact the game failed so badly that it was announced earlier this year that the game is being discontinued from future updates and servicing. It will no longer be sold on digital storefronts, and while the servers will remain up for now, that’s not a given for the future. It would be a shame to see the same mistakes repeated with “Suicide Squad.”
A major downside of “Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League” maybe NOT releasing is the game has the final Batman performance of the late, great Kevin Conroy.
When we hear more about the future of “Suicide Squad” we’ll provide updates. For now though, it looks like the Justice League is going to be safe for a while longer.
