LYNX: Batman Returns
From: Robert Jung (ap803@cleveland.Freenet.Edu)
Date: 06/17/92-07:22:20 PM Z
From: ap803@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Robert Jung)
Subject: LYNX: Batman Returns
Date: Wed Jun 17 19:22:20 1992
Geez, wouldn't you know that new Lynx games would come in exactly when I'm
out of town? And of all cards that could get released, one of them had to be
BATMAN RETURNS, the biggest Lynx title of 1992...
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BATMAN RETURNS
1 player, horizontal game
Atari Corp., for the Atari Lynx
$44.95
Stereo? No
OVERVIEW:
Yes, Bruce Wayne's back, in this Lynx license of the 1992 hot summer movie
with Keaton, Pfeiffer, and DeVito. Catwoman and the Penguin have formed an
alliance, and their plan is to defame Batman and place themselves in political
power. Now Batman must save both the town and his reputation, while bringing
in his opponents for their punishment.
Closely mirroring the movie's plot, BATMAN RETURNS makes you the defender
of Gotham City, as you run, jump, and fight through four scrolling levels.
Your enemies are a motley crew of thugs, police, and penguins, while you fight
back with Batarangs, acid vials, and your fists. Even with battle armor,
Batman is a frail creature with limited health; if he takes too much damage,
the game ends.
GAMEPLAY:
As the description implies, BATMAN RETURNS is an action-arcade game in the
traditional run/jump style. You have a limited amount of Batarangs and acid
vials, though icons throughout the game give more equipment and health. While
the general location of enemies is fixed, their actions and appearances are
not, making patterns impossible.
This is a hard game, as the deck is clearly stacked against the player.
You have one life, no continues, and no passwords to defeat a seemingly
endless number of opponents and their various attacks. Though four levels
might not sound like much, each level is dozens of screens large, and the high
difficulty of this game will make finishing the first stage a major
accomplishment.
GRAPHICS/SOUND:
The graphics on BATMAN RETURNS can do no wrong. Gotham City on the Lynx
perfectly captures the unique architecture and moody atmosphere of the movie.
The enemies are distinctive and easily identified, and Batman's acrobatic
flips and cape-flapping jumps are among the best effects ever on a Lynx. A
pulsating theme music plays in the background, while the majority of game
sounds are recognizable but not noteworthy.
SUMMARY:
BATMAN RETURNS is a respectable action game, and the Lynx version would be
equally enjoyable on any other platform. It offers solid action and a serious
challenge wrapped up in a hot license, making a package that's guaranteed to
sell more Lynxes.
GAMEPLAY: 8
GRAPHICS: 9
SOUND: 6.5
OVERALL: 8
Rating values 10 - 8 Great! This game can't get much better.
7 - 5 Good. Average game, could be improved.
4 - 2 Poor. For devotees only.
1 Ick. Shoot it.
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