Batman: The Animated Series Game by Konami Reviewed by dM97 p_nguyen@ix.netcom.com Size: 4 megabits Save: no save feature Released: 1993 Works with: works with all GameBoy hardware (classic, Pocket, Light, Color) **************************************************************************** Opening Snide Remarks: A side-scrolling action game that's not too bad, considering how bad liscensed games usually are (i.e. Spiderman, The Amazing). **************************************************************************** Gameplay Descripion: Typical Konami logo starts things off and if you're not too eager to jump right into the game, Batman: The Animated Series (B:TAS) does have a game intro that is reminiscent of the cartoon (which is a good sign that the game's programmers may have watched the series at some point and that means this game shouldn't be half bad). B:TAS is a side-scroller in which you control Batman, although Robin does drop in for a cameo appearance. The 'A' button is used for jumping and the 'B' button is used for punching, although the buttons can be re-assigned in the options menu at the beginning of the game. Batarangs can also be picked up at various stages in the game and can be used by hitting the select key once to activate batarang use and 'B' to shoot (not the best way to go about things, but with only 2 buttons, I guess that's the best thing they could do). Lastly, having complete control over Batman's jumping ability is the key to beating this game. Batman can bounce off walls and ledges. Tapping 'UP' and the jump button will cause our Dark Knight to deploy his cable-gun, unlike the show however, it only shoots a short distance. B:TAS also has 2 difficulty setting, normal and hard. The only difference that I can tell so far is that Batman takes on more damage when hit on the 'hard' setting. Liked: Everything for the most part, especially the intro and having Robin be a playable character for 1 stage. Hated: The GameBoy's lack of extra buttons. **************************************************************************** Graphics Description: As stated in my previous reviews, I think Konami got the most out of the GameBoy screen in the pre-GBC era and B:TAS is no exception. Konami was really able to capture the look and feel of the animated show. The opening scene sets the mood and looks like it was very much inspired by the show. I like how Batman's cape moves along with the character. If Batman jumps, the cape flows with him and the same thing with Robin. The Joker has clown out-fitted henchmen and when Mr. Freeze shoots you, instead of just having you lose energy, Batman actually gets turned into a block of ice for a bit. It's little things like this that make me appreciate this game, even if it does frustrate me at times. All the sprites are well sized although at times, I wished things were spaced out a little bit more, but that's really more because of game control, than anything else. Konami even put in some thought to the backgrounds. When fighting on roof-tops, you can get the feeling of Batman being a night time fighter, as there is a moon drawn over-head and a dark Gotham skyline in the background. Lighted areas cast shadows to the walls and even when the levels are inside buildings, the rendered skyline can be seen through windows. Little stone statues that are so prevailent in the series also find their way into this game. B:TAS is probably one of the few older GameBoy games that doesn't really need a color make-over. Black and various shades of grey is what the majority of the game calls for, so a full-blown color version wouldn't really do much but add a little detail to Robin and the Joker. If this description is over-the -top, it's because I'm a big fan of the show, so I'm a bit biased and appreciate the little bits of nuance that Konami added to this game. Liked: Absolutely everything. Hated: Nothing. **************************************************************************** Sound/Music Description: The punching and jumping sounds are standard fare in B:TAS. Nothing really extraordinary, but it does get the job done. The back-ground music for B:TAS on the otherhand, is good. The music compliments the game and helps in setting the tone and mood of the game. The opening theme from the show is used in the intro, although it does lose a bit of the Danny Elfman touch considering how limited the GameBoy's speaker is. Liked: Pretty much everything. Hated: Nothing. **************************************************************************** Play Control/Game Design: If there is a gripe with this game, the play control would be it. The use of the jump button and having it being doubled with the Bat-cable deployment is sometimes problematic. There are times where I wish to simply jump over the enemy and onto a different platform and instead, I wind up jumping and shooting the Bat-cable overhead. While this doesn't cause too much of a problem with game level play, fighting the bosses in confined quarters with this handicap can be very frustrating. Another complaint is that you only get one life in this game and 2 continues. I do however, like the game design of B:TAS. Having Robin jump into the middle of the second level is a nice touch and makes for a nice change in pace. Liked: Pretty good game design and faithful to the show. Hated: The 'jump' control and lack of more continues. **************************************************************************** Improve: The jump control needs to be tweaked out a bit and extra lives or continues. RIYL: Batman: Return of the Joker, any games from the CasleVania series, and Ninja Gaiden Shadow. **************************************************************************** Final Words: If you're a fan of the animated program, a Batman fan, or a comic book fan, then B:TAS is definately a game worth picking up. If you're into action games, B:TAS would make a good addition to your collection. I'm at a loss as to why there was never a follow-up to this game. Sega's Game Gear, put out 'The Batman and Robin Adventures' which was the second incarnation of the show and nobody took a stab at 'The New Batman Adventures', which is a shame. Warner Brothers isn't making any new episodes, so the chances of someone wanting to pick up the liscense for B:TAS is pretty slim for the time being. If we're lucky, Batman: Beyond might be the closest thing we'll see to a sequel of B:TAS... **************************************************************************** Score Gameplay: **** Graphics: ***** Sound/Music: ***** Play Control/Game Design: *** Personal Opinion: ***** Total: 22 out of 25 stars Final Score: 88% **************************************************************************** Currently Known Codes: None