Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Combative Dark Knight game has some blood and death.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 4 parent reviews
Based on 14 kid reviews
Kids say that the game offers a thrilling, combat-rich experience with a detailed plot, but it contains mature elements such as violence, strong language, and suggestive themes, making it unsuitable for younger children. While some reviews suggest that the Armored Edition makes it slightly more appropriate for kids, most agree that parental guidance is essential in deciding if it's right for a child and suggest that it's better suited for mature teenagers.
- mature content
- parental guidance
- combat system
- strong language
- suitable age
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's It About?
BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY ARMORED EDITION is a lengthy single-player adventure that builds upon the original 2011 game by including all downloadable content already preloaded on the disc, along with exclusive features that take advantage of the new Wii U GamePad controller. Without giving too much away, the dark story is about Gotham City sealed off and used as a maximum security prison for all of Arkham City's criminal masterminds: Penguin, The Joker, The Riddler, Harley Quinn, Two-Face and Mr. Freeze. As you might expect, it's not easy to contain these villains. In addition to the Caped Crusader, you get to play other familiar faces, including the likes of Robin, Catwoman, and Darkwing.
Is It Any Good?
Yes, most definitely. As with last year's game, this third-person adventure folds in many kinds of gameplay, including stealth, melee and ranged combat, gadgets (beginning with your Bat Grappler), exploration (even while soaring from rooftops) and some puzzle-solving. Along with multiple areas to explore – including city streets, a museum, abandoned subway, and old courthouse -- side missions, secrets, and role-playing game (RPG)-like upgrades help keep the game interesting.
Developed for Wii U by WB Games Montreal, the game offers additional content introduced by the game's original developer, Rocksteady Studios. For one, Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition introduces the Battle Armored Tech (B.A.T.) mode and new Armored Suits for both Batman and Catwoman. This allows the characters to build up kinetic energy during fight scenes and then enter B.A.T. mode to dole out more damage and experienced heightened awareness. The Wii U GamePad, which houses a 6.2-inch touchscreen, is now your Batcomputer, which lets you tap to access objectives, select gadgets, upgrade gear, detonate explosive gel, and scour the area for forensic evidence in Detective mode. In fact, this second screen is now a real-time map of Gotham you can call up at any time. And as previously mentioned, this version of Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition houses all previously released downloadable content, namely: Catwoman Pack, Robin Bundle Pack, Nightwing Bundle Pack, Harley Quinn's Revenge Pack, Challenge Map Pack, and Arkham City Skins Pack. Gamers who haven't yet played this game will no doubt fall for this refined Armored Edition exclusive for the Wii U console. The Bat is back.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether the second screen really adds to the gameplay. How do you feel playing on the Wii U GamePad -- a tablet-like controller that shows information that compliments what's onscreen?
Families can also discuss the impact of media violence. Does it matter that the violence is portrayed in a comic book world?
Game Details
- Platform : Nintendo Wii U
- Subjects : Language & Reading : following directions , reading
- Skills : Thinking & Reasoning : analyzing evidence , investigation , solving puzzles , Collaboration : cooperation , meeting challenges together , Self-Direction : achieving goals
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : Warner Bros. Games
- Release date : November 20, 2012
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Superheroes , Adventures
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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