Batman Returns for the Super Nintendo is a video game adaptation of the 1993 movie Batman Returns. It is part of the beat 'em up style video game genre and was designed for the Super Nintendo/Super Famicom. Konami both developed and published this game.
Back in the old days, Batman games were unique because they showed that games based on superheroes could be really good. A big reason for this was that many of these games were made by Konami, a company that was one of the best game developers at that time before becoming very money-hungry later on. Konami worked on games with licensed characters like Batman and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TNMT), and during the 1990s, the results were at least good and made with a lot of enthusiasm. It wasn't just their own game characters that they cared about back then; they put effort into any game they worked on. I miss those times when they made such great games.
The Story
Join Batman in an acrobatic battle like no other! Gotham City is in the clutches of the Penguin, and it's up to the Dark Knight to take down his most fearsome enemies.
Hunt down the deranged Red Triangle Circus Gang using Batman's own gadgets and weapons. Swing from grappling hooks across collapsing rooftops, throw deadly Batarangs, and speed through the streets in the Batmobile, taking on mobs of thugs with smoke bombs, wrist-shields, and swarms of bats from Batman's Utility Belt.
Watch out for Catwoman's sharp claws and kicks, face off against the deadly Juggler, battle murderous Gargoyles and clowns armed with machine guns, and navigate through toxic sewers for a final showdown in the Penguin's lair!
The Graphics and Sound
The game's visuals are impressive, especially for its time. The audio is also well done, immersing you in the movie's atmosphere. The game is in 2D, but it's top-notch 2D with excellent enemy designs and overall graphics quality.
Regarding the music, it's decent, although I personally didn't pay much attention to it. It serves its purpose well when you're hitting enemies and things are blowing up, contributing to an overall good audio experience.
The Gameplay
In Batman Returns, you roam the streets of Gotham City, engaging in hand-to-hand combat with thugs. The gameplay is quite straightforward, and the controls are easy to pick up. If you find this game challenging, there might be an issue.
Batman relies on various gadgets to assist you as you progress through the game's lengthy levels. Speaking of the length, the game might feel long, perhaps because there were no memory cards back then. Nevertheless, you'll likely find it addictive, and you won't mind investing hours into it after giving it a try.
Throughout the game, you'll confront Catwoman and Penguin's henchmen, eventually facing off against Catwoman and Penguin themselves. There's even a level where you get to control the Batmobile, and it's relatively easy to maneuver. Batman Returns is a side-scrolling beat 'em up game, allowing you to throw enemies through glass and take on clowns, which is undoubtedly enjoyable. After all, who doesn't like beating up clowns?
This game offers good replay value. I'm pretty sure you'll find yourself playing again if you give it a try. It's genuinely a lot of fun. And yes, those criminal clowns are a highlight, for sure.
My Verdict
Batman Returns is a good game, and Konami did a remarkable job in adapting the movie into an SNES game. Many games based on movies tend to be disappointing, but this is a rare exception where a movie-based game shines. If you're in search of a high-quality side-scrolling beat-'em up for the SNES, this is definitely one worth adding to your collection.
Play it on the coveted Super Nintendo/Super Famicom or play it on a highly recommended emulator.
