This is why Batman: Arkham Knight is rated M for Mature

The ESRB has revealed why it has slapped Batman: Arkham Knight with a Mature rating.

It's the first time the series has been given an adults rating, and the reason obviously contains major spoilers. Do not read on if you care about that sort of thing.

It all boils down to scenes of torture, shooting unarmed civilians and some little swears. Check the full details below.

Content Descriptors: Blood, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence

Rating Summary: "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."

Batman: Arkham Knight is due for release in June on PC, PS4 and Xbox One.

Thanks Eurogamer