Batman Returns Longplay (SNES) [QHD]

Game Info
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Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami
Year of Release: 1993

Game Review & Impressions
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When it comes to Batman Returns on SNES, there's not much to say. Konami adapted Tim Burton's Dark Knight sequel -- arguably one of the biggest movies of its time -- into an absolutely classic beat 'em up.

The game follows the plot of the film closely, with Batman trying to protect Gotham against the machinations of the nefarious, umbrella-wielding Penguin, and the ever-unpredictable Catwoman. Each stage is broken into two parts: a straight up fist fight against the Red Triangle Gang and its troupe of unsavoury circus performers-turned-gangsters, and a platforming section, where Batman must navigate obstacles and traps using his grappling hook, whilst continuing to knockout adversaries with a handy batarang or two.

The game boasts some excellent artwork, capturing the overall aesthetic of the Batman universe, and I was particularly impressed at the technical trickery used during the Penguin's Lair stage to simulate shafts of light. The level is bathed in shadow, save for shafts of light shining through windows somewhere in the foreground, which illuminate parts of the character sprites when standing in front of them - it's an impressive visual trick which I can't recall being used at this time.

What matters most, however, is that the player never feels less than a total badass as Batman. With a decent roster of fighting moves, ground-pounding thugs faces into concrete or slamming them against the back wall never gets old. It's a shame the game lacks any form of multiplayer, because this would have been a brilliant co-op experience, but I guess it made more sense for the game to stay true to the source material.

Information & Trivia
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Video Notes
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- 4:3 aspect ratio

Related Longplays & Videos
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Chapters
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00:00 Intro
04:37 Stage 1: Ambush in Gotham Plaza
09:48 Stage 2: Battle in the Streets of Gotham City
19:03 Stage 3: On the Prowl
23:23 Stage 4: The Penguin's Trap
28:35 Stage 5: To the Batmobile!
32:10 Stage 6: Circus Train
37:27 Stage 7: The Penguin's Lair
43:53 Ending

#batman #snes #retrogaming