Harley Quinn is without a doubt one of the most popular Batman villains to have not originated in the comics. Originally created for Batman: The Animated Series by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm, she was a surprise success that was later introduced to the comic universe, had her very own animated show, and in 2020, Harley (finally) had a major role in a live-action film without the Joker or Batman. Harley's fan following has grown quietly but consistently since her first introduction in 1992 to now, where she is a recognizable and well-known DC character in her own right.
The number of Batman or DC video games to include Harley Quinn is steadily rising. In particular, the Batman: Arkham games introduced Harley to a new generation and even had her original voice actor back for the first game, Arleen Sorkin (hence where Harley gets her full name, Harleen). With the recent success of Birds of Prey and The Suicide Squad, it seems like high time Harley gets her very own game.
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Harley Quinn's Appeal
Following the first Suicide Squad film, Harley became a popular Halloween costume that attracted derision from some. Mainly due to an oversaturation of Harley-related merch at this time, but even beyond this trend, people have cosplayed as Harley for years. Harley arguably has a similar appeal to Marvel's Deadpool and obviously, her former beau, the Joker. These characters are witty, darkly comical, and always appear to be in on a joke that other characters aren't. Since Harley was designed at first to be Joker's girlfriend, the similarities and differences between these characters make sense; in terms of Deadpool, both he and Harley were dark horse characters that became way more popular than expected. Deadpool's breaking of the fourth wall was utilized extensively in his own game, and a Harley game could bring Harley's contorted sense of humor to gaming.
Harley's past as a psychologist and a gymnast makes her a compelling character; her narrative arcs, such as escaping an abusive relationship with the Joker, her sexuality and relationship with Poison Ivy, and her shift from villain to sometimes reluctant hero all present ample material for adaptation and many narrative options for a Harley solo game.
Harley Quinn in Games
It's not just the fact that Harley is a popular character, but she is one well suited to video games. In fact, James Gunn even based some of Harley's choreography in The Suicide Squad on a video game he had a hand in creating, Lollipop Chainsaw. This isn't just Gunn referencing his own work, but in fact, an example of how suited Harley's acrobatic fight style is to gaming since similar moves are what made Lollipop Chainsaw's gameplay work.
There have been a few times players get to control Harley Quinn in games, the most notable of these being the Harley Quinn DLC for Batman: Arkham Knight. This short DLC just began to explore the possibilities of how Harley's movements and attacks would work in gaming. Between Lollipop Chainsaw and Harley's own appearances in games, there's a pretty clear precedent for what type of gameplay suits the character.
Essentially, Harley has multiple compelling narrative arcs to chose from, abilities that would make for really fun gameplay, and a well-established fan base. Not only is giving Harley her own game the logical next move for exploring her character, but it's also about time she gets more screen time. She's a long-time fan favorite and recent mainstream success, so a Harley-centred game is the best thing to give hungry Harley Quinn fans right now.
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