Batman is a superhero known for his gloomy demeanor and no-nonsense attitude, but his habit of adopting and raising children in need has undoubtedly influenced Nightwing in Gotham Knights. Nightwing is one of four playable characters in Gotham Knights and is the first child adopted by Bruce Wayne during the start of his vigilante career. Though it's clear Nightwing hasn't taken after Batman completely, some mannerisms and personality traits have remained after the Dark Knight's death. As Gotham Knights comes closer to launch, WB Games Montreal will likely release more trailers and information concerning the characters and their backstories. Thankfully, Nightwing is a popular character with enough information and backstory that players can begin to discern how Batman affected this cheery vigilante.
Gotham Knights takes place after Batman's death at the hands of unknown conspirators, leaving his city more vulnerable and chaotic than ever. Despite appearances, Gotham Knights is not a Batman: Arkham sequel, and instead explores a time where Gotham City is under siege by emboldened villains and secret societies. Nightwing, Red Hood, Batgirl, and Robin must work together to become Gotham's new protectors and defend Batman's legacy. As Gotham's new knights take on the Court of Owls, Mr. Freeze, and more, players can upgrade abilities and explore an evolving open-world unlike any seen before in DC games.
Nightwing is an extremely popular member of the Batfamily, famous for becoming Batman's first Robin and embarking on a hero's journey throughout his vigilante career. Though he is often regarded as the greatest Robin, the partnership between Batman and Nightwing experienced some turbulence before settling into a healthy pattern. Like most superheroes, even Nightwing isn't exempt from trauma, and his struggles shape his personality, goals, and abilities. Given the hero's popularity and rich backstory, it's unlikely for Gotham Knights' story to completely ignore source material, meaning comic fans could be in for quality gameplay and story for Bludhaven's protector.
Who Is Nightwing In Gotham Knights?
According to the Gotham Knights official website, Nightwing has become the de facto leader of Gotham's newest protectors. Before he embraced this role and entered the vigilante life, Nightwing was Dick Grayson, son of Mary and John Grayson and an acrobat in Haly's Circus. Known as the Flying Graysons, Dick and his parents performed across the country until reaching Gotham. During a routine, an assassin named Tony Zucco sabotaged the family's equipment and caused the death of Mary and John Grayson. Now orphaned, Dick Grayson was soon adopted by Bruce Wayne, who had watched the performance while investigating mob activity. To prevent Dick Grayson from psychologically and emotionally spiraling as Bruce had, Dick Grayson learned to fight crime and became the first Robin.
According to the Gotham Knights website, Nightwing's portrayal stays in line with the comic progression of the character, sporting his black and blue suit with the Flying Graysons. In addition, he utilizes acrobatics and escrima sticks to knock his enemies out of the fight, all while sporting a much cheerier disposition than Batman. In Batman: Arkham Knight, Nightwing frequently utilized his charm and sarcasm to fight his enemies mentally and physically. It's unknown if Gotham Knights plans to use this in-game, but it would be a grave disservice to the character not to include his sharp wit and caring personality. Thankfully, his personality profile on the Gotham Knights website emphasizes the importance of "personal bonds," suggesting Nightwing will show great care towards his teammates.
What Did Batman Do To Nightwing Before Gotham Knights?
Though many fans would consider Gotham Knights' Red Hood to have a rockier relationship with Batman during his Robin days, Nightwing struggled to work alongside Bruce Wayne much more. Unlike many other Robins and Batfamily members, Nightwing came from a happy home with open communication and healthy emotions. The comics often depict Dick Grayson's sudden transition to Bruce Wayne's house as a traumatic and world-shattering experience. The death of his parents compounded with the extra responsibility of pursuing vigilantism under Bruce's emotionless tutelage resulted in Dick struggling to acquire privacy and healthy outlets for his emotions. This conflict eventually boiled over to Batman and his first Robin separating, with the young vigilante embracing his own identity.
The reason for Batman firing Robin from his role varies within the comics, and it's unknown if Gotham Knights will cover how or why Nightwing first departed his sidekick role. In one situation, the Joker (an unconfirmed villain for Gotham Knights) shot Dick Grayson in the shoulder. The ensuing argument between the pair resulted in Grayson leaving to protect his own city. In another universe, Batman fired Grayson because he believed his sidekick wasn't taking crimefighting seriously and spending too much time with the Teen Titans. Though Batman and Nightwing often clashed with their ideals, the latter's independence and aptitude for vigilantism likely came from his adoptive father and mentor.
How Batman's Impact Goes Beyond His Death In Gotham Knights
In Gotham Knights' latest cinematic trailer, a conversation between Nightwing and the Penguin appears, with the latter detailing the dangers of pursuing the Court of Owls. It's unknown how Batman's death affected the Gotham Rogues Gallery, but Penguin's cooperation with Nightwing suggests he has respect for the vigilante. As Batman's first Robin and the first child sidekick to stand against villains in Gotham, it's likely some Rogues have chosen to cooperate with Nightwing rather than the Court of Owls. By studying under Batman, it's unknown how much leeway Nightwing can enjoy with the criminal underworld, but allies may appear in unexpected places.
Relationships aside, Batman's skills also appear within the brief glimpses we've seen of Nightwing (and his role as leader). Regarded as the World's Greatest Detective, each Robin underwent significant training to extract information from organic and digital sources. Nightwing appears to be leading the investigation against the Court of Owls while coordinating the team. Though it's unknown if Batman led the Justice League in Gotham Knights, this would explain Nightwing's inclination towards leadership roles.
Though fans have only seen brief glimpses of Nightwing on the official Gotham Knights website and trailers, WB Games Montreal has likely created more personal stories for Gotham's protectors during the campaign. Nightwing, Red Hood, Batgirl, and Robin each have interesting stories and interpersonal conflicts to tackle from their days as Batman's sidekicks and independent vigilantes. With luck, WB Games Montreal can Gotham Knights currently has no release date but is planned to launch at some point in 2022.