Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (Batman 2 Return Of Joker (GB))

Member Name: thole09

Product:	Batman 2 Return Of Joker (GB)
Date:	25/01/09 (10 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Simple gameplay

Disadvantages: Graphics

"Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker" is based on the animated series of the same name. In it, the player controls Terry McGinnis who is better known as the "Batman of the Future". Joker, one of Batman's sworn enemies, was brought back to life through unknown measures and has taken a development lab under his control. Joker has also kidnapped Bruce Wayne; the original Batman and mentor to current Terry. It is up to Batman to liberate this facility from the Joker's control.

"Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker" is a side-scrolling adventure game and the title clearly reflects the genre. The player controls Batman and guides him through various stages of the development lab while encountering various henchmen of Joker's. In typical Batman fashion, there is a fist fight of epic proportions to rid the world of evil and progress further into gameplay. Controls are standard for games of this type which feature the arrow keys controlling movement, "A" forcing Batman to jump and "B" using one of Batman's signature punches or kicks. There are also numerous additional weapons Batman could uncover in his adventure, and these are all items which the player can wield to further assist through the levels.

The graphics observed through gameplay were poorly detailed and did not seem to be noteworthy. It was difficult to differentiate between the various henchmen as there was next to no design work used in creating different physical features. It seems that colour is the only guide through this title but even these were not used effectively. I found the "Batman of the Future's" insignia to be slightly on the pink side over the crimson red that is commonly seen.

Audio, like graphics, is also poor and features little variation while transitioning between stages of the game. I found sound effects to be below par in that each attack movement features a long, shrieking bass tone that does not accurately depict any sort of movement or attack.

There is no challenge to me met in "Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker". It all seems rather simple and can be rushed through with some ease. I wouldn't suggest that there is replay value to be had in this cartridge. For fans of the side-scrolling genre, there is minimal enjoyment to be experienced in this title.

Summary: Minimum appeal