Common Sense Media Review
By Brett Molina
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dark yet thrilling action game based on the Caped Crusader.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Batman: Arkham Asylum
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 44 parent reviews
Parents say the game offers a well-crafted story and engaging gameplay, but it's darker and more violent than typical children's games, featuring mild language and suggestive character designs. While some feel it's appropriate for younger players, many suggest it’s best suited for teens due to its themes of violence and horror.
- story engagement
- mild language
- suggestive designs
- violence concerns
- suitable for teens
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 193 kid reviews
Kids say this game offers an engaging experience, particularly for those aged 10 and up, due to its immersive storytelling, innovative gameplay, and relatively mild violence without blood. However, there are some dark themes and frightening elements that can be unsettling for younger players, making it advisable for parents to assess their child's maturity before allowing them to play.
- age recommendations
- immersive storytelling
- mild violence
- dark themes
- parental guidance
Summarized with AI
What's It About?
In BATMAN: ARKHAM ASYLUM, the Caped Crusader transports his nemesis, The Joker, to Arkham Asylum, a psychiatric hospital in Gotham City. However, Joker's detainment was part of a grand scheme to unite Gotham's worst criminals, including Bane, Poison Ivy, and Scarecrow, to take over Arkham. Batman must delve into the depths of the hospital to restore order and stop the Joker.
Is It Any Good?
Arkham Asylum is perhaps the best game representation of the comic book character. While most games prefer to focus on Batman as a fighter, this game examines the complete persona of the character. Players will see his sharp detective skills, his love of gadgets, and how he remains haunted by the deaths of his parents in an armed robbery.
During any point, players can enter Detective Mode to search for clues, spot hidden enemies, or find weak spots in the environment with which to take advantage. Batman's typical arsenal of gadgets sits at his disposal, including Batarangs, explosive gel, and the Batclaw. Combat feels very simple, yet can become complex when attacks are chained together properly. However, stealth play is where Batman shines. Players can use strategy and the shadows to assess a situation and plan the best method of attack. Developers extend the adventure through Challenge Rooms, a series of combat and stealth tests. Scores and times are later posted on online leaderboards. Arkham Asylum is a must-have for Batman fans, and a game most action fans will enjoy.
Online interaction: Online is limited to leaderboards that players can visit to view their scores and times in the Challenge Rooms.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
How does this game compare to other games based on comic book superheroes?
What makes Batman so fascinating to control in a video game?
Game Details
- Platforms : PlayStation 3 , Windows , Xbox 360
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Available online
- Publisher : Eidos Interactive
- Release date : August 25, 2009
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Superheroes
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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