Batman: Dark Tomorrow

"Batman:DT provides a flawed, yet fun Batman game!"

Once again, thanks to Kemco, we can go frolicking around Gotham City with everyone's favorite flying rodent. While Batman: DT serves up an enjoyable experience, some shortcomings prevent this game from reaching any great status.

The storyline is no doubt, the best in Batman game history, in the fact that it is based on the comic book version of Batman, and not the cartoony one of ''Vengeance.'' Batman must stop a lunatic from blowing up Gotham...sounds generic? Play the game and it gets better, trust me. The plethora of villians, including the Joker and Poison Ivy, to lesser known ones such as Killer Croc and Black Mask, are a plus.

GRAPHICS: Even though this game is being ported to all systems, it was originally built as a Cube' game, and thus, everything looks up to par, although nothing will blow you away. The graphics have nice touches, such as fog and rain, but the majority of the game is dark, which matches the mood, but doesn't really push the hardware. The cutscenes look well-done and despite the smaller disc size, I didn't notice much compression flaws. The game moves at a slower pace, and so do the animations, then Vengeance, but the detail is there, and appreciated. SCORE: 7/10

SOUND: The score is okay, nothing to brag about. The sounds effects really shine, from the Bat gadgets to explosions, everything sounds nice. The voice acting is mediocre, with some laughable characters. Overall, not a bad mix, but could've used more work in the voice department. SCORE: 6/10

CONTROL: There is quite a bit to do as Bats, and thus, he can be a pain to control at first. The fixed cameras (ala Resident Evil) are an annoyance, and can jar up your movements should you be running around. Also, the grappling hook system takes A LOT of patience to learn. I don't know how many times I died trying to figure the system out, but once you learn it, it'll work for you. The fights are standard kick/punch stuff, button mashing. No real depth, unfortunately. There is more of an emphasis on stealth, such as taking out a barrel with a batarang to kill a group of enemies. From what I understand, the control is A LOT WORSE on the X-box port, so be thankful the game was built for the Cube. Once you learn the controls, though, it becomes second nature. Have patience. SCORE: 6/10

GAMEPLAY: It is hard to score the game, because it was not what I expected. I was hoping for a suped-up version of Vengeance. What I got was Metal Gear Solid meats Batman. Common enemies can literally mow Bats down in seconds, meaning that running into a group of thugs spells out doom. Take the game slow, like a detective (which is the way Batman SHOULD be.) The slower pace WILL turn a lot of action fans off, but those who stick with it will find one of the best Batman games to date. Yes, it is slower, but the story pulls you in, and you really do feel like Batman. I hated the new gameplay at first, but now I'm hooked. Also, the game is very, very difficult. (I've been playing games for 15 years, so I assure you that I do not ''suck'' at games.) I seemed to die every 5-10 minutes for the first half of the game. The boss fights are a tad easy, and you have a forgiving continue system. SCORE: 8/10

FINAL THOUGHTS: Batman: Dark Tomorrow is definately of the best Batman games to date. However, I can't consider it one of the best superhero games to date because it definately has some problems to deal with. While games like Spider-Man and Dead To Rights are a lot better, this game stands above horrible games like Blade II and Superman 64. For die-hard Batman fans, and if you don't mind the slower pace then Vengeance, I would reccomend a purchase. For people wavering on the game, or casual gamers, definately rent it first. Patient gamers who stick with this will find a diffcult, frustrating, but ultimately enjoyable game. Hopefully, Kemco will iron out the issues and the next DT game will simply rock!

OVERALL SCORE: 7/10 (not an average)

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 03/24/03, Updated 03/24/03