Batman Returns

PRESS START

An Introduction To Today’s Game

For years before the amazing Arkham games became a thing, if you were to ask what the best Batman game was, you would get a lot of answers pointing to this version of Batman Returns. Even today, looking back at it, you can easily see why.

It's a solid Konami beat-'em-up with big, beautiful pixel models, an amazing soundtrack that uses Danny Elfman's Batman scores, different types of level play styles, and a faithful retelling of the film's storyline.

Whenever I get a new retro device, it's usually one of the first games I try, not to test the system, but just because hearing the opening music makes me so happy.

Have 30 minutes to kill? This is the perfect game to throw on and make the time fly by. This has saved me from waiting room boredom for many trips to the doctor and dentist over the years.

So heat up some tater tots, grab a root beer, and get that SNES controller ready. It's time for Batman!

BEHIND THE PIXELS

Let’s Dive Into The Game

Batman Returns is a side scrolling beat 'em up that takes you through seven distinct scenes pulled directly from the 1992 film. Think Double Dragon, Streets of Rage type of gameplay.

You control Batman through Gotham's snow covered streets, crumbling rooftops, and the Penguin's underground lair, fighting wave after wave of the Red Triangle Circus Gang.

The combat system gives Batman a surprisingly robust moveset. Basic punches flow into high kicks, but the real satisfaction comes from the grab mechanics.

Walk into an enemy and Batman automatically grabs them, letting you slam them into the pavement, toss them into background scenery (shattering windows and destroying benches), or grab two enemies simultaneously and crack their skulls together.

The shoulder buttons let you block incoming attacks. Your utility belt isn't just for show either. Batarangs stun distant enemies, test tubes clear the screen in emergencies, and the grappling hook lets you swing kick across entire groups.

The game smartly breaks up the brawling with variety. Some stages switch to 2D platforming sections where you fire unlimited batarangs while navigating collapsing construction sites. There's even a Mode 7 Batmobile sequence where you race down a 3D road, machine gunning circus thugs on motorcycles.

Boss fights against Catwoman and the Penguin punctuate each major section. The game follows the film's structure closely, using digitized stills from the movie for cutscenes between stages. It captures Burton's dark, festive atmosphere remarkably well.

Graphically, Batman Returns showcases what the SNES could do in the right hands. The sprites are massive and beautifully animated.

Batman looks appropriately bulky and powerful, while circus enemies, from fire breathing clowns to skull faced bikers, are instantly recognizable. The environments nail Burton's gothic aesthetic with moody blues, shadows, and that perfect blend of Christmas cheer and urban decay.

Danny Elfman's iconic Batman theme weaves through the soundtrack. It’s so faithful and good, I’d put in among the systems best soundtracks and something I throw on every now and then when I’m editing.

The difficulty curve is well balanced across five settings. On normal difficulty, you're looking at about 45 minutes to complete all seven scenes. It's not the longest game, but Batman Returns never overstays its welcome.

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WHERE TO PLAY

• The original copy or emulation will be your best bet for tracking this down.

• Original Copies of the Game (All prices in USD)

  • Loose: $27

  • Complete: $115

  • New/Sealed: $270

GAME INFORMATION

Cover Art

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PREVIOUS POLL RESULTS

What’s your favorite SNES RPG?

• Final Fantasy 2 (IV) - 0%

• Final Fantasy 3 (VI) - 20%

• Chrono Trigger - 60%

• Earthbound - 20%

• Super Mario RPG - 0%

• Other (Write In)

Reader comments from the poll:

(Chrono Trigger) “Chrono Trigger hands down, followed VERY closely by FF2 (IV)… Yes, I rate FF2 higher than 3 because I absolutely love that game! I play all 3 of them at least once a year! I wish they would do a pixel remaster version of Chrono Trigger.” - Shen

Thanks, Shen! FF2 was my first RPG ever, so I feel the love for that game as well. I love that you play all 3 every year. It’s weird Square Enix has done nothing with Chrono Trigger for a while. I guess they don’t like money! - Crix

RETRO HARDWARE

Reading about retro games is great, but playing them is the real goal. This new Retro Hardware section is about easy, affordable ways to get those classics running without the headache.

Say hi to the Miyoo Mini Flip V2. This little beauty has taken so much of my free time since I picked it up earlier this year. Slightly bigger than the original GameBoy Advance SP, this has become my favorite device to take with me when I brave the outdoors and leave my protective man cave. (Scary!)

It comes pre-installed with thousands of games, easily playing everything up to the PS1, with some N64, DS, Dreamcast and PSP thrown in. Everything that came out before those, it plays perfectly, including a massive Arcade library.

I’m now an affiliate of MECHDIY, who excel in bringing childhood memories back through high quality retro devices. Click the picture below to receive a discount for the Miyoo Mini Flip V2.

GAME OVER

Why You Should Play This

Here's why you should still play Batman Returns today. First, it genuinely holds up. The controls remain tight and responsive, the combat still feels weighty and satisfying, and throwing enemies through department store windows never gets old.

Second, it represents something increasingly rare: a movie licensed game made with genuine care and craftsmanship. Konami didn't phone this in. They built a game that respects both the source material and the player's time. Every scene has purpose, every boss fight feels climactic, and the whole package comes together as more than the sum of its parts.

Third, if you love beat 'em ups, this is essential playing. It sits comfortably alongside Streets of Rage 2, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV, and yes, even Final Fight as one of the genre's 16 bit highlights. The move variety, the environmental interactions, the sheer brutality of Batman's attacks, it all clicks.

Play it and you'll discover a game that earned its reputation honestly. No gimmicks, no excuses, just Konami delivering exactly what the Dark Knight deserved. The Penguin's army awaits, Gotham needs you, and those clowns aren't going to throw themselves through windows.

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