Batman
| Developer: Ocean | Graphics: |
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| Publisher: Ocean | Sound: |
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| Year: 1989 | Difficulty: |
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| Genre: Action-platformer | Lastability: |
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| Number of players: 1 | Rating: |
6/10 | |
Also known as Batman: The Movie, this game closely follows the key scenes from Tim Burton’s 1989 film. It’s a sort of all-in-one experience, combining platforming sequences (levels 1 and 5), driving stages (levels 2 and 4), and a mini-game reminiscent of Mastermind at level 3.
The platforming sections? Dull, in my opinion, and the controls feel stiff—par for the course with Amiga platformers. The two driving levels, where you take the wheel of the Batmobile (first in car mode, then as a flying craft), are much flashier, albeit ridiculously difficult. On an emulator, though, armed with save states (or a cheat code), the game can be completed in no time.
There are several Batman adaptations on the Amiga, and I’d say this is the best of the bunch. That said, it doesn’t come close to matching its console counterpart (NES, 1990). This game is a glaring example of the Amiga’s woeful inadequacy when it comes to platformers. Compare for yourself: on Amiga vs. on NES. The former may have been flattered by the screenshots on the back of the box, but the latter has the atmosphere, pacing, and substance. My choice is clear.
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