Rocksteady Studios’ highly anticipated Arkhamverse sequel, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, is set to be available for those who have preordered on January 30, with its official release date on February 2.
Despite the expectations for excitement surrounding a new game from the developers of Arkham City, there is a sense of subdued enthusiasm among gaming fans. The online-only multiplayer-focused nature of the game, featuring season passes, cosmetics, and extensive DLC plans, has contributed to a less-than-enthusiastic reception. The shift toward games-as-a-service titles has been met with skepticism, particularly in the wake of failed attempts like Marvel’s Avengers, Anthem, and Redfall.
In addition, the showcased gameplay has not generated widespread excitement. Departing from the acclaimed close-quarters combat of the Arkham games, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League adopts a third-person shooter format, with criticism directed at the apparent emphasis on shooting glowing purple orbs.
Many gamers seem to be holding off on making a purchase decision until they see reviews. However, there’s a notable issue: the absence of review codes being provided to gaming press outlets. As of the current writing, several days before public early access, it appears that Warner Bros. Games has not made the game available for review.
Typically, reviewers receive codes around two weeks before the official launch, allowing ample time to thoroughly evaluate the game. The lack of review codes suggests that reviewers may not have sufficient time to explore the game’s content and systems thoroughly. With Suicide Squad being described as a 20-hour+ game, the rushed timeline may result in reviews being published shortly after the launch weekend.
The decision to withhold review codes raises questions about the game’s readiness for release, considering it has already faced a one-year delay. It remains to be seen how this strategy will impact the game’s reception and sales, with some speculating that delaying reviews until after the launch weekend may serve certain marketing interests.