Summary
- Concept art for the cancelled Batman Arkham game “Project Sabbath” has recently leaked online, offering a glimpse of key characters like an older Bruce Wayne and Damian Wayne.
- The game was to star Damian Wayne as Gotham’s new Dark Knight, set years after Bruce Wayne’s retirement, inspired by Batman Beyond’s futuristic setting.
- Character designs include a more human-like Killer Croc and a classic Huntress look, showing the creative direction intended for the game.
- Rumors suggest Rocksteady may be developing a new Batman Beyond game after the failure of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.
Cancelled Batman Arkham Game’s Concept Art Reveals New Character Designs
New concept art from the cancelled Batman Arkham game, unofficially called Project Sabbath, has emerged online.
The artwork, shared by former WB Montreal artist Rodrigue Pralier, offers fans a first good look at several key characters, including an older Bruce Wayne and his son Damian Wayne. The designs suggest a future timeline set years after Bruce Wayne’s retirement as Batman.
Bruce Wayne is depicted with a cane and leg brace, evoking similarities to the character’s portrayal in Batman Beyond’s Terry McGinnis-era timeline. Damian Wayne, meanwhile, sports a slimmer, more agile batsuit, short hair, scars on his face, and piercing blue eyes, signalling a younger but battle-hardened new Dark Knight.
The leaked character models also include variations of Killer Croc, some of which show a more human appearance, while others are heavily inspired by creatures like the Predator or Mortal Kombat’s Baraka.
Additionally, Huntress appears in her classic black, white, and purple costume alongside a black-and-purple cowl.
Project Sabbath: A Promising Game That Was Never Released
Project Sabbath was reportedly intended to be the fifth entry in the Batman Arkham series, developed by WB Games Montreal. The game was to follow Damian Wayne taking up the mantle of Batman in a future Gotham City, inspired by the tone and aesthetic of Batman Beyond.
The Cancelled Batman Arkham game was rumoured to feature innovative gameplay mechanics like the Nemesis system from Shadow of Mordor and a drivable batcycle, elements that later appeared in Gotham Knights.
Despite high anticipation, Project Sabbath was ultimately cancelled in favour of Gotham Knights, which released in 2022 but failed to capture the critical and fan acclaim that the Arkham series enjoyed.
The cancellation left fans disappointed, though it sparked hope as Warner Bros. has reaffirmed its commitment to its major franchises, including Batman and Harry Potter.
Well, following the disappointing reception of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, rumors have surfaced that Rocksteady Studios may be working on a new Batman Beyond game. While it may be several years before this new title comes to light, fans remain eager for a fresh take on Batman in video games.
