Batman Forever (video game)

:"For the arcade, PlayStation, PC and Sega Saturn game, see "Infobox VG
title = Batman Forever


developer = Probe Entertainment, Acclaim Japan (Game Boy) Acclaim Studios London
publisher = Acclaim
designer =
engine = Mortal Kombat
released=1995, 1996
platforms = Super NES, Sega Master System, Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, Sega Game Gear, Game Boy, PC
genre = Beat 'em up
modes = Single player, 2-player
ratings = ESRB: K-A , ELSPA:3+
media = Cartridge
requirements =

"Batman Forever" is a beat 'em up game based on the movie of the same name.

Developers

The Super NES, Sega Mega Drive, and Game Boy versions were developed by Acclaim Studios London and published by Acclaim Entertainment. the Sega Game Gear and PC versions were developed by Probe Entertainment.

Gameplay

The player plays as either Batman or Robin. There is also a fighting game mode called "training mode" where the player can play as Batman, Robin, or any of the enemies found throughout the game against either a computer-controlled opponent, against a second player, or cooperatively against two computer opponents.

The controls are largely based on move lists and key sequences. Some gadget moves involve moving away from the enemy right before pressing a punch or kick button, which creates problems since the game only keeps the players facing enemies if they're close enough to each other. Those moves would often just turn the player around and cause the move to not execute at all, and while most are close-range abilities anyway, this presents a more major problem with Robin's Heat Gun, which would appear to be intended as a long-range projectile attack to complement Batman's Electric Pellet.

The gadget list is selected by the player each level, with three standard gadgets for each character and two gadgets selected from a list. There are also four hidden "blueprint" gadgets.

Version differences

The Super NES and Genesis/Mega Drive versions of the game present very glaring differences. The two most prominent ones are the constant load screens (where the game will display "HOLD ON") on the Super NES version, and the much more forgiving controls on the Genesis version. Many reviewers cite such difficulty with the Super NES controls that they couldn't even figure out how to use the gadgets, even with the move list in the manual. The PC version is the same as the SNES and Genesis versions but has superior graphics and Batman & Robin wear different costumes.

Examples of the odd controls on the SNES version:
*Up to jump
*Select to shoot a grappling hook
*Select+Up to shoot the grappling hook up for Batman or Robin to travel one floor up (Select must be pressed slightly before Up, though)
*Right or Left twice, then Y to somersault forward
*R+Down to jump down one floor (R must be pressed slightly before Down, though)

Due to the combination of poor music quality, stock villains, similarities to Mortal Kombat, and the awkward button combinations, the SNES version is said to be one the worst, if not "the" worst of the Batman games.

Co-op

There are two kinds of Co-op modes in "Batman Forever". Players chose between Batman or Robin. In one mode, Batman and Robin work together and cannot harm each other. In another mode, however, Batman and Robin can beat each other senseless, but they still need to look out for enemies. Not available on Game Boy and Game Gear systems.

Trivia

*There are "riddles" sprinkled throughout the game but they are rather incidental, more of a red herring to distract the player.
*On the SEGA Genesis version, upon hitting start after selecting your options, you hear the voice of Tommy Lee Jones (as Two-Face) say, "If that bat wants to play, we'll play!" This line was actually from the movie but was dropped in the theatrical version and subsequent home video versions. It can only be heard in previews.

References