Who is Your Favorite Batman: Arkham Knight Villain?
DC Comics is known for its memorable bad guys. Lex Luthor challenges Superman in Metropolis. Black Manta terrorizes Aquaman in Atlantis. However, no villains list can ever top that of Batman's. Thanks to pop culture media, Batman villains have become just as famous and adored as the Dark Knight they fight on a nightly basis.
The Joker, Harley Quinn, The Riddler, Two-Face, The Penguin, Catwoman. Each name brings to mind the set of gimmicks and idiosyncrasies that add depth to each character's personality. Since 2009, with the release of the first installment of the Arkham game series, Batman villains have taken on a twisted version of themselves.
They now resemble real-life terrorists, serial killers, gangsters, and vigilantes. Since the Batman universe welcomes darkness, this evolution in villainy only seems natural. And the fans continue asking for more from their favorite Batman villains.
On June 23, gamers will finally have the opportunity to play the long-awaited Batman: Arkham Knight. Announced as the final installment of the series, this game will feature Batman villains at their finest and deadliest. Led by the Scarecrow (known as the Master of Fear), you know to expect the worst from these characters. Before gamers buy Arkham Knight, they should get to know the nine confirmed villains set to appear.
1) The Scarecrow
"No where to run. No where to hide. You're all alone."
The Scarecrow (aka Dr. Jonathan Crane) experimented with fear through unethical human testing. After donning a mask and fear toxins, The Scarecrow brought his reign of terror to the city of Gotham. His toxins expose the subject's deepest fears into terrifying hallucinations. Fear is something the Scarecrow and Batman share in common. Batman preys on the fear of criminals while the Scarecrow weaponizes fear against all in his way.
The Scarecrow serves as the main antagonist of Batman: Arkham Knight. He organizes Batman's deadliest enemies together as he holds Gotham City hostage under the threat of gassing every citizen with fear toxins. The Scarecrow's first appearance was in Batman: Arkham Asylum (the first game installment) as a boss in control of Batman's nightmarish visions. Arkham Knight marks the Scarecrow's second major appearance in the game franchise.
The Scarecrow seems better prepared for the Dark Knight this time. Even his costume redesign will induce nightmares.
2) Harley Quinn (aka Dr. Harleen Quinzel)
Add-on playable character available for pre-order.
Harley Quinn (aka Dr. Harleen Quinzel)was once a criminal psychologist until she fell in love with an inmate of Arkham Asylum. That inmate just so happened to be the most murderous and deprived monster of Gotham City: The Joker.
They escaped together and began a love crime-spree against Batman's crusade of justice. Harley Quinn is one of the most loved characters in comic books. Her childish but deadly personality proves to be a match for all who stand in her way--including Batman. Harley has been made famous by Batman: The Animated Series, the Suicide Squad comics, and the Arkham game series.
Harley Quinn is availabe for pre-order as an add-on playable character. She will have her own challenge maps, harlequin-themed weapons, gadgets, and abilities. The star add-on player of the previous game (Batman: Arkham Origins) was Deathstroke. Harley Quinn is one of the few characters to have appeared in all four Arkham games. Gamers will finally embrace Harley from her perspective.
3) Poison Ivy (aka Dr. Pamela Isley)
"Scarecrow said he had a plan. That altogether, we could take you out."
Poison Ivy (aka Dr. Pamela Isley) has an obsession with plants. Her second passion is in erasing mankind from the planet so Mother Nature can prosper.
Poison Ivy was once a renowned botanist until a laboratory accident transformed her. She terrorizes Gotham through manipulation of poisons, man-eating plants, and pheromones. With a single kiss on the lips, the toxins on Ivy's body will either kill the victim or transform them into mindless servants to do her bidding. Poison Ivy has been a formidable opponent for gamers in two previous Arkham games.
Batman took her down in Arkham Asylum, and Catwoman survives Ivy's traps in Arkham City. On June 23, Batman: Arkham Knight will mark Poison Ivy's third appearance in the franchise. Remember to stay away from the flowers.
4) Firefly (aka Garfield Lynns)
Lighting up Gotham one explosion at a time.
Firefly (aka Garfield Lynns) once worked for the military as a pyrotechnics expert. His obsession with fire led to a freak accident, burning 90% of Lynns's body. Now working as Firefly, this pyromaniac will not rest until all of Gotham is set ablaze with his 'passion'. Firefly flies around in a winged jetpack stolen from the military and wields a flamethrower that is the antithesis of Mr. Freeze's cold gun.
Firefly was one of the eight assassin's contracted by Black Mask to hunt and kill Batman in the previous game installment (Arkham Origins). Firefly is set to make his second appearance in the franchise on June 23 with the release of Arkham Knight. Though Firefly is a lesser-known villain to casual Batfans, his Arkham incarnation will challenge gamers.
5) The Penguin (aka Oswald Cobblepot)
A powerful crime lord in Gotham City.
The Penguin (aka Oswald Cobblepot) is one of the top crime bosses in the Gotham underword. Unlike other Batman villains with colorful motives, the Penguin has two simple priorities: business and respect. Oswald Cobblepot was born with physical deformities that earned him the nickname "Penguin".
He quickly rose to the top of the Gotham crime world, becoming one of the most feared bosses in the city.The Penguin's hideout is the Iceberg Lounge, which holds his collection of priceless artifacts and animal exhibits. He even displays his enemies behind glass like carnival freaks. The Penguin is even choosy with whom he employs, forcing candidates to fight each other to the death for a job opportunity.
Batman: Arkham Knight welcomes the Penguin's third appearance in the game franchise.
6) The Riddler (aka Edward Nigma)
Obsession with the mind and intellectual superiority.
The Riddler (aka Edward Nigma) is a criminal like no other. His penchant for riddles comes from one desire: to prove that the Riddler is the top brain in Gotham City. The Riddler's modus operandi isn't simply riddles and puzzles. He places hostages into deathtraps that Batman is forced to find and solve before it's 'game over'.
The Riddler's capabilities go further when he employs spies to infiltrate the other villains' gangs. The Riddler has eyes and ears all over Gotham. He will not stop until he has outsmarted Batman, whom the Riddler considers his intellectual match. The Riddler is one of the few villains to have appeared in every Arkham game thus far. 'Riddler Trophies' have become a staple of these games, which Batman must find in order to complete the 'Riddler Challenges'.
The Riddler will also be featured as the main antagonist of the novelized prequel: Batman: Arkham Knight - The Riddler's Gambit, now available for pre-order. On June 23, Batman: Arkham Knight will reveal what the Riddler has next in store.
7) Two-Face (aka D.A. Harvey Dent)
Only chance can save you now.
Two-Face (aka D.A. Harvey Dent) was once all Gotham could've asked for: an unmasked servant of justice who would wipe crime off the streets. But Dent was scarred by one of the very criminals he tried putting away. Acid was thrown on Dent's face, snapping his mind in the process. Harvey Dent became the criminal mastermind known as 'Two-Face'.
Obsessed with duality, Two-Face flips a coin to make life-and-death decisions. He is challenging for Batman due to the fact that Dent used to be a great ally. But Batman understands that it is Two-Face who is the true enemy--both of Gotham and of Harvey Dent. Batman: Arkham Knight marks Two-Face's second appearance in the game series. In a great act of continuity, the scratches on his face (left by Catwoman in Arkham City) still remain.
8) The Joker
Is he really dead?
The fate of Batman's deadliest enemy seems sealed (from the events of Arkham City). But is the Joker truly gone? The latest trailer, courtesy of E3, reveals the Joker's body being cremated. Yet the Clown Prince of Crime is known for deception. Things are never as easy as they seem with the Joker. Batman knows that better than anyone.
It is unclear if the Joker will be resurrected in Arkham Knight, but his persona will definitely play a part. Especially with the inclusion of Harley Quinn, his dearly beloved. Is the Joker back? Fasten your seatbelts, though, gamers. On June 23, you may just get your answer.
9) Arkham Knight
"You're predictable. And that's why we're gonna win."
The final villain of the list. The titular antagonist's identity is unknown. The Arkham Knight was created specifically for the game. He can be interpreted as the 'Anti-Batman'.
Arkham Knight's methods run rampantly opposite to Batman's. He is the militarized version of the Dark Knight. Arkham Knight kills enemies without mercy and views Batman as 'weak'. His intense hatred for the Dark Knight will serve as the game's main conflict. Arkham Knight gladly works with the Scarecrow if it means destroying Batman. Fans speculate his true identity. But on June 23, they may get their answer. Who is he? And what is his personal vendetta against Batman?
Batman: Arkham Knight promises a deadly lot of super-criminals. Batman faces his greatest challenge as Gotham is at the mercy of mad geniuses. The official "Gotham Is Mine" trailer below lists each Batman villain quite nicely.
Gamers should prepare for challenging bosses, puzzles, and patience. On June 23, the game releases. Memorize these Batman: Arkham Knight villains. You'll be grateful you did.
