Batman: Arkham City

Bibliographic Information: Rocksteady. (2011). Batman: Arkham city [Video Game]. Warner Bros. Rated: Teen. ASIN: B007SRM5U6

Summary and Evaluation: The Caped Crusader returns in this sequel to the 2009 acclaimed Arkham Asylum.  Voted 2011 game of the year and received with critical fanfare, Bruce Wayne finds himself arrested and imprisoned for declaring opposition to Arkham City but escapes only to fall into the criminal populace of the city with villains Penguin, Joker, Two-Face, Hugo Strange and more plotting together to overthrow Arkham City and destroy the Dark Knight.  Matters turn less desirable for Batman when is unconsciously submitted with a blood transfusion infecting him with a slow but progressive fatal disease.  In order to contain the disease, Batman has to ironically seek the aid of long time nemesis Mr. Freeze—but not without performing some less than heroic tasks for his enemy.  With an abundance of plot twists, endless game-play, open-world environment, and (of course) gadgets, Batman Arkham City is enormously fun and entertaining to play.

Genre: Game

Subjects: Batman, superheroes

Interest Age: 13+

Challenge Issues/Defense: Due to violence, this game may be challenged. If so, refer to:

1.     The San Francisco Public Library Collection Development Policy, Selection Criteria, and Teen Collection documents.

2.     A hard copy of the ALA’s Library Bill of Rights.

3.     Reviews from IGN, Game Informer and Gamespot.

4.     Game selection rationale.

5.     If necessary, The San Francisco Public Library’s Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials Form.

Reason for Selection: This game was an IGN “Editor’s Choice” winner, and Game Informer gave it a perfect 10, as well as calling it “the best licensed video game ever made” (Wikipedia, 2013). The graphics are lush and the storyline is stellar. Every gamer has to play this one.