see deal Batman Arkham Knight - Xbox One $14.99 on Gamestop

The scenes earning Batman: Arkham Knight

Loading

Last month, we revealed Rocksteady's concluding chapter in the Arkham series would be the first to get a rating other than T for Teen by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). Now, the reasons for the decision have been revealed.The ESRB's explanation centers on a scene in which someone is tortured on "a bloody operating table", though also mentions moments where you can shoot unarmed characters and a hostage. This raises the question of whether you may play as another character as some stage, as Batman is renowned for his refusal to kill. The full text is as follows:"This is an action-adventure game in which players primarily assume the role of Batman as he battles several villains spreading chaos across Gotham City. Players traverse a variety of locations around Gotham while battling thugs, examining crime scenes, and occasionally rescuing hostages. Players engage in melee-style combat using punches, kicks, and gadgets (e.g., batarangs, explosives). Enemies cry out in pain when struck, and some takedowns are highlighted by brief slow-motion effects and loud impact sounds. Some sequences allow players to use tank-like vehicles with machine gun turrets and rockets to shoot enemies; a vehicle's wheels are also used to torture an enemy in one sequence. Cutscenes depict characters getting shot (on and off camera) while restrained or unarmed. Large bloodstains/pools of blood appear in crime scenes and in the aftermath of violent acts; one room depicts a person torturing a character on a bloody operating table. During the course of the game, players can shoot unarmed characters and a hostage. Neon signs in a red-light district read “live nude girls” and “XXX.” The words “b*tch,” “gobsh*te,” and “a*s” appear in the dialogue."When we recently got to play the game, we agreed it shows Bruce Wayne at his darkest . For more on Arkham Knight, check out our full interview with Sefton Hill , founder of Rocksteady. And for more on Batman cutting loose, check out Batman's 9 Most Violent Moments

Luke Karmali is IGN's UK News Editor. You too can revel in mediocrity by following him on Twitter