Batman: The Video Game Overview
Batman: The Video Game for the NES adapts elements from the 1989 film into a side-scrolling action format. The player controls Batman, who is clad in blue, through five distinct stages that culminate in a final confrontation with the Joker at Gotham's Cathedral. These locations, which include the city streets and a chemical factory, are preceded by brief cinematic clips taken from the movie.
Combat utilizes a shared ammunition system for three projectile weapons: the Batarang, Spear Gun, and a three-directional Dirk. Defeated adversaries may leave behind items that restore health, add to this ammo pool, or simply increase the score. The character can also perform a specialized wall jump maneuver to navigate certain environmental layouts.
Opposition comes in various forms, such as robots, ninjas, and jet-pack troops, with a unique boss enemy awaiting at the end of each stage. Player progression is supported by a life bar and a system of three lives with unlimited continues, making the overall difficulty fair.