As unfortunate as it might sound, details about video games leak days if not weeks before they launch. But, very rarely does it happen that a majority of its plot finds its way online months before it comes out. Such is the case with Rocksteady Studios’ upcoming title, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.
The upcoming open-world co-op action title won’t launch until February 2, 2024, which is a new date following a year-long delay. Unfortunately, the subsequent closed alpha tests have resulted in story details of the game leaking online.
While many doubted its legitimacy, Rocksteady’s statement appears to confirm that they are indeed true.
— Rocksteady Studios (@RocksteadyGames) December 18, 2023
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is an open-world co-op action title where up to four players can assume the roles of Harley Quinn, King Shark, Deadshot, and Captain Boomerang. Set following the events of Batman: Arkham Knight, fans have shown reservations about the game since its initial announcement. We doubt that the key plot points, leaked from the alpha test, will change anyone’s minds. But, the story details, including the fate of major characters and the inclusion of “deceased” characters, have drawn intrigue online.
The leaks, which appeared on platforms such as X and Twitter, include audio from pivotal story cutscenes, footage, and images that show the return of characters from Rocksteady’s Batman Arkham series. Notably, the leaked images show a child-like version of Poison Ivy, who died in Batman: Arkham Knight, and an alternate version of Joker, who died at the end of Arkham City. Furthermore, the leaked audio suggests significant developments involving Batman, voiced by the late Kevin Conroy, and Superman, reportedly voiced by Nolan North.
In response to the leaks, Rocksteady issued a statement expressing disappointment and urging fans to avoid spreading spoilers. The statement emphasized the studio’s eagerness for players to experience the story firsthand and appealed to the community’s sense of fair play in preserving the narrative’s integrity for other players.
The controversy surrounding the leaks has stirred debate among fans, with some expressing dismay over the apparent direction of the story, particularly regarding the fate of Batman and other Justice League members. Others have pointed out the inherent challenges in maintaining secrecy in today’s interconnected digital landscape, especially when dealing with highly anticipated titles.
Of course, when you think about it, why would fans be in up arms when the game’s title reveals what the titular squad is trying to accomplish? Given the actual plan is to use Batman’s own contingencies in case the Justice League go rogue, is it surprising that Amanda Waller’s bunch of misfits could succeed?
Perhaps the backlash isn’t so much about the story spoilers but more about the emotional bond fans have built with the Arkhamverse’s Batman, who, over the course of three games – Batman: Arkham Origins isn’t canon – overcame all odds? Although it probably stings to see Kevin Conroy’s final performance as Batman be so anti-climatic.
Nevertheless, there are still fans looking forward to the release of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, especially after Gunn confirmed that it isn’t going to be the final Arkhamverse game.
As the release date draws nearer, fans and the studio alike are hopeful for a successful launch that lives up to the high expectations set by Rocksteady’s previous titles. But, if not, we might have another Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora on our hands – a completely above-average game that gets little to no recognition, for one reason or another.
