Information and media for the first Batman: Arkham Knight DLC, Batgirl: A Matter of Family , continues to be released by Warner Bros. Interactive ahead of its release on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. The first trailer hit Wednesday, confirming a faceoff with Joker, some of the new gameplay elements, and a Harley Quinn that is back with her original look.
The Batgirl: A Matter of Family add-on is set prior to the first game in the Arkham series, Batman: Arkham Asylum . The new trailer neatly sums up why the Dark Knight isn’t involved, however. Joker has kidnapped Commissioner Gordon and told Batgirl that he will kill her father if Batman shows up. That leaves the rescue to Batgirl, assisted by Robin using Arkham Knight ‘s Dual Play mechanic that lets players tag team between two characters.
Play as Batgirl for the first time ever in our new DLC. Available early for Season Pass owners on July 14th. http://t.co/F2KCofdeGP
— Batman Arkham (@BatmanArkham) July 8, 2015
The trailer also reveals some of the gameplay mechanics that will be available from playing as Batgirl. Since she’s not as strong as strong as Batman, she relies on surprise and her hacking skills to bring down opponents. She can still fight, though, with a nice takedown from a glide and a sweet looking axe kick to finish off one Joker thug.
The hacking abilities for Batgirl appear to be an offshoot of the Detective mode from Batman: Arkham Knight . In one scene, she uses a device to hack into one of the amusements park’s attractions to shock and confuse a small group of armed thugs. She then uses that as an opportunity to slip into the smoke and confusion to slip in and beat the snot out of them.
The trailer also gives us the reveal of Harley Quinn in her original costume that she was introduced in with Batman: The Animated Series . The character was given a more modern and mature look for the Arkham series, but fans should appreciate the callback to her original appearance.
Batgirl: A Matter of Family takes place on an oil rig converted to the Seagate Amusement Park. The nautical-themed park has been given a few Joker upgrades and will serve as the open world area that Batgirl will explore and fight.
The DLC is being developed by WB Games Montreal and not Rocksteady Studios, as previously covered . Batgirl: A Matter of Family will include the main campaign, along with side missions and collectibles that should make it a sizable expansion.
The release date for the first Batman: Arkham Knight DLC is July 14 for those that purchased the $39.99 Season Pass. A Matter of Family will be sold by itself for $6.69 starting July 21.
The PC version of the DLC will not be released until Rocksteady and developer studio Iron Galaxy Studios get the game working and back for sale on Steam .
[Images via Batman: Arkham Knight ]