One of the most intriguing aspects of the upcoming Gotham Knights video game from Warner Bros. Games is how it's differentiating its characters in the wake of the Arkhamverse series. Nightwing, for example, has been turned into DC's Vulture with his Fast Bat and the Flying Trapeze serving as aerial tools that allow him to fly around Gotham.
Similarly, Dick Grayson borrows from Mister Freeze, adding ice blasts to his arsenal and exemplifying how Gotham Knights wants to add new dimensions to familiar heroes. Interestingly, another standout feature comes with Red Hood. The latest gameplay demo trailer revealed he's got a mystical upgrade, which could be his most badass yet.
Gotham Knights has a fine line to tread with Jason, as he isn't on the lethal path anymore. As a vigilante, he's using violence and aggression to clean up the city after Batman's death, but he's already making changes by using non-lethal rounds. Still, with his trusty Batcycle, it could feel like a Jason fans have seen, not just in the Arkham games, but in so many comics, cartoons, animated movies, and even in Titans.
The supernatural upgrade, however, raises the stakes in a major way, making Jason quite formidable outside of guns and bazookas. This comes via his Mystical Leap, which has Jason harnessing soul energy after being resurrected in the Lazarus Pit. He can use them as springboards to leap all over the city when he's not on his bike. This freshens the character up because it enables stealth, as no one can hear any machinery when he's descending or sneaking around.
This will alter Jason's fighting style, allowing him to snipe folks out in the air, create defensive shields, or give him invisible platforms on the ground while fighting. Usually, the Bat-family needs grappling hooks and such to flip around or other objects to brace hits, but Jason having levitation and this use of energy naturally is a whole new ball game. It further teases other abilities -- perhaps he'll also be able to project his soul to attack opponents or be able to speak to the dead à la Deadman.
As a supernatural warrior, Jason's weaponry and overall attitude in battle has evolved. It's something the source material could do with as well, as Red Hood's usually the typical bullet-loving, bomb-planting vigilante who simply enjoys killing criminals. He's never really embraced the mystical aspect of his resurrection, apart from getting delirium, but Gotham Knights exploring this direction can make him something like Ermac or Kenshi from Mortal Kombat, who harness soul energy and chi respectively.
Picture Jason using telekinesis for restraining opponents, or Force Pushes (akin to Star Wars' Light and Dark Side users). It would make him much more dynamic, max out his potential, and shape him as the most powerful member of Bruce's pack if he channels this gift smartly. Ultimately, this Jason is way more intimidating and turn him into a new kind of protector, boasting otherwordly talents fans are excited to see.