In 1992, Batman Returns was released in theaters. In 1993, a game was released under the same name. Movie cash-in? Maybe. But it was designed so well and offered plenty of fan service to be considered a success, and both Batman fans as well as beat ‘em up loyalists found a lot to like in Batman Returns.
Batman Returns Storyline
The plot in Batman Returns follows that of the film’s closely. The Penguin and Catwoman, as well as the Red Triangle Circus Gang, all take on Batman as he tries to bring safety to Gotham. Regardless of its film roots, Batman Returns is a game that can be enjoyed by gamers who have watched the movie just as much as it can be by those who never have.
Batman Returns Gameplay
When Batman Returns was released, beat ‘em ups were an ever-growing craze. It joined dozens of other popular franchises, but that didn’t take away from its appeal, as fans of Gotham’s Dark Knight instantly gained interest in the title. Years later, Batman Returns is still a fun beat ‘em up experience, even despite the fact that its age is apparent.
Simple brawling mechanics are the primary focus of Batman Returns. Batman can throw punches, he’s efficient with his feet, and he even has a few gadgets in his repertoire. The Dark Knight can even grapple his enemies and toss them at each other, or even better, into walls, windows, and sidewalk benches.
Enemies aren’t too varied, and a lot of the goons Batman will take on repeat often, causing gamers to create strategies and use them over and over. Luckily, there are some pretty tough boss fights at the end of each scene, so the game’s not without its challenge. And with an adjustable difficulty, the game can be enjoyed by gamers of different skill levels.
Graphics and Sound
Batman Returns features a dark and brooding atmosphere. The simple SNES graphics actually manage to create a great representation of Gotham City that genuinely feels dangerous. The music is also an homage to the series, with dramatic themes heard throughout. It can easily be said that the game’s visual and audio presentation are a direct ode to both the Batman Returns film and the Batman franchise in its entirety.
Lasting Value
Because this is a SNES era beat ‘em up, it’s hard to expect a game like Batman Returns to offer countless hours of gameplay. However, it’s a fun game while it lasts, and with varying difficulties, it warrants subsequent playthroughs and challenges gamers to try out the more brutal skill levels.
Batman Returns – Fun Beat ‘em Up Action in Gotham City
At the time of its release, Batman Returns was entering a world dominated by beat ‘em ups. Luckily, some solid brawling mechanics, addictive arcade-style gameplay, and a popular franchise were the main ingredients in this title. It may be a movie cash-in, but Batman Returns is a pretty good one at that.
4/5
David Sanchez - David Sanchez is a college student and freelance games jounalist. What was once a hobby for him is now a passion, and he looks to someday ...
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