Batman: The Video Game

Batman, also known as Batman: The Video Game, is a platform game developed by Sunsoft for the Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Genesis, and Game Boy, loosely based on the 1989 film of the same name. The NES version contains five levels culminating in a showdown with the Joker in the bell tower of Gotham Cathedral. It was received well despite changes from the movie it was based upon.

Sunsoft followed up the release of Batman with Batman: Return of the Joker.

Gameplay
The game has a feature that was unusual to side-scrolling platform games at the time, largely to the NES itself. Unlike Sunsoft's Batman for the Mega Drive/Genesis, Batman has the ability to wall jump, which is reminiscent of Ryu Hayabusa's wall scaling in Ninja Gaiden. He is also able to use three projectile weapons: the batarang, dirk, and bat speargun, which are powered by pellet cartridges. A number of DC comics villains appear as enemies in the game including Deadshot, KGBeast, Maxie Zeus, Heat Wave, Shakedown, and Nightslayer. The bosses in the game are Killer Moth, a device known as the Machine Intelligence System, the Electrocutioner, a machine known as the Dual-Container Alarm, Firebug, and the Joker.

Development
While Batman and Batman: The Caped Crusader were not based on a movie, this game was. The prototype version of the game had some significant differences, such as a 1UP icon and entirely different cut-scenes. The game's last boss was Firebug and there was no Joker boss. Instead, Batman defeats the Joker in the ending cut-scene. The art and dialogue were changed from the prototype to the final version to better reflect the look and events from the movie.

Genesis Version
A version for Sega Mega Drive/Genesis was also developed by Sunsoft. Unlike the NES version, it's plot has more similarities to that of the film.

Game Boy Version
The Game Boy version offers a much different experience; notably requiring more platforming and removing melee combat in favor of unique weapons.

Reception
Critical reception of the game was mostly positive. The game holds an aggregate score of 78.75% on GameRankings for the Game Boy version.