Nerdicus NES Review #73 : Batman Returns

Title :  Batman Returns

Publisher : Konami

Genre : Beat 'Em Up

Players : 1 Player

Release Date : 1993

Estimated Value (as of today's date) : $7-$9

You know, I was all excited when I realized that a sequel to the epic Batman game for the NES was released. After all, with Batman being such a raging success, you would think that they would just follow the same formula with Batman Returns. Well, not exactly.

First off, this game was developed by Konami, instead of Sunsoft which isn't a bad thing. After all, Konami has had a huge success with games in the past. Unfortunately, it seemed like they really didn't care about developing a good version of Batman Returns for the NES. The thing is, this game came out at the end of the NES era, and it was already released on the SNES and Genesis. So of course, they're going to focus their attention on the higher caliber systems, rather than focus on an outdated one.

That was the real problem in this time period (1992-1994). 8-Bit was on its way out, and 16-bit was taking over. For those of us who didn't have the 16-bit systems yet, we were basically left with scraps from the developers. Sad times...but it was bound to happen.

Well, let's get this over with. Batman Returns for the NES.

Just like the movie, it takes place after the defeat of the Joker and the arrival of the new villain The Penguin, and the anti-hero Catwoman. You take on the role of Batman with the daunting task of kicking everyone's arse in the game in a side-scrolling beat em up style game. Rather than the platformer elements that were apparent in the first game, this one is more like Double Dragon. Or better yet, BAYOU BILLY.

I am not even joking when I say this. This game is Bayou Billy with a Batman skin put over it. Can't really be that surprised, it's the same damn developer. The sound effects are similar, the music is similar, the play style is exact. I KID YOU NOT. This game is Bayou Billy.

And it's just as frustrating at times.

Most of the stages look like the above. Basic side scrolling beat em up. You kill enemies, collect health and power ups, and pick up weapons when they're available. That's about it. Visually, it's okay. I mean, the graphics are what they are for the NES. Compared to the SNES version, boy....this game doesn't even come close. The 16-bit versions were like eye candy. This one was like baby vomit. Seriously some of the enemies you can't even tell what they are.

There's the one stilt guy that you might remember from the movies, but he looks like a mish-mosh of pixels that doesn't even represent a human being.

They do introduce two side scrolling racing portion levels to this game where you can control the batmobile or the bat...boat? baterboat? i dont know what it's called....but even these stages aren't that entertaining.

One thing I did enjoy from this game are the awkward cut scenes. Seriously, some of the things that the characters say just leave you thinking..."whaaa?" Since when does Catwoman want to blow up buildings?

Well, that's Batman Returns for you. A step down from the original BATMAN, but still not a complete failure....just a typical beat em up with nothing special. If only they kept the same formula. Ah well....a good game to kill time for an hour...

Final Score (out of 5) :

Until next time. Keep on gaming!