: Game Reviews

- # - A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M -
- N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z -

B: Batman

As we all know, Movie based games rarely turn out well. So Batman for the NES is rare acceptation to this rule. Batman is side-scrolling action at some of its finest, and I don’t say that lightly.

The story in the game is loosely based on the story of the movie with the Joker as the primary villain, however they added a lot of other enemies that were obviously not in the movie. This seems to be the only way to pull off a decent movie game. This game also has some great graphics as well as one of the best soundtracks I have heard come from the NES. The level 1 Stage music is amazingly awesome, and totally pumps you up to punch some badies in the face!

Now onto the real reason this is a good game, the game play! It’s a platformer with some bat punching action. You also have the option to switch between 3 other weapons, which include the Batarang, Spear Gun, and Dirk. These items use up ammo though, so you have to replenish it by picking up little power-ups that drop from enemies. Each weapon is uniquely different and has its advantages and disadvantages in different situations.

Another unique part in this game is how the Platforming is presented. You have the ability to wall jump, which is essential to learn in mastering this game. You can use this to avoid falling down to a lower level, or taking a different rout around enemies. Also, there is a slight delay when you jump, so getting that delay down is also essential to mastering the game.

Overall, this is one of my favorite games for the NES, and definitely a must have in any NES library. It is also relatively easy to find in flea markets and swap meets. Play it!

Score: 4.5/5

B: Batman: Return of the Joker

You would think that after the success of their first Batman game 2 years prior, that this one would be just as good. I mean, all they really had to do was copy and paste it, add new enemies and powers and BAM, another good game (Megaman series). But no, they botched the job, and it wasn't even attached to a movie.

First of all, they increased the size of the characters, which means less room in the screen. This becomes painfully apparent coupled with the loose controls. Another thing you will notice, Batman can only shoot. You can get different power-ups and gun types, but that isn't really Batman’s Style.

For the good parts however, this game does look pretty good. The level designs and enemies look great. And the music is also pretty good, though not as rememberable as the previous games soundtrack.

However, my main beef with this game is how enemies attack you as soon as they hit the edge of the screen. This is most apparent on level 3, where the enemies throw tornadoes at your before you even see the enemy. This makes it very hard to get through a level without dying. Its just really poor design.

Overall, this isn't the greatest game, and this isn’t the worse game... it's sort of a middle of the road thing. It's really more of a disappointment then anything.

Score: 2/5

B: Batman Returns

Two years later and another Batman game for Nintendo. This time, based on Tim Burton's sequel, Batman Returns. This game seems to actually fallow the story of the movie far better then the first Batman game. Though this time its Konami's turn to take a swing at it.

This time, rather then the standard platformer, we get a brawler much like Double Dragon, or Battletoads. Though unlike those great games, this one is single player, and rather substandard. You will find yourself using the same move over and over again. And unlike those other good brawlers, this game is only single player... though it would have been odd having Robin in the game too.

They greatest part of this game though is how well it fallows the story. Everything stage and boss relates in some way to the movie, which is commendable. And it is more playable then Return of Joker. The soundtrack isn’t half bad either, though nothing that really sticks out.

Overall, it’s sort of a middle of the road game. The game-play might get a little redundant, though the boss fights present an interesting challenge (most of the time). It’s worth trying at least. Who knows, you might enjoy it more then I.

Score: 2.5/5

B: Bucky O'Hare

This is a really good game, and surprisingly, very unheard of. It’s a game that is based off of a cheap cartoon made in the early 90's that only lasted 1 season.

If you can get you hands on this virtually unknown game (if you don’t cheat and get the ROM), you will note that this game is extraordinarily difficult. But, fortunately, you get an unlimited number of lives. So if one section is bothering you, you get to start at the beginning of that room over and over again until you get to the next part.

This makes the game playable and very rewarding to play as you see yourself progress through the game. You also get to pick between 5 different characters that you can switch between just by hitting the select button.

The music is pretty good in this game, though it isn’t very rememberable. The only downside to this game is that once you beat it, you don’t really feel like going back and playing it again right away. Still an excellent game though and one of my favorites

Score: 4.5/5