GRAPHICS SOUND CONTROL FRUSTRATION FUN FACTOR OVERALL

NES 1 Player Action There are many movie-based games on the Nes, and most of them suck. But for some reason the same doesn't apply for Batman. This happens to be the first Nes game I ever purchased with my own hard earned cash. Since I had spent all that money on it, you can bet I played the hell out it. I later sold Batman with my Nes, but when I rebought one this was one of the first games I got. I don't think I ever beat it when I was a kid (its one hard game), but I ended up beating it twice when rebought it. The plot follows the same one as the movie, but plot doesn't really matter in any movie-based games. So with that being said, on forth to all the blissfulness that makes up Batman. Graphics: These kinds of graphics could only be used in this type of game. Everything is shaded to be dark, yet realistic, and it's pulled off very nicely. All the character animations run very smoothly, with little to no choppiness. There are many different enemies in the game, but each one still has its own uniqueness to it. The cut scenes are in between levels are wonderfully detailed. There are almost no graphical glitches in this game, which is a rare feat to accomplish for an Nes game. Sunsoft really made a lot more serious look for Batman, and pulled it off like no other platformer. Sound: Every track in this game is memorable. I can never remember the tracks when I think about them, but when I hear one of the songs from Batman I always say, "oh yeah, this is that song from Batman". Which is probably what happens when everybody else listens to the soundtrack. Every tune is catchy and you might find your self unexpectedly humming along while playing the game. The sound effects are on par, with just enough not to screw up the magnificent soundtrack. Gameplay: Batman adds nothing new to the platforming world of the Nes, but it still stands above the rest, probably due its shady gameplay. Every level in this game is filled with darkness and shadows in every corner, which really adds to the playing experience. Batman's main form of attacking is punching, but you also have three more weapons that you will have to use at some point in the game. The level design is great, but it does get tiresome when you keep falling on the same jump over and over. The controls are good, but it takes about half a second for Batman to jump after you hit the button, which can lead to some problems. You also have the infamous wall jump to use at your expense, and are forced to use at some times. Overall, Batman is about as smooth as they come. Replay: This game is very challenging, not hard, challenging. Some of it is due to not being able to make the jumps, but a lot is made up of you (the player) developing new strategies to get past certain parts in the game that may seem challenging. That sounds like it came straight out of the instruction manual, but it's completely true and helps add to the greatness that is Batman. The game does get frustrating when you can't figure out that specific strategy, and will probably lead you to throwing the game at a wall. But mainly, the level of difficulty is maintained very well. ......BOTTOM LINE: Batman really does rise to the top of the platform genre with its nice blend of crisp graphics, catchy musical score, and dark, moody gameplay. You will probably get hooked on Batman immediately if you're a fan of action platformers, and even if you're not give it a try anyways... or if you already own it, play it again with the help of the Playa shrine, friend. -lynx561