Batman: Arkham Origins
Fun and intense Caped Crusader romp lacks ingenuity.
Parents say
Based on 15 reviews
Kids say
Based on 58 reviews
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Batman: Arkham Origins
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this game.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this is an action-heavy game with a strong emphasis on hand-to-hand combat and third-person shooter mechanics in the multiplayer modes. Players also can assume the role of the bad guys on the online games. Batman uses fists and kicks as well as special weapons to beat up the baddies. Some blood can be seen in the environment, along with dead bodies. The Joker and other characters might scare younger gamers. Finally, there is one sexually suggestive scene (a villain grabbing someone's buttocks), some profanity, and representation of illegal narcotics.
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What’s It About?
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
- Available online?: Available online
- Publisher: Warner Bros. Games
- Release date: October 29, 2013
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Sports and Martial Arts, Superheroes, Adventures, Great Boy Role Models
- ESRB rating: T for Blood, Drug Reference, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Last updated: August 25, 2016
Our Editors Recommend
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Batman: Arkham Asylum
Dark yet thrilling action game based on the Caped Crusader.
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Batman: Arkham City
While dark and violent, this superhero game is intriguing.
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Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition
Combative Dark Knight game has some blood and death.
For kids who love superheroes
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