Batman Returns (MCD, 1993)(Driving part only)
Graphics-7.5 Sound-8 Control-7.5 Challenge-8 Story-6
Level Design-6.5 Frustration-9 Fun-6.5 Originality-5.5
Overall Score-6.5
+
Smooth scaling (and some rotation; also used in the cutscenes which are pretty good if short) and good draw distance
Difficulty options (only normal or training however, no. of lives to start with) and control config
Satisfying explosions
Jumps via ramps (need to dodge obstacles in mid-air later on)
Mini-bosses
Pretty good bosses overall (multiple destructible parts for most of them, minor puzzle element to some)
Can tackle enemies into obstacles outside of the road
Some large and detailed sprites
+/-
Time limited levels
Mostly a killathon (the sewer levels are instead longer obstacle courses without enemies)
Pretty limited missile ammo
Partial HP refill after each sub level
Cutscenes have no relation to the story
No batwing level
No mid-level checkpoints
-
Kinda repetitive (no alternate main or secondary weapons and no weapon upgrades, no alternate paths within or between sub levels, no platforming or obstacle dodging in the first 3 levels and then only that in the fourth besides the boss (level 5 has both and a little bit of platforming but it's very frustrating), repeats the level 4 boss in level 5)
Some control issues (can't make tight enough turns to consistently dodge enemy missiles (should be doable at lower speeds realistically - have to try and approach them during straights and dodge from afar, also makes some of the sewer levels not flow that well), no proper auto-fire (fires a volley per press and only if you hold the button down for a sec which takes some getting used to), a bit too much knockback when bouncing into walls in the sewer levels)
Harsh time limits after a few sub levels
Sometimes choppy framerate (vs the first main boss for example)
Difficulty spike at level 4 (sewers, especially the third and fifth sub levels, again near the end of 5-5 with its awkward jumping and level 5 not giving you any missile ammo)
The frequent slopes can get annoying since your shots don't follow along the road and will therefore miss the target
Some trial & error (how ammo barrels are placed, some boss patterns)
The road, explosions and objects could've been a bit desaturated and/or enemy missiles differently colored to make enemy sprites and missiles stand out more
Level 5-5 is kinda dull and the final boss overly drawn out
Somewhat weak shot sfx
Sometimes cheesy and kind of unfitting music (level 3)
Kinda lame ending which doesn't reference the movie
Notes:
-If you play the full game then you get 4 driving levels, not 5
Level Design-6.5 Frustration-9 Fun-6.5 Originality-5.5
Overall Score-6.5
+
Smooth scaling (and some rotation; also used in the cutscenes which are pretty good if short) and good draw distance
Difficulty options (only normal or training however, no. of lives to start with) and control config
Satisfying explosions
Jumps via ramps (need to dodge obstacles in mid-air later on)
Mini-bosses
Pretty good bosses overall (multiple destructible parts for most of them, minor puzzle element to some)
Can tackle enemies into obstacles outside of the road
Some large and detailed sprites
+/-
Time limited levels
Mostly a killathon (the sewer levels are instead longer obstacle courses without enemies)
Pretty limited missile ammo
Partial HP refill after each sub level
Cutscenes have no relation to the story
No batwing level
No mid-level checkpoints
-
Kinda repetitive (no alternate main or secondary weapons and no weapon upgrades, no alternate paths within or between sub levels, no platforming or obstacle dodging in the first 3 levels and then only that in the fourth besides the boss (level 5 has both and a little bit of platforming but it's very frustrating), repeats the level 4 boss in level 5)
Some control issues (can't make tight enough turns to consistently dodge enemy missiles (should be doable at lower speeds realistically - have to try and approach them during straights and dodge from afar, also makes some of the sewer levels not flow that well), no proper auto-fire (fires a volley per press and only if you hold the button down for a sec which takes some getting used to), a bit too much knockback when bouncing into walls in the sewer levels)
Harsh time limits after a few sub levels
Sometimes choppy framerate (vs the first main boss for example)
Difficulty spike at level 4 (sewers, especially the third and fifth sub levels, again near the end of 5-5 with its awkward jumping and level 5 not giving you any missile ammo)
The frequent slopes can get annoying since your shots don't follow along the road and will therefore miss the target
Some trial & error (how ammo barrels are placed, some boss patterns)
The road, explosions and objects could've been a bit desaturated and/or enemy missiles differently colored to make enemy sprites and missiles stand out more
Level 5-5 is kinda dull and the final boss overly drawn out
Somewhat weak shot sfx
Sometimes cheesy and kind of unfitting music (level 3)
Kinda lame ending which doesn't reference the movie
Notes:
-If you play the full game then you get 4 driving levels, not 5