New Batman-Inspired Horror Game Lets You See Caped Crusaders Through Criminal's Eyes

2 hours ago 8

Published Feb 20, 2026, 7:00 PM EST

Paul Farrelly is a Contributing Writer for Screen Rant’s Gaming section and the founder of GeekGasm.org, a site dedicated to celebrating all things gaming, from triple A blockbusters to weird and wonderful indie hits. Based in Louth, Ireland, Paul has spent years writing about games, pop culture, and tech, turning his lifelong love of gaming into a career that lets him talk (probably too much) about what makes this industry so endlessly fascinating.
He’s previously written and collaborated with several entertainment outlets, including LADbible, gaining a wide perspective on how gaming fits into today’s pop culture conversation. His work blends genuine enthusiasm with thoughtful analysis, exploring how design, storytelling, and community have made gaming one of the most creative mediums around.
When he’s not glued to a controller or keyboard, Paul’s usually spinning vinyl, plotting his next horror marathon, or debating which Resident Evil entry really reigns supreme.

You either die a hero or live long enough to become the villain! We've all dreamed of being the caped crusader as kids, fighting injustice and holding the bad guys to account. Most of us also have fond memories of donning the hood and becoming the world's greatest detective in the Arkham trilogy from Rocksteady Studios. But what if you could play a game on Steam where the tables are turned?

P.O.N from developer Devci & Mars on Steam promises an experience that sounds truly terrifying. The premise is simple. What if you were the bad guy and were being hunted by a caped shadowy figure similar to Batman? Can you outsmart The Dark Knight? Will you complete your tasks for a criminal syndicate while being stalked from the shadows?

P.O.N. Lets You Experience "Batman" Through A Criminal's Eyes

Oh, So You Think Darkness Is Your Ally?

The concept of being hunted by the caped crusader isn't a new one. In fact, it was the best part of the otherwise mediocre Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. But a fully fledged game based around this idea? Now that is intriguing. The game promises online co-op play with you and your friends breaking into a facility to complete nefarious tasks for a criminal syndicate. This is shaping up to be a hidden gem on Steam, and I'm really looking forward to battling the bat!

Avoiding cameras and traps is key as you battle against a super AI in the form of a fairly recognizable Batman-shaped foe. If detected, you'll need to keep your wits about you to survive. Running and hiding in air vents might get you out of a tight scrape and recusing your already captured teammates might be the difference between failure and success, and you strive to complete your tasks. Here's hoping the developer decides to add some Harley Quinn DLC or other characters from DC for us to either play as or battle against.

This Is A Genuinely Great And Original Concept

What Doesn't Kill You Only Makes You... Stranger!

We've never quite had a game like this and the premise feels pretty genius. Playing the criminal and being hunted by a superhero we've all grown up to love feels like an exhilarating prospect. Everything from in-game noises to online voice chatter will work against you as you and your mates battle against this shadowy superhero who is hell-bent on stalking you and stopping your progress at every turn. Maybe we'll be able to unlock classic Batman villains to take down The Dark Knight? Here's hoping.

P.O.N. is set to launch into early access on Steam in the first quarter of 2026, so you can expect to be playing it quite soon. Trying to get the better of Batman sounds just too good an idea not to give it a try. The thought of being hunted in the dark by him almost feels like it's venturing into horror territory and I can imagine playing this one in the early hours with friends. You'll find me putting on my best Tom Hardy Bane voice and taunting down the mic: 'You merely adopted the dark, I was born in it' I expect to fail often!