I can't find ways to praise Arkham City more than it has over the past week. It's a great game with a feel of it's own, making it a sequel that doesn't overshadow it's predecersor but complements it rather well. So instead of talking about how great the stealth mechanics feel or how I love the complexity of the combat, I'd rather mention the uncomfortable moments it made me feel.
Even before I read Film Critic Hulk's criticism of the games sexist portrayal of Catwomen and other's in the game, I reacted to their depiction with uneasiness. The kind of moments that would make me feel embarrased if my wife walked into the room to see what I was playing. Don't get me wrong, I know Catwoman is suppossed to be sexy. It's part of her femme-fatale charm. But it just reinforces the idea that some aspects of games are made towards a very broad audience that applauds T & A being shown in games.
The games constant use of the word "bitch" went less noticed by myself until I started paying attention and it also sounds like not much thought went into finding viable alternatives to it. I have to agree that if the words come out of deranged criminals, it makes sense to hear them say that but this is a game that will be played by lots of people, hopefully under proper guidance. If not, these sort of things reinforce stereotypes and form opinions that are not easily shaken.
Rocksteady should be praised for their work on an overall excellent game. I played it and finished it over the course of 3 days, having a lot of fun and getting better at the challenges found in the Riddler's Revenge mode. I also think that game makers need to be more socially responsible about the media they present. Not because they need to censor themeselves, but because even controversial subjects need to be expressed with valid context to assure their ideas had merit and consequence thought out. It's just being responsible about their creation and owning up to it. If they can show those sequences with Catwomen and Poison Ivy to their wives, mothers and girlfriends without being ashamed at them, then it's fine. If not, we need to rethink this "maturing" medium of ours.