Batman: Return of the Joker

Not many people played this sequel to the original Batman game. I think it's probably because this game is radically different from the first. The plot: Obviously, the Joker lives and returns to terrorize Gotham City. (One of the things that bothers me is that the Joker's return is never explained.) Batman also returns to defeat the Joker. However, this time, instead of punching, Batman uses several kinds of arm cannons to defeat his enemies. The weapons can also be charged up to delivery a cool kind of Super Attack.

The Good: The graphics are outstanding in this game, because they are big and comic book style. The sound is also good, but the first game had better tunes. Finally, there's a much needed password system of four letters, so you don't have to play the entire game in one siting.

The Bad: The cinema scene at the beginning is poorly edited; they stay on one shot of Batman for about ten seconds. The game switches levels with no explanation of why Batman's there. With the play control, Batman seems to move too fast or too slow, and the jumps are still awkward.

The Ugly: The amounts of hits needed to kill enemies is horrendous, especially for the bosses. In a boss fight, both Batman and the boss are allotted units of energy. Batman as 80,000 units, always to begin, and his opponents' strength increases with every level. This was a new idea, but it takes way too much time to kill the bosses.

I recommend: Pick this up, if it's selling for less than $8.

The Verdict: The Dark Knight walks again in a worth sequel.

Graphics A+

Sound/Music B+

Challenge B+

Play Control B+

Fun Factor B+

Replay Value B

Overall B+ links