Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fun and intense Caped Crusader romp lacks ingenuity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Batman: Arkham Origins
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 14 parent reviews
Based on 59 kid reviews
Kids say this game offers an engaging storyline and well-crafted combat mechanics, making it a beloved entry in the series despite being seen as darker and more violent than its predecessors. While it may not be suitable for very young players due to its mature themes, many reviewers believe it's appropriate for older kids who have experienced similar media, with violence primarily consisting of fistfights and limited strong language.
- underrated plot
- edgier gameplay
- violence present
- suitable for teens
- mixed reviews
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's It About?
BATMAN: ARKHAM ORIGINS is the third official game in the popular Batman: Arkham series from Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, and, among other features, it delivers a larger Gotham City and online multiplayer modes for the first time in the franchise (up to eight players can be split into three teams). The story serves as a prequel to the previous games, introducing a younger and unrefined Batman as he sets out on a path to become the legendary Dark Knight. Set on Christmas Eve, the tale tells of Batman hunted by eight of the deadliest assassins from the DC Comics Universe. Be prepared to see reimagined takes of iconic villains including Bane, the Joker, Penguin, Deathstroke, Copperhead, Black Mask, Deadshot, and others. Robin, too, is playable in this multiplatform game for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii U, and Windows PC. A "companion" game called Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate is available for Nintendo 3DS and PlayStation Vita.
Is It Any Good?
Yes, it is, but those who played the last two games -- Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City -- might get a sense of deja vu. Oh, sure, the developer added a fresh story and a couple of new mechanics, not to mention the fun online multiplayer mode, but it won't take long to question whether this is essentially the same game as its two predecessors. Still, the free-flowing third-person combat feels great, the stealth and detective elements are deliciously tense, and the well-written story has a few exciting twists and turns. And boy, is it a good-looking game: playing the Xbox 360 version on a 60-inch LED TV helped elevate the overall experience.
Bottom line? As long as you go in knowing Batman: Arkham Origins is essentially the same kind of game as the two that came before it -- but with a new story and online multiplayer -- fans of the Caped Crusader will enjoy this deliciously dark action-adventure hybrid.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Do gamers want more of the same with these kinds of superhero games, or do they expect a brand-new experience when they throw down up to $60 for the disc? How does a developer know what's desirable by gamers?
Do you play games for the action or the story?
Game Details
- Platforms : Nintendo Wii U , PlayStation 3 , Windows , Xbox 360
- Subjects : Science : electricity , physics
- Skills : Thinking & Reasoning : analyzing evidence , applying information , strategy , Self-Direction : achieving goals , effort , time management , Collaboration : group projects , meeting challenges together , teamwork , Responsibility & Ethics : following codes of conduct , Emotional Development : handling stress , persevering
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Available online
- Publisher : Warner Bros. Games
- Release date : October 29, 2013
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Superheroes , Adventures
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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