Gamertell

Remember 20 years ago? OK, so maybe some of you don’t but that was when Batman starring Michael Keaton was released, helping to Bat-rocket launch the popularity of comic book-based movies. To honor the anniversary, Gamertell is looking back at the many Batman video games released throughout the years.

Here’s a chronological look back at 10 of the most popular (although not necessarily the best) Batman games released since 1989.


1. Batman: The Caped Crusader (PC – 1988)
This was one of the first Batman games to come out. In this action-adventure game you play as Batman and choose to pursue either Joker or Penguin (ah, the classics). The game is split into two different parts, one for each villain, and can be played in any order. Even though I was 5 when this was released, I remember playing this title and it being very fun. Also I remember not being able to figure out anything in the Joker portion. I would love to find this game again.

2. Batman (NES – 1989)
This platformer was based on the first movie (not the Adam West movie, though that should have been made into a game). What’s unique about this game is it was that you could use wall jumping, which you didn’t see much in super hero games. You also have several projectile weapons: batarang, batdisk and bat speargun, which are powered by pellet cartridges. This was also on the Genesis, but was significantly different, followed the movie more closely and included the Batmobile.


3. The Adventures of Batman & Robin (Genesis, Sega CD, SNES – 1994)
Based on the animated series. The game is different on the three systems. For example, the Genesis version is played as a 2D animated shooter, sort of like Contra. You can play as either Batman or Robin or multiplayer as both. You fight various bad guys from the series with infinite weapons. The other two versions involve Batmobile battles, and involve different villains.

4. Batman: Gotham City Racer (PS1 – 2001)
Based on The New Batman Adventures, you race your Batmobile against other Batman characters in their own nifty vehicles. The game also included clips from the series.

5. Batman Vengeance (PS2, GameBoy Advance, GameCube, Xbox, Windows – 2001)
Also based on The New Batman Adventures, after being framed for a crime he didn’t commit, Batman must venture out and find and put a stop to the real criminals. Oh and Joker is in the game too. This action style game was accepted mainly by fans of the animated series because of the style similarities.


6. Batman: Dark Tomorrow (Gamecube, Xbox – 2003)
Based on the comic series Batman. Commissioner Gordon has been kidnapped! Batman has to travel around the world to not only save him, but to battle Ra’s al Ghul who is the source of all this. There are other batman villains involved too. This game was actually rather poorly received when it came out, but it had a cool cover!

7. Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu (PS2, Gamecube, Xbox – 2003)
Multiplayer beat-em-up style fighting game, reminiscent of the Double Dragon and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle games. You can be Batman, Robin, Nightwing or Batgirl. Series of bad guys come at you and you have to fight them off before progressing to the next screen. You can also buy new moves for your character. The game is under a strict time limit which can be difficult even under normal mode. Definitely not a game for beginners.


8. Batman Begins (Xbox, GameCube, PS2, GameBoy Advance, Mobile – 2005)
Based on the movie of the same name, you play as Batman beating the tar out of criminals and trying to put a stop to Scarecrow. You start out as Bruce Wayne and work your way through training with Ra’s al Ghul just like the movie, then go on to combat foes using bat vision and other nifty bat weapons. There is even a part where you are chasing thugs in the Batmobile from the movie. I really enjoyed this game, especially the “stealth mode” Where you basically crouch down and no one can see you.


9. Lego Batman: The Videogame (Windows, DS, PS2, PS3, PSP, Wii, Xbox 360 – 2008)
It’s Batman made with Legos. Not only do you play as Batman but you can play as all the characters from the comics (even villains) each with special abilities that only that character can do. It doesn’t follow any specific genre, you are just Batman fighting villains in the city. You can even switch their costumes. There was also an iPhone and iPod Touch version released although it was significantly different from the console game.

10. Batman Arkham Asylum (PS3, Xbox 360, PC – 2009)
After being tricked by the Joker (ironically or appropriately?), Batman is locked in Arkham asylum and must now fight his way out using clever moves and strategies, and also capture the Joker before he destroys Gotham City. I can’t say much else more about this since it’s not out yet, but it looks great from the screen shots and reviews.

So as you see, Batman has come a long way in the video game world. He has had his ups and downs and fought Joker way too many times. Hopefully the movies and games will keep coming out and continue to improve with every title.

Read [Crave Online] Also Read [GamesRadar] Also Read [Gamertell]