Summary
The Best Adaption Of The Original Film.
The Good
Easily, this is the best adaption of the original movie. The game follows the plot of the movie exactly, from the turning of Jack Napier into the Joker, the cutscenes, the mini bosses, and the ability to control both the Batmobile and the Batwing. The graphics are dark and detailed, and have very fluid animation. If it could be done in the film, it can be done here.
The Bad
The only thing that is really missing from this game to make it a complete experience is Danny Elfman's score. The music isn't bad, but the game's overall feel would have been enhanced with the film's signature themes (or even Prince's songs might have sufficed). Batman's jumping is also a little sketchy at times, but not enough to ruin the overall experience.
The Bottom Line
Of all the Batman games that were released in 1989-1990, Sunsoft's version for the Genesis holds true to the film, which was rare for movie-based games of the time (which usually took incredible "artistic liberties" with the plot). The gameplay remains interesting due to the cutscenes and sharp graphics, and the vehicle levels break up any potential monotony to be found in the game. While not an enduring classic, it's definitely worth a look for Bat-fans, and a solid game in its own right.
