Common Sense Media Review
By David Chapman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Be the Caped Crusader in this epic end to the Arkham story.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Batman: Arkham Knight
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 32 parent reviews
Parents say that this game is a dark and intense experience, often involving graphic scenes, mature themes, and violence that may not be suitable for younger players. While some reviewers believe it merits a lower rating due to its content being less extreme than other M-rated games, many parents are cautious and suggest it is appropriate mainly for mature teens aged 13 and over, as it contains elements like jump scares, torture, and some mild language.
- dark themes
- graphic scenes
- violence
- mature audience
- age recommendations
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 148 kid reviews
Kids say the game is surprisingly suitable for younger audiences despite its M rating, with many reviewers believing it aligns more closely with a T rating due to minimal graphic violence and language. While the game does have dark themes and some disturbing sequences, reviewers suggest that a mature 11 or 12-year-old can handle its content, making it fun and engaging, particularly for fans of the superhero genre.
- suitable for teens
- minimal graphic violence
- dark themes present
- fun gameplay experience
- some disturbing content
- age rating debate
Summarized with AI
What's It About?
BATMAN: ARKHAM KNIGHT is the fourth game in the series and the conclusion to the main Arkham story arc. In the story, the Scarecrow has threatened to release a new version of his fear toxin, forcing an evacuation of Gotham. This is part of a larger plan, as the various villains in Batman's Rogues Gallery have teamed up to take out the Dark Knight once and for all. In addition, a mysterious new antihero, the "Arkham Knight," has appeared to deliver his own brand of justice while plotting the downfall of Batman. New to the series is the Dark Knight's ability to take to the streets in the Batmobile, as well as occasional team-ups with various allies, including Nightwing, Robin, and Catwoman.
Is It Any Good?
For fans of any or all the previous Arkham games, or any Batman fan for that matter, this chapter represents the pinnacle of the franchise. Batman: Arkham Knight is the first Batman game to carry a Mature rating from the ESRB, so younger sidekicks might want to be left in the Batcave this time around. The game is bigger, deeper, grittier, more detailed, and, on the whole, more engaging than any of the previous entries. Plus, the addition of the Batmobile to the game fulfills many fans' biggest wishes.
If there's one main criticism to be levied against Arkham Knight, it would be that the game is almost too big. With the new abilities and moves added to the combat system, as well as the extra layer of controls dedicated to driving and using the Batmobile, the controls aren't quite as instinctual. There's a steeper learning curve this time around, and until you get the hang of it, things simply don't feel as smooth as prior entries in the series. On the upside, once you get past that learning curve and start to really enjoy everything Arkham Knight has to offer, you're left with one simple thought: "I AM Batman!"
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what defines a "superhero." What are the traits that make a hero stand out and that separate the heroes from the criminals they fight?
How has the Batman character changed over the years? Discuss how changes in the audience and worldview have dictated changes in the character, from the cheesy '60s television version to the ultraviolent Dark Knight version to the current Arkham version.
Talk about violence in entertainment. How is violence portrayed in comic books, and how does that violence carry over to other media like video games? Does the violence in printed artwork have any less of an impact on younger audiences than that of more animated portrayals in movies and games?
Game Details
- Platforms : PlayStation 4 , Windows , Xbox One
- Pricing structure : Paid
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
- Release date : June 23, 2015
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Superheroes , Adventures
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : February 24, 2026
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