The first season of Suicide Squad will premiere in March and be available for free
Rocksteady has outlined its post-launch strategies for Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League, revealing a major update involving the introduction of a new playable character: the Joker. Notably, this isn’t the familiar Arkham games’ Joker, as he remains deceased. Instead, players can anticipate a completely new iteration of the iconic character from a distinct universe.
Originally disclosed in 2020, Suicide Squad is Rocksteady’s forthcoming cooperative looter shooter, set in the same universe as its acclaimed Batman: Arkham series. Despite the initial announcement, the game has faced lukewarm reception from fans, who express concerns about its apparent shift towards a live-service shooter model with various optional purchases—a fact Rocksteady has yet to explicitly acknowledge. Recent previews this month failed to alleviate these concerns, yet Rocksteady persists in promoting the game through its latest “Suicide Squad Insider” episode, which focuses on post-launch content slated for the game’s inaugural season.
The latest developer diary for Suicide Squad, released on January 22, unveiled that the game’s inaugural season is scheduled to kick off in March, approximately a month after its initial launch on February 2. This season will be centered around the Joker and will encompass two episodes featuring fresh missions, supplementary side activities, new gear, challenging boss encounters, and diverse enemy variants.
As per Rocksteady’s announcement, each season of Suicide Squad is set to introduce a new playable character, additional explorable environments, lootable weapons, and various other features. Notably, the studio assures players that these seasonal content updates will remain accessible for an extended period, allowing players to enjoy them even months after their initial release—a departure from the typical approach in other live-service games. Importantly, all this content is provided free of charge and is not restricted behind a premium battle pass or expansion, enhancing the accessibility and inclusivity of the game.
In the upcoming March release of Suicide Squad’s first season, the featured playable character will be an alternate version of the Joker, distinct from the well-known Mark Hamill-voiced rendition seen in the Arkham games. This Joker hails from an alternate dimension within the vast DC multiverse, forming part of Rocksteady’s overarching strategy to weave new narratives and design missions based on different timelines and universes. This creative approach enables the revival of characters like the Joker, previously killed in Arkham City, and introduces unique reinterpretations of renowned villains.
Similar to other characters in Suicide Squad, the Joker possesses a range of traversal abilities, allowing him to climb, glide, hop, and navigate Metropolis. Notably, the Joker utilizes a rocket-powered umbrella, adding a playful element to his mobility. Like his counterparts in the game, he engages in action using assault rifles and handguns.
As the anticipation builds for the imminent release of Suicide Squad next week, there remains a hopeful outlook for potential improvements beyond what has been showcased in previews and trailers. The prospect of outstanding combat mechanics and impressive traversal features is something to look forward to. The success of these elements may play a crucial role, as the addition of new villains and costumes post-launch may not be sufficient if the core gameplay experience falls short.
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is set to launch on Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC on February 2, 2024. For those opting for the deluxe edition with an early access perk, the game can be enjoyed three days prior to the official release, provided the publisher-created pre-order conditions are met