Batman Returns (SNES, 1993)
Graphics-7.5 Sound-7.5 Control-7 Challenge-8 Story-6.5
Level Design-6.5 Frustration-8.5 Fun-6.5 Originality-5.5
Overall Score-6.5
+
Mixes 2.5D with sideview segments (with platforming) and a driving/rail shooter level
Can throw enemies into walls and knock their heads together
Special attack doesn't drain life if you don't hit anything
Pretty fast paced
Smart bomb (test tube - l/r+x - can't be used in the driving segment)
Block move (you still take damage though)
Difficulty and control options (three levels, starting number of lives)
Some interesting level design (penguin rockets, train obstacles, hit first sideview boss with a piece of the wall like in the movie)
Pretty good art direction
Large and detailed sprites
Basic cutscenes between levels
+/-
Can't perform combos on enemies while grabbing them
Can't move while crouching
Limited continues (only 3 on Normal)
No dodge move
Fewer gadgets than in the MD game
Somewhat short (~50-60 mins)
Can't aim up or down (nor sideways in 2.5D segments)
Can't move backwards in levels
-
1-player only
Inconsistent moves in the sideview segments (batarangs replace melee attacks, can't grab enemies, hookshot instead of item batarang, no special attack)
So-so hookshot controls (can only shoot diagonally upwards unless there's a wall directly in front of you, can't keep hanging in one spot)
Trial & error (plenty of cheap enemy placements in the sideview segments, bosses)
Unavoidable damage?
Overpowered catwoman boss (kills in 2-3 hits, isn't stunned by batarangs (knocked over instead but not hurt))
Sometimes unforgiving hit detection (catwoman's kick, swordman attack, machine gun box)
Some bosses can hit you again just as you get up from an attack (machine gun box, final penguin fight)
Pretty repetitive
No jump height control
Can't run
Bland intro (text and photos from the movie)
Level Design-6.5 Frustration-8.5 Fun-6.5 Originality-5.5
Overall Score-6.5
+
Mixes 2.5D with sideview segments (with platforming) and a driving/rail shooter level
Can throw enemies into walls and knock their heads together
Special attack doesn't drain life if you don't hit anything
Pretty fast paced
Smart bomb (test tube - l/r+x - can't be used in the driving segment)
Block move (you still take damage though)
Difficulty and control options (three levels, starting number of lives)
Some interesting level design (penguin rockets, train obstacles, hit first sideview boss with a piece of the wall like in the movie)
Pretty good art direction
Large and detailed sprites
Basic cutscenes between levels
+/-
Can't perform combos on enemies while grabbing them
Can't move while crouching
Limited continues (only 3 on Normal)
No dodge move
Fewer gadgets than in the MD game
Somewhat short (~50-60 mins)
Can't aim up or down (nor sideways in 2.5D segments)
Can't move backwards in levels
-
1-player only
Inconsistent moves in the sideview segments (batarangs replace melee attacks, can't grab enemies, hookshot instead of item batarang, no special attack)
So-so hookshot controls (can only shoot diagonally upwards unless there's a wall directly in front of you, can't keep hanging in one spot)
Trial & error (plenty of cheap enemy placements in the sideview segments, bosses)
Unavoidable damage?
Overpowered catwoman boss (kills in 2-3 hits, isn't stunned by batarangs (knocked over instead but not hurt))
Sometimes unforgiving hit detection (catwoman's kick, swordman attack, machine gun box)
Some bosses can hit you again just as you get up from an attack (machine gun box, final penguin fight)
Pretty repetitive
No jump height control
Can't run
Bland intro (text and photos from the movie)