Gotham Knights is set to release in October and is said to feature the "most dynamic and interactive Gotham City yet," according to the official website. In spite of a few controversies surrounding Gotham Knights' development and console accessibility, most fans appear excited about the day the open-world RPG debuts.
One of the more unique aspects of Gotham Knights is the fact that, in this timeline and story, Batman is dead. The Caped Crusader's absence has left the fate of the crime-riddled city to his many proteges: Nightwing, Red Hood, Batgirl, and Robin. The decision by WB Games Montreal to explore the Batman Family members is a welcome one, but the approach that the developers have chosen to take with Red Hood and his non-lethal techniques have confused many of those familiar with Jason Todd's background.
Red Hood's Personality is Confusing
Red Hood is likely the most morally conflicted character of the four playable heroes, with his character biography confirming that the vigilante was murdered by the Joker and then "forcibly resurrected by one of Batman's most dangerous foes." Whether Red Hood returned to Gotham City as a cold-blooded killer, as he did in some comics and in Batman: Under the Red Hood, has yet to be revealed. However, the developers made certain to write that Red Hood "has trouble keeping his temper in check" and "wants crime to pay because Gotham City is built on a foundation of corruption."
The crime-fighting hero has always been a bit more intense with how he deals with criminals than Dick Grayson, Barbara Gordon, or Tim Drake. Red Hood's gameplay trailer is undeniably brutal, just like his character. Jason is featured with an impressive display of ranged firepower, including two pistols that can deal massive damage, all while beating foes into submission. His methods include shooting enemies in the crotch, slamming them to the ground, and kicking people across rooftops.
This footage in relation to Red Hood's biography has some fans scratching their heads, as it leaves some uncertainty as to where Red Hood is at with his character development. In the trailer, Red Hood, voiced by Stephen Oyoung, states that "Bruce gave [him] a purpose" and his character biography details that Jason "has embraced Batman’s non-lethal combat methods." However, many of his actions could easily kill people, especially the utilization of guns. While the guns are confirmed to contain "armor piercing" nonlethal rounds, which are likely wood or rubber bullets, that doesn't mean that they can't still kill people. Firing a single one can lead to internal injury, nerve damage, and fractures.
Guns aside, even if Red Hood is capable of controlling his strength and can execute physical blows that won't kill a person, it still seems that the vigilante is taking immense satisfaction in the violence he is dealing. While this doesn't necessarily contradict his embracement of nonlethal techniques it certainly makes Red Hood's brawler attacks and sticky bombs more than questionable.
Red Hood's Trauma Could be Thoroughly Explored
Gotham Knights could delve deep into Red Hood's backstory and psychological trauma, from his anger issues that began as an adolescent to what they eventually became after his resurrection. Such a decision could see character development for Jason while opening up an interesting philosophical discussion of what it means to be a part of the Batman Family. After all, WB Games Montreal has shown that it's willing to include drama in the action game, as seen with Nightwing and Batgirl's relationship history.
Red Hood getting frustrated over avoiding lethal force could be a riveting plot line in Gotham Knights, alongside Batgirl's recovery and Tim Drake's mission to keep Gotham safe as a sign of respect towards Batman. In Detective Comics #975, Red Hood talks about this very subject after Batwoman kills Clayface, saying that being a member of the team is important to him. He had "lost it for a while" and wanted it back, which could be exactly the kind of mentality that Gotham Knights needs for Jason.
If nothing else, the vigilante stands out from the other characters because Red Hood's play style is so distinct; his strategies and combat gameplay are really the most unlike Batman. He's a heavy hitter, but dangerous in ranged battle as well, which makes him extremely capable in all environments. With all this in mind, Red Hood could prove to be one of the more enjoyable and plot-driven characters to play when Gotham Knights releases.
Gotham Knights will launch on October 25, 2022, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
