Deathstroke
Deathstroke a.k.a. Slade Wilson was a huge part of Origins from the moment it was announced, with the killer for hire shown to be Batmans equal in battle, but without any qualms about killing. Bats wins a hard fought battle against Slade, and when we last see him in the game hes met in his prison cell by government operatives with an offer. The file says Suicide Squad.
Traditionally in the comics Suicide Squad was usually staffed with disposable B-list villains, making Deathstroke normally too elite for that team--in the comics he once battled the entire Justice League to a standstill. But in the world of games, hes potentially a big enough name to lead a team in a Suicide Squad adventure. Plus, Deathstroke already stars in DLC for Origins, showing that he shares Batmans love for gadget-rich combat. Hes a clear choice to head up the squad, but hell (begrudgingly) answer to...
Amanda Waller
Waller is the no nonsense woman that offers Slade a position in Suicide Squad, a role that she filled in the comic books as well. Ms. Waller is a high ranking government official that finds super villains to go on risky missions, usually ones too morally grey (or outright evil) for heroes like Batman to approach. Its a dirty job, and one that puts her face to face with murderers, but she always stays in control of the situation. It helps that she outfits each baddie on her squad with an explosive collar that will kill them should they get out of line.
In Origins, despite her brief appearance, shes voiced by celebrated actress Cch Pounder. If you dont recognize her from The Shield or Avatar, longtime DC fans will likely remember her playing Waller in the Justice League animated series. She owns the role on that show, something we hope continues in this heavily implied Suicide Squad game. She wont see much action, so we could see her taking a role similar to Alfreds in Origins: the voice in your ear pushing you to your next goal. But dont expect her to be as nice about it as Alfred.
Rick Flag
Even with explosive collars, Waller doesnt trust the villains enough to leave them alone in the field. Thats why she sends Rick Flag along with them on missions. Flag hates the depraved characters he has to work with, but he didnt join the military to pick and choose his missions. And Rick has proven to be a very skilled agent. Just look at him holding his own against Batman.
You see even less of Rick in Blackgate, but his cameo implies he has a similar role as Amanda Wallers eyes on the field. From a gameplay standpoint, he could work a bit like Sam Fisher from the Splinter Cell games, meaning hes equally deadly close up and far away. Perhaps well even see an in-game rematch against The Dark Knight.
Deadshot
Deathstroke might seem to fill all the teams requirements of a masked assassin, but it wouldnt be a proper Suicide Squad without Deadshot. Born Floyd Lawton, Deadshot is an expert marksman and usually the first guy to be hired as a henchman when they cant afford Deathstroke. Floyds mask incorporates a scope that makes him super accurate, even when using the mini-machine guns strapped to his forearms. He also can hold his own in a scrap, but he normally shoots most non-Batman people before they get close enough to punch him.
Deadshot has appeared in both Origins and Batman: Arkham City, and in both of those games he worked fairly similar to his comic counterpart: a professional that seemed pretty stable for a hired killer. Hes forcibly recruited by Waller and Flag at the end of the Blackgate side game, so hes a lock for the team in the eventual game.
Bronze Tiger
Seated next to Deadshot in that similar parting shot is Bronze Tiger. In Blackgate hes the tougher fighter in the entire prison, though Batman eventually beats him in a counter-heavy brawl. Still, were betting Bronze Tiger wasnt at his best that day. He wasnt even in costume.
Much like Deadshot, Bronze Tiger was a continual member of the Suicide Squad in the comics, with his martial arts skills and strange sense of honor saving the day multiple times. And despite how it went down in Blackgate, Bronze Tiger in the past has proven more than capable of beating Batman. Makes us want to see a round 2.
Bane
Bane was a hulking pile of idiotic muscles in the previous Arkham games, but Origins made a much more formidable nemesis in Arkham Origins. He was stronger and faster than Batman , as well as being smart enough to figured out Batmans secret identity. And after a whole game of proving himself worthy of being Origins final boss, he ends up an idiotic pile of muscles.
Still, even as a monstrous freak, Bane would have his uses on the Squad, like a less heroic version of the Hulk, much like he's been in Suicide Squad comics. He could be the muscle for the rest of the team, so long as Waller could be sure he would stay in line. And if he eventually goes rogue, thatd make for a cool boss fight.
Copperhead
Hardcore comic nerds know the name Copperhead as a mid level villain thats perfectly suited for the Squad, but this snake-themed baddie was sporting a different look in Arkham Origins. Instead of a man wearing modified snake skin, they found an agile young lady that very nearly killed Batman. And even though Bats caught her, we doubt weve seen the last of her.
Copperhead made a lasting impression with her brief time on-screen moving with such skill and speed that we want to control those combos ourselves with her as a playable character. Though you dont see her offered a spot on the team in Origins, shes just as eligible for membership as anyone else. Also, DC Comics have said that this new version of Copperhead will be appearing in the comics, so they clearly have long term plans for her.
Harley Quinn
She doesnt even officially appear in Origins, but Dr. Harleen Quinzel is clearly on the verge of falling head over heels for The Joker, so her Harley Quinn persona isnt far behind. And while Harleys always had a supporting role to Mr. J in the Arkham games, we bet a Suicide Squad game would trade on her recent history with the team in comics. For last couple years shes been one of the top members of the team in comics, usually taking center stage on the covers.
Putting Harley in a Suicide Squad game would also create a stronger connection between the Arkham brand and Suicide Squad by including a fan favorite character like Harley. Perhaps after her first adventure with The Joker, Waller recruits Harley to the Squad in the hopes of getting her to stop the insanity. We doubt itll work, but its worth a shot.
Ready for duty?
So those are all the most obvious picks that the Arkham Origins developers wanted us to notice, but do you have any crazier picks for the team? Someone like the Penguin or Alfred? Let us know in the comments!
And if you're looking for more Batman fun, check out a history of Batman games and our pick for 11 Batman comics to read prior to Arkham Origins.
