Batman Begins

"Actually...WORST Batman game EVER. More linear than a Flash game."

I'd rather play Batman Returns for SNES or Batman & Robin for PS one. At least then I'd have a little more freedom to play how I wanted.

So here's what the game has to offer:

1) Good graphics. Of course, if you can't have good graphics in a superhero game these days then you made it at home.
2) Game extras include interviews and movies from Batman Begins.

That's about it. Want to use a batarang? OK, but ONLY WHEN it says to push the batarang button. As a matter of fact, you may only do ANYTHING when it tells you to do so. I think I had more control over the actual film.

Also, if you're looking for unique Batman gameplay, look no further than the 100 times you have to wait for an elevator. Apparently Batman was too early on in his life to remember he had a grappling hook. And, yes, you do use the grappling hook, but once again only when it tells you to push the right button.

The actual run-ins with enemies are a joke. You are given various weapons to use against enemies, but are only able to use them when they are unarmed and already scared. The game was compared to Splinter Cell and Metal Gear, but you are given no choice to avoid enemies or fight them. If they have guns, you're screwed unless the game has already set a scenario in place in which to frighten them.

The batmobile levels are the most enjoyable. That's not saying a lot, though. The difficulty lies in hitting cars with arrows over them and avoiding cars that don't. The enemy cars give you more "reputation", which scaring enemies (when prompted) does as well....but who cares?! It does nothing but continue to build up more reputation when prompted to scare more enemies.

If I wrote professional reviews, I would be less frank, but this is one of the most disappointing games I've ever played. Batman seems more cowardly than his enemies. I might as well have watched somebody else play the game and gave my thumbs a rest because it would have made NO difference at all what so ever. This game sucks out all the fun of playing a video game.

Unless of course, you like being bossed around.

Reviewer's Score: 3/10, Originally Posted: 06/17/05