The Adventures of Batman & Robin

"The Animated Series of Batman Hits with a Big BANG!"

I have to say I did not know what to expect when I first popped this game into my Super Nintendo console when I received it for my birthday. Batman Return's was a spectacular game, and Batman Forever was a joke. I held my breath and exhaled with relief that this was a remarkable game that more should be like. This is a near perfect side scroller with a few minor flaws and should be praised for probably being one of the best Batman games to date. You might think a game that looks like a cartoon might not be good and all but I'm telling you this game will exceed your expectations even if you are expecting a good game. I was very pleasantly surprised with this game and I'm very glad I own it. Read on to see why this game is one to play today.

Graphics:9/10

The graphics in this game look a lot like the animated series which is a good thing. Looking at these graphics remind you of playing the show. Batman, Robin and all the villains look just about the same and that is great if that is on a game. The backgrounds are good too. For example, on the roller coaster you can see the full amusement park in the back. Very colorful, and very noticeable objects throughout. The only thing that I think I would have liked better is if the characters were a little bit bigger in size. Sometimes they look a little bit to small and you might like them to be bigger. I for one like bigger characters. Other than that the graphics are remarkable for when this game was released.

Sound:8/10

The sound is very good too. The music goes very well with all the levels and fit perfectly. For the amusement park there is carnival type music and for the maze there is puzzling music. When Batman hits a bad guy they grunt in pain and the sound effects go well with the style of the game. It might have been cool if the characters talked but I guess the Super Nintendo couldn't offer that. Anyway, there could have been maybe more music at some points in the game but overall the sound was right on the money.

Gameplay:10/10

This is one of the better side scrollers that I have ever played. Yes, you do go around bashing enemies around like mugs, but there are also other objectives in the levels. For example, in ''Fowl Play'', you have to rescue museum workers as well as defeat enemies and such. Every level offers something a little different that you will get a little variety out of. I also like the fact that each level offers a different villain. For example the first level is Joker. In this level your objective is to take him down but in order to do so you must catch him. You will enjoy to roller coaster segment in which you have to chase him down. This is how the game offers variety. Other villains also included in this game other than Joker are Poison Ivy, Penguin, Catwomen, Harvey Two-Face, Scarecrow, The Riddler and even Clayface from the Animated Series. One more thing I would also like to mention about the gameplay you will like is for example the Harvey Two Face level. You are in the Batmobile chasing him down! It's a classic car chase! You will love how each level is a different story and you will fall in love with this remarkable gameplay.

Story:8/10

A bunch of your favorite villains are terroizing Gotham City and it is up to Batman to stop their reign of terror. On the way he will encounter many other obstacles in his path before he can take them to their rightful place in Gotham Jail. Pretty typical Batman script if you ask me. If their wasn't any villains, there wouldn't be any Batman so it all works out.

Challenge:9/10

On easy this game is pretty hard itself. Every level has something that is hard to get by. I would say this game is a challenging one indeed. Just wait until you get to ''Riddle Me This...''. You haven't seen hard until you've reached that level. You might never play chess again. I have beaten this game on easy, medium, and hard but it took years and mastering of this game to do. A very challenging game indeed, but it is a fun challenge so that is a good thing. Also, at the end you have to fight all the bosses again so that is a tough task. This game will have you scratching your head at various points.

Replay:8/10

I would say if you start this game on easy, you will want to try it again on medium, and hard. This game offers a lot of replay so you can beat your favorite villains again. I still play this game occasionally and I have had it for about 6 years. You do get passwords at the end of each level and that helps you go to the level of your choice. After beating it on all difficulties though, the replay has hardly any. Still, while it lasts it's very fun.

Buy/Rent:Buy

This is one of the best side-scrollers on the Super Nintendo. It offers great fun, great challenge and some memorable moments. If you are not a fan of the Batman series at least give it a rent. You will be pleasantly surprised. If you are a fan of the Batman series this game is defiantly for you. If you see this game somewhere I suggest that you pick it up for lots of gameplay and fun.

Overall:9/10

This game was extremely close to getting a 10. There are minor flaws which keeps it from a 10 but it's a 9.8 for sure. I suggest if you want a game that you can have fun with that you pick this up today. You will most likely not be disappointed and it is a game you can play on a regular basis. Do yourself a favor and pick up probably the best game in the Batman series for any system today.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/03/02, Updated 01/03/02