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Similar to his cinematic history Batman’s foray into video games has been mixed. The Arkham series has received universal praise and Arkham Knight, the latest instalment to the franchise, has been released this week to yet again critical acclaim.
It seems fitting that Four of a Kind should focus on the Dark Knight’s gaming past, looking at the top four retro Batman games.
Readers may notice Batman Returns, often cited as the best classic game, has been omitted due to previously featuring on Four of a Kind: Comic Book Superhero games.
1. Batman (Amstrad, ZX Spectrum, MSX)
It would be impractical to not begin this week’s Four of Kind with the first ever Batman game.
Released in 1986, developed by Ocean Software, the game is a 3D isometric adventure wherein players take control of Batman. The objective was to explore the Batcave collecting seven parts of the Batcraft in order to rescue Robin. Gameplay is a traditional isometric experience, small rooms filled with puzzles to solve and enemies to defeat.
The music is mostly irritating, the enemies are strange, Batman’s stature is short and there is an overabundance of eyes mounted on the walls but the puzzles were challenging, the game is endearing and it continues to create a lot of nostalgia.
2. Batman: The Video Game (NES)
Loosely based on the film of the same name this 1989 NES title is a great representation of the Batman universe. The game is a model side-scrolling platformer however implements an unusual, for the time, wall jumping ability.
Throughout five levels players kick, punch and use three projectile weapons to defeat villains such as Deadshot and Nightslayer. Gameplay is strong and the graphics are detailed. Sound effects are both clear, recognisable and viewed as iconic amongst modern gamers. A negative is the game’s short length.
3. The Adventures of Batman & Robin (SNES, Sega Megadrive)
Released in the mid 1990s The Adventures of Batman & Robin is a game based on the brilliant animated series of the same name. Interestingly the experience differed depending on which console it is played on. The Sega Megadrive version is a side-scrolling platformer focusing more on action.
The pace of Nintendo’s port was slower, implementing a darker atmosphere and challenging puzzles. Fans still debate which of the two is better; many believe the SNES version is a truer representation of both the tv show and the Dark Knight’s character. Regardless both games have stunning visuals, the original voice cast of the animated show, strong sound effects and great gameplay.
4. Batman: Vengeance (Playstation 2, Xbox, GameCube, Game Boy Advance)
As The New Adventures of Batman was a continuation of Batman the animated series, renamed The Adventures of Batman & Robin during series two, Batman: Vengeance could be considered as a sequel to the aforementioned game.
Reception was average to mixed, criticism focusing mainly on the first-person mode which limits the player’s abilities; however it is one of The Caped Crusader’s better outings during this particular gaming generation. Though the visuals are poor the gameplay is okay but the finest aspects are; the plot, the cinematic cuteness, tone and the voice acting (again the original cast reprising their roles). Batman: Vengeance received a disappointing sequel, Rise Of Sin Tzu.
That concludes Four of a Kind’s look at Batman’s gaming history, As usual some Batman games haven’t made the list but do leave a comment to tell of your favourites.
Honourable mentions: Batman: Return of the Joker (NES, Sega Master System), Batman Begins (Playstation 2, Gamecube, Xbox), Batman: Chaos In Gotham and Batman: The Caped Crusader