Batman: Arkham Knight: A Matter of Family (DLC)
Overview -
'A Matter of Family' is, with the exception of a few skins, the first of the season pass content for 'Batman: Arkham Knight'. Taking place sometime before the base game, it has Batgirl/Barbara Gordon and Robin/Tim Drake heading out to the abandoned Seagate Amusement Park at the behest of Joker and Harley Quinn, who have abducted Jim Gordon. Unlike the core game, this DLC was developed by Warner Brothers Montréal, who also developed 'Arkham Origins'.
Video Review
The Batgirl character model is pretty, stylish, and has some nice animations, although in combat she often uses the same takedowns as Batman (of course she kicks more - Batman’s suit doesn’t have high heels). Like 'Arkham City’s' Catwoman she is not as strong as the Bat but is quicker. Harley Quinn has a new model too, her black and red checkered catsuit from the animated series. Otherwise the game looks exactly the same as 'Arkham Knight', right down to the detective vision. I noticed less stuttering through 'A Matter of Family', probably because of the greatly reduced world size.
Audio Review
All of the voice performances are excellent, as usual. If the Joker has to be here for every single entry in the franchise ever, at least he is acted well. Ashley Greene returns to voice Barbara Gordon. Because the DLC takes place on Valentine’s Day, the conversations from the thugs center on how best to woo Batgirl and Harley, which serve as a comic relief. Another conversation has several thugs trying to imitate Joker’s iconic laugh, to great effect.
Final Thoughts
Warner Brothers has promised three pieces of story content for the 'Arkham Knight' season pass. If this little fragment of a game is what players can expect, then the pricey $40 season pass is going to be a disappointment. 'A Matter of Family' releases on July 21st for non-season pass holders at $7, but I wouldn’t recommend it.
