We’ve talked Batman films now it’s time to talk Batman video games!!
Batman has starred in many video games over the past 20 years or so.
For this blog post we will take a look back at some of the early Batman games and talk about the most recent ones you are all probably playing or have played.
Batman: The Caped Crusader (1988)
Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Apple II, Commodore 64, MS-DOS, ZX Spectrum
This is perhaps the earliest Batman game to hit North America. The game had two campaigns
on it, Joker and Penguin. The graphic style for it’s time was actually pretty good almost an exact duplicate of the comic book art. You can see distinct differences however between playing it on Amiga and Commodore 64 in terms of graphics and music. Many fans seem to thing that the Commodore 64 version had better music.
Youtube Video Batman Caped Crusader
The first big Batman game to hit home consoles was on the NES.
Batman (1990) NES
Batman for the NES was a direct video game remake inspired by the 1989 Batman film.
This version of Batman is certainly an improvement compared to its predecessors. Graphics and storyline make for a pretty decent Batman video game for the NES.
Batman Returns (1992) SNES
Batman came back for more in the 1992 version which hit the SNES. There are actually 8 different versions of the game in total due to it being created by different developers.
There are notable differences between the NES and SNES versions.
NES Version: Created by KONAMI it features a beat em up style gameplay.The plot also follows the films plot almost exactly. It also features two shooting levels,Batman driving the Batmobile and the second with him driving the Batskiboat.
SNES: Also made by KONAMI and similar in style to the NES version but includes a wider variety of combat moves. It does not have vehicle levels but instead features levels where you defeat enemies by throwing Batarangs.
BATMAN in 3D
Now with the creation of the Nintendo 64 and Playstation Batman goes 3D.
Batman Beyond Return of the Joker (2000)
Basically a side scrolling style beat em up game based on the animated film.
Also notable was Batman: Gothan City Racer (2000) Playstation
Only released for Playstation it was a simple racing games based on The New Batman Adventures Animated series. This game was developed by UBISOFT.
Batman Video Games Today
PS3 and Xbox 360
Batman Arkham Asylum (2009):
This game is unlike any other Batman game that came before, with an open concept map you were free to explore everywhere. Batman was basically revitalized by this video game. Joker and his crew have taken over Arkham and it’s up to Batman to stop him but he will have to face some old enemies along the way.
Not only were the graphics, gameplay, and plot truly remarkable it also brought back many of the original voice actors from BTAS.
Mark Hammil as Joker, Kevin Conroy as Batman/Bruce Wayne, and Arlene Sorkin as Harley Quinn. Finally a Batman game fans had been waiting to get their hands on,
With the success of Batman Arkham Asylum fans were anxious for the next installment and they were not let down.
Batman Arkham City (2011) PS3 ,Xbox 360 ,PC
Batman Arkham City took what Batman Arkham Asylum had started and made it that much better. Gamers find themselves trapped in Arkham City now the home to all the prisoners and criminals from Blackgate and Arkham Asylum. Many old and new faces appear and a favorite enemy makes his debut, Dr Hugo Strange. Not only does Strange know Batman’s secret he’s taken control of Arkham City and the mastermind behind the so called “Protocol 10”. There is so many fantastic points I could go on about this game but it’s better to play it then to read about it!
Other notable Batman Games
Gotham City Imposters
That’s it for this blog entry talking Batman Video Games. Make sure you check in for the next 2 entries checking out the BEST and WORST/WEIRD Batman Merchandise!
Hope you are all enjoying Batman Week here on GCRN!!
-Tarah, The Risingstar aka Batgirl
Good Work Tara on bringing back old memories on Classic Batman Games, Nothing could be futher from the truth when it comes to Arkham City and Asylum. Those games feel like Virtual Gotham games. In regards to Batman for the NES, it’s more like a Ninja Gaidian Clone, I never beat it, but it gave me a run for my money. I’d forgotten that there was a ROTJ for the PS 1. In regards to the Underated Batman Returns Game (The Less said about Batman and Robin & Forever the Better, Check Out the Angry Video Game nerd on that Viral Blog), Batman Returns was Better on the SNES. It was a Final Fight Clone, but more satisfying. Sorry about the -9, I meant to put a ten. I dunno why the star system is acting up.
SIncerely,
-Jeremy Fein