Batman: Return of the Joker
Game by Sunsoft
Reviewed by Robby Cox
koi@magicnet.net
Size: 2 Megabits
Save: None
Released: 1992
Works with: all Game Boy versions

Opening Snide Remarks: I sure hope that Batman: ROTJ is better than the
original Batman.  

Gameplay: This game is tons better than the first Batman.  Batman plays much
more like you would expect Batman to. He can use his grappling hook, throw
bat-a-rangs, jump and grab structures, and punch. My only gripe with the
gameplay is that Batman has only one life. Fall into a hole, it's game over.
Run out of energy, game over. You can only get hit 5 times, then it's game
over.  There is a level select feature, though.

Graphics: The graphics are fantastic. This is where this game puts the first
Batman to shame. Batman is a large, well-detailed character, as are the 
enemies. There are also graphic effects galore. The water effect on the 
first level is the best that I have seen on the Gameboy.

Sound: The sound effects in Batman are excellent. They are much clearer and
more varied than the first game. There is a huge advancement here in the 
year between the first Batman and this game.

Music: The music is the one area where this game is not leaps and bounds 
ahead of the first game. The music is better than the first one, but not
by much.

Play Control: The control is very good.  Batman can spring-jump between walls
easily and effectively.  My only gripes are minor but should Batman have to
slide upon landing after a jump, and I don't particularly like that to shoot 
out your grappling hook, all that you have to do is press up. It leads to 
lots of misfires when you're not even trying to fire it.

Final Analysis: This game is excellent, but tough.  If you were scared off of
this game because of the pitiful first Batman game, give this game a try. You
will be very impressed, I know that I was.

Score
Gameplay: ****
Graphics: *****
Sound: ***
Music: ****
Play Control: ****
Total: 20 out of 25

Final Score: 80%

Currently Known Codes: None