Little is known about Monolith’s in-developmentWonder Womangame, but the hero’s identity could lend some unique mechanics to the title. In particular, one familiar mechanic that most DC comics games fail to include would be the perfect inclusion in the newWonder Womangame.
While perhaps best known for itsMiddle-earthgames, Monolith announced in 2021 that its next title would take a stab at the DC universe. In the meantime,rumors and leaks for theWonder Womangamehave surfaced with more potential information. Some of these rumors include the appearance of Greek myth-inspired enemies and the inclusion of Wonder Woman’s invisible jet and lasso of truth. Though the implications of these inclusions are still unknown, the lasso of truth may open the door for a one-of-a-kind dialogue system.
Implementing a Dialogue System Could Enhance Wonder Woman’s Gameplay
It’s no secret that the world of DC comics hasn’t been living up to its potential in video games recently. The last two major games set in the DC universe,Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice LeagueandGotham Knights, are seen as commercial failures,leavingWonder Womanin a crucial spot for the future of DC games.
The major failings with past games are generally considered to be the lackluster storytelling ofGotham Knightsand the live-service nature ofKill the Justice League. It hasn’t been revealed yet whetherWonder Womanwill use a live-service model after all but, as far as the storytelling is concerned, a dialogue system could only help. Allowing players a chance to drive the story and outcome of quests through their decisions could be a way to ensure that they come across as meaningful and impactful.
Another thing settingWonder Womanapart from previous DC games is the inclusion of Monolith’s Nemesis System, previously used in Monolith’sMiddle-earthgames.
The Nemesis System enhances the impact of enemy factions by allowing certain characters to remember the player’s actions. This would lead to greater rivalries as well as the ability to recruit former rivals. It’s been reported thatMonolith has patented new upgrades to the Nemesis Systemthat could supposedly play a part inWonder Womanupon release. Pairing the nemesis system with a robust dialogue system could allow for an interplay of combat and conversation that would matter to the player’s individual story like never before.
Wonder Woman’s Lore Indicated the Need for Strong Dialogue
What makes Wonder Woman stand out among other DC heroes is, in part, her mystical armory, including her bulletproof bracelets, invisible jet, and lasso of truth. If the lasso of truth is to be included in the upcoming game, it needs a strong use beyond its combat capability. Conversations or interrogations would be the perfect opportunity for Wonder Woman to use its power to gain the upper hand.
As a power that only she wields, using the lasso would set this game apart from other superhero titles. Unfortunately, there is a slightissue ifWonder Womanonly takes place in Themyscira. As her homeland, most of the women of Themyscira are Wonder Woman’s allies and friends, eliminating the need for the lasso to be used on them—unless her sisters have some reason to turn against her, of course.
As long as parts of the game incentivize the use of the lasso’s power, a dialogue system inWonder Womancould be unlike any other. Indeed,Wonder Womancould solve common issues of superhero gamesand, with Monolith’s track record,Wonder Womanwill hopefully be the game to finally give recourse to DC’s downward trend.
