THE GOTHIC ELEMENTS IN BATMAN (ARKHAM ASYLUM VIDEO GAME)

Abstract

Gothic in literature is known as a genre stressing in a horror situation and
supernatural event/creature. Gothic is not only found in literary work such as a
novel, but it can also be found in modern media such as video game. Unlike novel,
gothic in video game can be identified from the text as well as audio visual and it
has more than one method to be analyzed. The focus of this research is identifying
the existence of the gothic element in Batman: Arkham Asylum video game. The
gothic element occurs in two aspects: settings and atmosphere. Employing  qualitative method, the data that consist of picture or screenshot will be analyzed
and explained about the gothic elements. The researcher uses theory from Robert
Harris, he listed several elements of gothic in literature. The result of analysis
found that element of gothic in this game, can be identified in two aspect, settings
and atmosphere of the game. Setting of this game has a function to built a mystery
through building and the secret in it. The characters and scene of this game also
help in showing an overwrought emotion such as fear and sadness.
Keywords: atmosphere, Batman, character, emotion, gothic, setting.