Reviewed
05.07.2000
Publisher
Sega
Developer
Sega
Format
CD
Origin
Domestic
Available
1993
(USA)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Adjustable
Dimensions
2D/3D
View
Side/3rd
Person
Genre
Action/Driving
Players
1
Options
6
Button
Requires
n/a
Importable
n/a |
INTRO:
> Don't be fooled by the notion that every Sega CD game is just
the Genesis version with CD music. Of course, I wonder why that would
be a negative point as many people complained about the Genesis' music
abilities. Anyway, the Sega CD version of Batman Returns (BR) contains
all the side-scrolling action levels of the cartridge plus a whole new
multi level, multi vehicle driving game! Top that off with a sweet
soundtrack and you have a lot of potential.
GRAPHICS:
> The action levels are pretty basic with dithered sprites and decent,
albeit dark locales. Batman doesn't have a ton of animation and neither
do the enemies. Where BR really shines is the addition of the driving
levels, thanks to the amazing ASIC chip in the Sega CD. The driving
levels, which come in between each action level, range from the streets
of Gotham city, to a winter wonderland, and even the sewers of Gotham City.
The Sega CD pumps out SMOOTH, fast, convincing 3D scaling amazement from
start to finish. Easily the best looking driver of the 16 bit era...
CONTROL:
> The action levels are acceptable. Basically punch, kick
and jump your way through traps and bad guys. The driving levels
are nothing short of perfect. As a matter of fact, Sega threw in
the option to play either action or driving levels only. Your objective
is to drive down the roads (and sewers), shoot enemy bikers and cars, and
ultimately defeat the various mid level and end bosses.
SOUND:
> The music is even better than the excellent original soundtrack
of the hit movie. We're talking orchestral might in the hearing department.
Definitely something you'll never get sick of listening to. Meanwhile,
the sound effects range from average to above average. You'll hear
engine revs, bullets firing, explosions galore, screeching tires, and more.
FUN:
> As stated before, you can play the full game, the action levels
only, or the driving levels only. The game is fairly challenging
even on the easy setting so don't expect to breeze through it. Basically,
Sega took an average action title, added amazing driving levels and a sweet
soundtrack, then succeeded in producing one of the most fun Sega CD titles...
|
