Would the Arkham games work without Batman?

Yeah, now that I think about it they probably would. Being Batman does help quite a bit though.

No. I am the Batman.

The presence of Batman certainly works in their favour, but they'd still be amazing games without him.

Batman is the heart of the games and the interactions between him and his rogue gallery and other acquaintances he has. Although I would like to see a spin-off or some campaign DLC involving Dick and Tim.

Perhaps the dumbest question yet, but personally I don't care for the Batman universe. I only know 1 origin story, that of Batman and am familiar with maybe a few key characters. If these games had no Batman and instead focused on some tech savvy dude called Mr. X or whatever would they be considered just as good?

Mods I had to put this in general discussion because I can't make polls in game specific forums.

I can see the gameplay and overall atmosphere translating into another, completely unrelated game. But not "Arkham" without Batman as its main protagonist.

Yes, but I think the Batman narrative and aesthetics add a lot to them.

I don't think it would work to be honest.

The main draw of the game for me is Batman and also learning about all the other characters like his enemies. It could work as a regular action game, but I don't think the appeal would be there with a bunch of generic enemies.

Since the player avatar would have to have all the same skills anyway it would be pretty stupid if it were a character that's not Batman. Throwable weapons, no guns, hookshots, upgrades along the way, pointy headgear and signature outfit ... wait a second .... 

@Vinny_Says said:

Perhaps the dumbest question yet, but personally I don't care for the Batman universe. I only know 1 origin story, that of Batman and am familiar with maybe a few key characters. If these games had no Batman and instead focused on some tech savvy dude called Mr. X or whatever would they be considered just as good?

Mods I had to put this in general discussion because I can't make polls in game specific forums.

To make polls in specific forums choose ''Create a poll'' and then ''attach to specific forum.''

No. Batman is the only reason I am here.

They would still be great games, but Batman and all the other classic characters really add to the flavor of the game.

I think so, but the game probably wouldn't have gotten anywhere near as much attention without Batman.

Essentially the game could be just as good with another character, but i think because you have the instant recognition of Batman and all the other characters from that universe it makes it that much cooler.

Well, I didn't care at all about AA BECAUSE of Batman. I like some of the Batman movies, I liked the Adam West Batman show, but as a character I really dont care about Batman. The things I loved about AA had nothing to do with Batman. I'm not against Batman, it's just not a draw for me. Arkham City could be replaced with Gumby, I'm still interested.

The reviews wouldn't be nearly as good, and it wouldn't get nearly as much press but yes, it would be just as good. 

@Vinny_Says said:

Perhaps the dumbest question yet, but personally I don't care for the Batman universe. I only know 1 origin story, that of Batman and am familiar with maybe a few key characters. If these games had no Batman and instead focused on some tech savvy dude called Mr. X or whatever would they be considered just as good?

Mods I had to put this in general discussion because I can't make polls in game specific forums.

Actually, you can. Just click on "Attach this to the main forums" and then create the poll. It should still post in the specific forum that you created the topic in. Took me several minutes the other day before I figured out how to create a poll again.

Give me Will Friedle as Terry McGinnis.

Oh wait, he's still Batman.

Yep, it would still be an awesome game.

Holy Terror! works without Batman. I don't see why Arkham wouldn't.

huh right down the middle, I guess I still don't have a consensus.

Long as they fill the character holes with decent characters the game itself will be solid.

: While it would be a great game it would be derivative unless they came up with compelling characters. The batman franchise is a big toy box that rocksteady can play with an enhances the experience.

@jakob187: well the fixer is/was Batman until DC pulled the plug

One of the things that made Arkham Asylum so great was how the gameplay was so authentic to batman. it made you feel like batman himself, this helped to enhance the atmosphere world created. Every element of that game feels essential to the game as a whole. So no, it not be the same without batman.