Summary

• Release Year: 1990
• Genres: Hack and slash/Beat ’em up, Platform
• Platforms: Sega Mega Drive/Genesis
• Developers: Sunsoft
• Publishers: Sunsoft

Batman: The Video Game (1990)

Released in 1990 for the Sega Genesis, Batman: The Video Game was Sunsoft’s second attempt at adapting the Batman license to video games, following the release of the NES game of the same name in 1989. Unlike its NES counterpart, which was a more traditional side-scrolling action game, the Genesis game was a more faithful adaptation of the 1989 Tim Burton-directed Batman film, featuring levels in which the player controls Batman’s vehicles, the Batmobile and Batwing.

The game was a critical and commercial success, praised for its graphics, gameplay, and faithfulness to the film. It is considered one of the best Batman video games ever made, and helped to establish the Sega Genesis as a major force in the 16-bit era.

Gameplay

Batman: The Video Game is a side-scrolling action game in which the player controls Batman as he fights his way through the criminal underworld of Gotham City. The game features a variety of levels, each with its own unique challenges. In some levels, Batman must use his grappling hook to scale buildings and avoid obstacles. In other levels, he must use his Batarangs to defeat enemies and solve puzzles. The game also features several boss battles, in which Batman must use all of his skills to defeat some of Gotham’s most notorious villains.

One of the most unique aspects of Batman: The Video Game is its inclusion of vehicle levels. In these levels, the player controls the Batmobile or Batwing as they navigate through the streets of Gotham City and take down enemy vehicles. The vehicle levels are a welcome change of pace from the traditional side-scrolling levels, and they add a lot of variety to the gameplay.

Graphics and Sound

Batman: The Video Game features some of the best graphics available on the Sega Genesis. The character sprites are large and detailed, and the backgrounds are lush and atmospheric. The game also makes excellent use of color, creating a visually striking world that brings Gotham City to life.

The sound design in Batman: The Video Game is also top-notch. The music is catchy and memorable, and the sound effects are realistic and immersive. The game’s voice acting is also very good, with Michael Keaton reprising his role as Batman from the film.

Story

The story of Batman: The Video Game follows the plot of the 1989 Batman film very closely. Batman must stop the Joker from terrorizing Gotham City and kidnapping Vicki Vale. Along the way, he must also deal with the corrupt police commissioner, James Gordon, and the mysterious Catwoman.

The game’s story is well-written and engaging, and it does a great job of capturing the atmosphere and tone of the film. Fans of the movie will appreciate the faithfulness to the source material, and newcomers to the Batman universe will find a compelling and exciting story to enjoy.

Overall

Batman: The Video Game is a classic superhero game that still holds up today. It’s a faithful adaptation of the 1989 film, with excellent graphics, gameplay, and sound design. Whether you’re a fan of the movie or just a fan of great video games, Batman: The Video Game is definitely worth checking out.

Review Score: 9/10

Review Score

7/10

Art

Cover Art

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