Batman: Return of the Joker (1991)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Batman: Return of the Joker (1991)

Batman: Return of the Joker is a side-scrolling platformer with beat ’em up features, developed and published by Sunsoft for the Nintendo Entertainment System. It was released in North America in December 1991 and in Europe in 1992. The game is the second in Sunsoft’s Batman series on the NES, and is a departure from the original game by focusing on the comic-book version of Batman instead of the movie-inspired conception.

The story of Batman: Return of the Joker is self-contained and does not depict a pre-existing storyline. The game begins with Batman and Robin investigating a series of crimes committed by the Joker. The Joker has escaped from Arkham Asylum and is terrorizing Gotham City once again. Batman and Robin must track down the Joker and put a stop to his reign of terror.

The gameplay in Batman: Return of the Joker is similar to that of the original Batman game. Players control Batman or Robin as they fight their way through hordes of enemies. Batman and Robin can use a variety of weapons and gadgets to defeat their enemies, including batarangs, grappling hooks, and the Batmobile.

In addition to the main story mode, Batman: Return of the Joker also features a two-player cooperative mode. In this mode, two players can team up to take on the Joker and his henchmen.

Batman: Return of the Joker was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and faithfulness to the Batman mythos. It is considered to be one of the best Batman games ever made.

Gameplay

Batman: Return of the Joker is a side-scrolling platformer with beat ’em up features. Players control Batman or Robin as they fight their way through hordes of enemies. Batman and Robin can use a variety of weapons and gadgets to defeat their enemies, including batarangs, grappling hooks, and the Batmobile.

The game features a variety of levels, each with its own unique challenges. Some levels are set in indoor environments, such as Arkham Asylum, while others are set in outdoor environments, such as the streets of Gotham City. The game also features a number of boss battles, in which Batman and Robin must face off against some of the Joker’s most notorious henchmen.

Characters

  • Batman: The protagonist of the game, Batman is a skilled fighter and detective. He is armed with a variety of weapons and gadgets, including batarangs, grappling hooks, and the Batmobile.
  • Robin: Batman’s sidekick, Robin is a skilled acrobat and fighter. He is armed with a variety of weapons and gadgets, including birdarangs, grappling hooks, and the Batmobile.
  • The Joker: The main antagonist of the game, the Joker is a criminal mastermind and psychopath. He is armed with a variety of weapons and gadgets, including Joker venom, laughing gas, and a joy buzzer.
  • Harley Quinn: The Joker’s girlfriend and accomplice, Harley Quinn is a skilled fighter and acrobat. She is armed with a variety of weapons and gadgets, including a mallet, a baseball bat, and a joy buzzer.

Development

Batman: Return of the Joker was developed by Sunsoft, a Japanese video game developer and publisher. The game was directed by Keiji Inafune, who would later go on to create the Mega Man series.

The game was developed over the course of two years. The developers wanted to create a game that was faithful to the Batman mythos, while also being fun and challenging to play.

Release

Batman: Return of the Joker was released in North America in December 1991 and in Europe in 1992. The game was a critical and commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

Reception

Batman: Return of the Joker was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and faithfulness to the Batman mythos. It is considered to be one of the best Batman games ever made.

  • GamePro: “Batman: Return of the Joker is the best Batman game ever made. It’s got great graphics, great gameplay, and a great story. If you’re a fan of Batman, this is one game you don’t want to miss.”
  • IGN: “Batman: Return of the Joker is a classic Batman game that still holds up today. It’s a fun and challenging game that is sure to please fans of the Batman mythos.”
  • Nintendo Power: “Batman: Return of the Joker is a must-have for fans of Batman and side-scrolling platformers. It’s a great game that is sure to keep you entertained for hours on end.”

Legacy

Batman: Return of the Joker is considered to be one of the best Batman games ever made. It is a faithful adaptation of the Batman mythos, and it features fun and challenging gameplay. The game has been ported to a number of different platforms, and it is still enjoyed by fans today.

Batman: Return of the Joker has had a lasting impact on the Batman video game franchise. It helped to establish the side-scrolling platformer as a popular genre for Batman games. The game also introduced a number of new characters and concepts to the Batman mythos, including Harley Quinn.

Batman: Return of the Joker is a classic Batman game that is still enjoyed by fans today. It is a fun and challenging game that is sure to please fans of the Batman mythos.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Profile photo of Christopher

Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More