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List of video games featuring Batman

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Batman from DC Comics has appeared as the main character in a number of video games created for various platforms for over 20 years.

1980s

Batman (1986)

Main article: Batman (1986)

A 3D isometric action-adventure game was released under the Batman licence by Ocean Software for the Amstrad CPC, Amstrad PCW (monochrome), ZX Spectrum, and MSX microcomputers.

Batman: The Caped Crusader (1988)

File:Batman caped crusader.jpg
Box cover of Batman: The Caped Crusader
File:Amiga caped crusader.png
Screen from the Amiga version of Batman: The Caped Crusader

Batman; The Caped Crusader was developed by Special FX Software (Jonathan Smith, Charles Davies, and Keith Tinman) and published by Ocean Software for the 8-bit home computers such as the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64 and by Data East for other platforms such as the Apple II, Commodore Amiga and PC in 1988.[1] It was an arcade adventure, using comic book style panels to show the action. In this game, Batman is faced with two of his most well-known adversaries, namely The Penguin and The Joker. The game is split into two different parts, one for each villain. These parts are separate and can be played in any order. Batman uses punches and kicks and his batarang (a thrown weapon) in order to fight the villains' henchmen as well as solving puzzles.

On its original release, Your Sinclair awarded it 9 out of 10,[2] praising the colorful and expressive graphics and the inclusion of two separate adventures. Computer Gaming World also gave a positive review, praising the graphics, particularly the Atari ST's graphics over the C64's. However, it was noted the game emphasizes mazes and puzzles over beating up bad guys, and as such did not quite meet expectations.[3]

Batman (1989)-(1990)

In 1989, and 1990 video games inspired by the 1989 Batman film were released for the Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Mega Drive, MSX, ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, Amstrad CPC, GX4000, Amiga, Atari ST, Game Boy,[4], PC Engine, and IBM PC. A number of factors including licensing issues and system limitations created the scenario of each game being quite different on the different systems, particularly between the console and platform versions.

8-bit home computer versions

The ZX Spectrum,[5] Commodore 64[6], MSX, and Amstrad CPC[7] versions were licensed to then Manchester based Ocean Software (now Infogrames), who were famed producing a wide range of film-licensed games that consisted largely of a series of sub-games. When the Batman games were released in 1989, this style was relatively new, and the game was well-received by the video gaming press. British ZX Spectrum magazine Your Sinclair awarded the game 91% on release.

16-bit home computer versions

The Commodore Amiga,[8] Atari ST,[9] and IBM PC[10] versions were similar to the above 8-bit versions, but the extra memory, processor power, and graphic capabilities were put to use in the second and fourth levels, creating a full 3D effect instead of the side-scrolling subgames present in the 8-bit versions.

PC Engine version

The PC Engine version[11] of the game was released for the PC Engine in Japan on October 12, 1990. The game featured gameplay similar to that of Pac-Man.[12]

1990s

Batman (1990)

Main article: Batman (arcade game)

In 1990, Atari released an arcade game based on the Batman movie. It was a scrolling fighter. [1]

Batman: Return of the Joker (aka. Revenge of the Joker)(1991-1992)

Main article: Batman: Return of the Joker

A Sunsoft game released for the NES, Genesis (Revenge of the Joker) and Game Boy; a Super NES version was planned but later canceled. It is a typical platforming game, with specialized boss fighting at the end of the level. It has nothing to do with the movies, and was possibly canceled due to the bad performance of the NES and Genesis versions.

Batman Returns (1993)

Main article: Batman Returns (video game)

Batman Returns appeared on several different consoles: Atari Lynx, Sega Game Gear, Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Master System, Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, Sega Mega-CD, Super NES, Commodore Amiga and PC. These games are generally quite different from each other as they were developed by different companies. The Sega versions were produced by Sega itself, the Nintendo versions were developed by Konami, and the Atari Lynx version was developed internally at Atari.

The Super NES version is an action game with three game modes: a scrolling fighter, a straight 2D platformer, and a Batmobile stage; it also uses the soundtrack of the film.

The Mega Drive/Genesis version is a 2D platformer. It was later ported to the Sega CD, which adds the 3D Batmobile and Batboat levels, as well as Red Book audio. GameTap added this version of the game to their website on March 7, 2008.

The NES version is a combination of scrolling fighting, platforming, and Batmobile and Batboat driving, though vastly different from the SNES one.

The Atari Lynx version is a notoriously difficult platform game that was later bundled with the console.

Batman: The Animated Series (1993)

Main article: Batman: The Animated Series (video game)

Batman: The Animated Series video game was developed by Konami, and released for the Nintendo Game Boy in 1993.

The Adventures of Batman & Robin (1994)

Main article: The Adventures of Batman & Robin (video game)

These games are based on the Batman animated series of the early 1990s. Like Batman Returns, Konami developed and published the Nintendo versions, while Sega handled production for their own systems.

The Mega Drive/Genesis version is a 2D beat 'em up and shooter in the style of the Contra series, with some flying stages. It features the ability to play up to 2 player simultaneously as either Batman or Robin (there are no differences between both) as they fight their way against the Joker, Two-Face, Mad Hatter, and Mr. Freeze. The characters can use their unlimited weapons at a long distance from the enemies, while at close range the players use combat melee attacks. It is known for pushing the Genesis to its limits in special effects.

The Sega CD version consists of Batmobile chase screens. Between levels, the story advances through animated scenes that were created specifically for the game. The animated segments were developed by TMS, which also did some of the episodes of the original cartoon. Kevin Conroy (Batman), Loren Lester (Robin), Bob Hastings (Commissioner Gordon), Robert Costanzo (Harvey Bullock), Diane Pershing (Poison Ivy), John Glover (Riddler), Arleen Sorkin (Harley Quinn), Mark Hamill (The Joker), Paul Williams (The Penguin), John Vernon (Rupert Thorne), and Ron Perlman (Clayface) all reprised their roles from the animated series.

The Super NES version is a 1 player action/adventure game only (with Batman available). Most of the levels involve typical platforming schemes, although some levels require some searching and investigation (one involves the Batmobile). The player can use bat-gadgets, some of which are vital to complete a stage. A unique feature is the possibility to return to the Batcave in order to restart the level or retrieve some needed gadget. It is possible to continue the game by passwords (not available on Hard difficulty).

This version has more levels and villains than its Genesis counterpart. The villains that appear in the game are:

File:Batman vs joker.JPG
The Joker is the first villain in the SNES version of "The Adventures of Batman & Robin"

Batman Forever (1996)

Main article: Batman Forever (video game)
Main article: Batman Forever: The Arcade Game

In 1996, Acclaim released another arcade game. Like the previous one, it was also a scrolling fighter game. The player controls either Batman or Robin and has to guide them through various stages that are taken from the 1995 movie. This version was ported to the Sega Saturn, PlayStation, and PC.

Acclaim also released versions for the Super NES, Genesis, Game Boy, Game Gear, and PC. These games are based on the console version's Mortal Kombat engine. As such, the characters (Batman or Robin) move like in the fighting game. In addition, both have a supply of items in order to help them in diverse tasks.

Batman & Robin (1997)

Main article: Batman & Robin (video game)

Acclaim released a PlayStation version of the fourth movie.

Tiger Electronics released a version for its ill-fated game.com. It also was a tie-in for the handheld, the first Batman game rated T (Teen).

2000s

Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (2000)

Main article: Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (video game)

Batman: Chaos in Gotham (2001)

Main article: Batman: Chaos in Gotham

A Batman video game based on The New Batman Adventures animated series, it was released in 2001. It was developed by Ubisoft, and released for the Game Boy Color.

Batman: Gotham City Racer (2001)

Main article: Batman: Gotham City Racer

Batman: Gotham City Racer is a racing game based on The New Batman Adventures animated series. It was developed by Ubisoft and released on the Sony PlayStation. Many clips from the series were included in the game.

Batman Vengeance (2001)

Main article: Batman Vengeance

This Batman video game developed by Ubisoft, released for the PS2, PC, Xbox, and Nintendo GameCube.

Batman: Dark Tomorrow (2003)

Main article: Batman: Dark Tomorrow

Batman: Justice Unbalanced (2003)

Platform: Macintosh, Windows.

Batman: Toxic Chill (2003)

Platform: Macintosh, Windows.

Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu (2004)

Main article: Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu

Batman Begins (2005)

Main article: Batman Begins (video game)

Lego Batman: The Video Game (2008)

Main article: Lego Batman: The Video Game

Developed by Traveller's Tales for the PlayStation 3, Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, Nintendo DS, PlayStation Portable and Microsoft Windows, Lego Batman: The Video Game is based on the Lego line of Batman action figures, featuring a variety of characters from the Batman franchise.[13]

Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)

Main article: Batman: Arkham Asylum

Developed from Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3 & Xbox 360 and by Rocksteady Studios and published by Eidos. It features Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill from Batman: The Animated Series, reprising their roles of Batman and the Joker respectively. Exclusive Joker levels are only playable in the PS3 version.

Batman Arkham Asylum 2 (TBA 2010)

Main article: Batman: Arkham Asylum 2

Batman: Arkham Asylum sequel was announced in the 2009 Spyke Video Game Awards. Batman: Arkham Asylum 2 is its tentative title.

Other video game appearances

Batman is a playable character in the Justice League Task Force Super Nintendo fighting game,as well as the Justice League game for Game Boy Advance and is one of the main characters of the Justice League Heroes game released by Snowblind Studios for PS2, Xbox, DS, and PSP. Batman also make an appearance in the Justice League Heroes: The Flash game for the Gameboy Advance.

Batman, the Joker and Catwoman are playable characters in the crossover game Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe [2]. One of Batman's Brutalities in the game features the dark knight throwing a Batarang at the opponent which begins emits sonic shouts, attracting a swarm of bats that begin antagonizing the opponent, causing them to fall over and try and fight them off.

Batman is set to appear in the upcoming DC Universe Online for the Playstation 3 and PC.

The 16-bit Sega game The Revenge of Shinobi features a (non-authorized) Batman as a boss.

The 8-bit Nintendo Entertainment System game Final Fantasy features "Badman", a character with strong resemblances to Batman, as one of the enemies of the final area.

Awarding of licenses

Batman, Batman: The Caped Crusader and Batman: The Movie were produced by Sunsoft and Ocean Software, before the Batman Returns[3] license was passed onto Konami and Sega, and the Batman Forever and Batman and Robin[4] licenses were awarded to Acclaim. The video game version of Batman Begins was published by Electronic Arts.

References

  1. ^ Batman the Caped Crusader at SpectrumComputing.co.uk
  2. ^ Berkmann, Marcus (1989). "Batman: The Caped Crusader review". Your Sinclair (37). Retrieved 2007-10-19. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  3. ^ Wilson, David M. (June 1989), "Caped Crusader Combats Crime", Computer Gaming World, pp. 20–21{{citation}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  4. ^ Batman - Game Boy
  5. ^ Batman - ZX Spectrum
  6. ^ Commodore 64
  7. ^ Batman - Amstrad CPC
  8. ^ Batman - Commodore Amiga
  9. ^ Atari ST
  10. ^ Batman - IBM PC
  11. ^ Batman - PC Engine
  12. ^ "Batman - The PC Engine Software Bible". Retrieved 2006-01-02.
  13. ^ http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=145768 Holy LEGO, Batman! - www.computerandvideogames.com
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