In a surprising move, Warner Bros. has decided to lift the non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) for alpha testers of the highly anticipated game Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. This decision comes from a series of press previews, including one from VGC, which suggested that the game may not revolutionize the superhero genre as the previous Arkham series did.
Mixed impressions from press previews
Initial impressions from press previews have been mixed, with some critics expressing reservations about Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League’s ability to break new ground in the superhero gaming landscape.
Freelance critic Alan Wen, in his hands-on preview for VGC, noted that while the game is part of the Arkhamverse, it may not be immediately apparent and may not live up to the high standards set by Rocksteady’s previous superhero game trilogy.
Promising words from product director Darius Sadeghian
Despite the mixed reviews, Darius Sadeghian, the product director of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, offered some promising insights into the game’s development.
Speaking in the latest issue of Play magazine, Sadeghian emphasized the importance of story and character in the game’s design, citing them as foundational elements that are central to their creative process.
He described the game’s story as “easily our biggest game,” suggesting that fans of the Arkham series can still expect a substantial narrative experience.
Release date and delays
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League was initially slated for release in the previous year but faced multiple delays. The most recent delay pushed the release date to May 2023 following a negative reception of a reveal event.
One of the key points of contention was the inclusion of live service elements, such as the requirement for players to be online even when playing in single-player mode.
However, fans eager to get their hands on the game won’t have to wait much longer, as the official release date has now been confirmed as February 2, 2024. The game will be available via Steam on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Maintaining Arkham DNA
While there may be concerns about the game’s departure from the familiar Arkham series formula, Darius Sadeghian’s comments emphasize that the DNA of the Arkham games is still present in Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.
The storytelling and character development focus remains integral to the game’s design, ensuring a connection to the beloved Arkhamverse.