My Played Video Games Review: Batman for the Sega Genesis
Batman is a side-scrolling action video game featuring fictional super-hero Batman released in 1990 for the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive. It was inspired by the 1989 Batman hit movie. It was produced by Sunsoft of Japan.
I think the game is better than the Nintendo NES version and it has some levels in which you can control Batman's vehicles.
The Story
The insane criminal super villain, Joker, is back. And he has got his crazy eye on Gotham City. Nothing less than total domination will satisfy his insanity! With the help of the hi-tech Batmobile and the Batwing, and with you as the Batman will be ready to stop the Joker in his schemes!
The Graphics and Sound
Just like that 1989 movie, Batman's graphics are dark and gothic. Since it is an earlier game, the developers did not take full advantage of the system but it looks quite well done. The minor enemies look the same, with no pallette swapping, but they look good somehow. Batman's color is a bit lighter, but it keeps him easy to see against dark backgrounds. The animation is just fine, but not groundbreaking.
Music is good. They are the proper side-scrolling and platforming tunes. But it is not that memorable but it gets the job done. The sound effects are a bit mediocre. They sound okay enough, but they are not really the kind you have not heard before.
The Gameplay
The gameplay is quite good. The controls are nicely responsive. You can punch, jump, do a double jump, do a low kick, and use a grappling hook, as well as throw your bat-style boomerangs. Most of the levels are platforming/side-scrolling style, with two driving stages: one with the Batmobile and one flying the Batwing.
The game is not boring. Aside from a few challenging areas, the game remains quite easy and short. The NES version is much more difficult, I think.
The somewhat easy gameplay hurts the game's replay value. But if all you want is a good 2D super-hero action on your Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, this is one of the games to get.
My Verdict
Batman on the Genesis/Mega Drive gives the Batman 1989 movie some justice in how well it sticks to the plot and capturing the mood. It is well made, with some good graphics, a nice soundtrack, and having some decent levels to beat.
Overall, for Batman fans or of the 1989 hit movie, this game most likely captured its essence in video game format. So if it sounds like what you kinda like, then go ahead and pick it up, and give it a go once you have put on your super-hero mask and cape.
Go and play this gem on the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive or play it on your favorite emulators.