BATMAN: THE MOVIE (GX4000)
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Publisher: Ocean.
Developer: Ocean. Released: 1990. Genre: 2D Platformer; Driving. Other versions: AMI; CPC; SPC; C64; AST; MSX; GB. Posted 8th February 2013. By Chris Weatherley © 2013 |
Many of the iconic comic book superheroes have had their video game outings over the years, none more so than the rubber-suited and gadget-laden Batman, selflessly defending the unknowing not-so-innocents of Gotham City and looking damn cool in the process. He is one of the more recognisable and revered characters of the comic book ethos, becoming a regular hero-type to call upon in the digitised world, boasting a list of games longer than his Batrope. Starting way back in 1986 with an isometric adventure title, which would later provide the underlying mechanics to the legendary Head Over Heels, Batman’s video game career got off to a flying start. In 1989, Tim Burton’s big screen Batman blockbuster was released, and never one to miss an opportunity, Ocean pulled off their customary movie tie-in trick. They had an instant hit on their hands in 1990 with Batman: The Movie spanning across all common platforms of the era, with the Amstrad version being one of very best of the 8-bit titles. Sadly again Ocean got lazy with the GX4000, porting the game from the CPC original, merely adding a new title screen. However, like Klax it was a high quality game to begin with and was one of the most popular titles on the GX during its short reign. Along with Burnin’ Rubber, it is the most common title available with many copies still doing the rounds.
Following the significant scenes of the 1989 movie, your objective is to guide Batman in ridding the city once and for all of the maniacally insane Joker. To do this you first traverse the platforms of Axis Chemicals, then a race to the Batcave in some side scrolling Batmobile racing action. Then a simple puzzle game awaits you before jumping into the Batwing to ruin the Joker’s murderous gas plan. Finally, returning to the platform style of the first stage, you ascend the Gotham City Cathedral for the final climactic showdown with the crazy clown himself. It’s an accurate and slick presentation, quite faithful to the movie, and there’s a nice variety of genres all packed into one title. The platform sections are the most enjoyable, with several routes to opt for in reaching your nemesis. This adds an ounce of freedom to the stages and with bad guys and hazards aplenty, makes for a very challenging and satisfying task upon completion. During this, Mr Bats only has his agile Batrope and trusty Batarangs to call upon. These are unlimited as there are no power ups to speak of, but honestly you don’t need any as this minimalist setup works very well. The Batmobile and Batwing stages are very alike, scrolling to the right as you attempt to outrun the Joker’s stooges or cut the tethers of the gas balloons. Simple stuff, but again very tricky; with the most minuscule of movements proving unforgiving. Thankfully, the responsiveness is good, but not as sharp as it could have been. The Batcave stage is almost irrelevant, just pick 3 items to total correctly and that’s it. The main focus and interest of the game is in these platform stages.
When fired from a certain angle, badminton shuttles can be lethal
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In the eighties, people drove either a van, taxi or Batmobile to denote class
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The primary playability factor lies within said stages, and one thing that is remarkable in both is the effective A.I. of the henchman. Yes, they are merely three types of palette-swap clones and certainly no geniuses, but their behavioural patterns alter cleverly to your actions. Duck repeatedly, and they duck also to shoot your face off. Hide under a platform too long, they shoot down at you. It’s certainly not a case of repeating the same manoeuvres endlessly, adding yet more variance and intricacy. In fact, even without the clever enemy sprites and maze of platforms, things are as hard as nails from the get go. You have 3 lives, no continues and only one checkpoint per stage. That’s it. But don’t get downhearted because Ol’ Brucie has a very handy Batrope which can be used in some rewarding ways, as well as an unlimited stock of projectiles. This all equates to a nicely balanced and well-paced escapade that is easy to get to grips with, but demands you rise to the challenge laid down.
I find myself yet again muttering through gritted teeth that the graphics, while rather admirably done, lack the refinement the GX could have given them. The title-screen provides a good example of what could have been achieved with the rest of the game. However, staying with the positives; the colours are appropriate and bold, the animation of all the sprites is first-rate, the backgrounds are tidily drawn and well-judged thematically, all without appearing too blocky but still with that familiar smile-inducing 8-bit veneer. Some could argue the Batmobile and Batwing stages are too dark and repetitive, but clever use of colour and smooth scrolling makes them quite acceptable. The transitions from level to level are nice and original, and the life meter is a great idea; showing Batman’s face turning into The Joker’s as more damage is taken. For the CPC, these were tip-top visuals. If Ocean had been bothered to give the GX’s custom chipset a workout it could have looked utterly glorious like Robocop 2, but (sigh)…
I find myself yet again muttering through gritted teeth that the graphics, while rather admirably done, lack the refinement the GX could have given them. The title-screen provides a good example of what could have been achieved with the rest of the game. However, staying with the positives; the colours are appropriate and bold, the animation of all the sprites is first-rate, the backgrounds are tidily drawn and well-judged thematically, all without appearing too blocky but still with that familiar smile-inducing 8-bit veneer. Some could argue the Batmobile and Batwing stages are too dark and repetitive, but clever use of colour and smooth scrolling makes them quite acceptable. The transitions from level to level are nice and original, and the life meter is a great idea; showing Batman’s face turning into The Joker’s as more damage is taken. For the CPC, these were tip-top visuals. If Ocean had been bothered to give the GX’s custom chipset a workout it could have looked utterly glorious like Robocop 2, but (sigh)…
A typical Fathers For Justice poster, during their formative years
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Tape measure proves to be both versatile and strong for Bats
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More impressive is the soundtrack, with several moody Batman-ish 8-bit tunes that sound an absolute peach. Each stage has different music, all with overlaying sound effects which fit the bill nicely. The SFX in the platform stages are particularly noteworthy, with superlative gunshot sounds and explosions. It’s not perfect however, sometimes slowing down during heavy on-screen action and the sounds to tend to encroach on each other. Oddly, a neat shattering sound effect on the CPC original that precedes each stage is missing, which is a pity because it was a nice little addition. I have no clue why this as gone astray, I can only guess Ocean simply forgot about it.
Along with Robocop 2 and Pang, Batman: The Movie could have been one of the GX4000’s standout titles given to proper makeover. It’s a fine game as it stands, having many redeemable qualities across all departments, but playing it I just feel a little short-changed. The only real reason I haven’t scored this higher is because of its kinship with the CPC version, but that doesn’t take away the fact it’s a commendable third generation Batman title; very playable, looks and sounds great in the main and as tough to crack as Batman’s own morals.
Along with Robocop 2 and Pang, Batman: The Movie could have been one of the GX4000’s standout titles given to proper makeover. It’s a fine game as it stands, having many redeemable qualities across all departments, but playing it I just feel a little short-changed. The only real reason I haven’t scored this higher is because of its kinship with the CPC version, but that doesn’t take away the fact it’s a commendable third generation Batman title; very playable, looks and sounds great in the main and as tough to crack as Batman’s own morals.
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VERDICT
Visual: 8/10
Audio: 8/10 Gameplay: 9/10 Longevity: 9/10 OVERALL: 8/10 |