Batman (Sega Mega Drive video game)

Batman also known as Batman: The Video Game is a video game released for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, which was inspired by the Tim Burton-directed Batman film from 1989. The Mega Drive/Genesis version was also produced by Sunsoft. Critics were impressed by its graphics, sound, and playability. The game is more faithful to the film's plot than NES version and features levels in which the player controls Batman's vehicles.

Levels

 * Gotham City Street: Batman fights his way through numerous henchmen on a rainy night in Gotham.
 * The Axis Chemical Plant: Batman comes in the chemicals factory Axis, fighting Jack Napier's henchmen, and then knocks Napier into the vat of chemical liquid, transforming him into the Joker.
 * Flugelheim Museum: Batman fights his way through a museum of henchmen, and fights the large, boombox-wielding henchman from the similar scene in the movie.
 * The Batmobile: Batman and Vicki Vale are inside the Batmobile, escaping from the Joker.
 * Gotham City Carnival: Batman, inside the Batwing, must cut off the Joker's parade balloons inflated with Smilex gas to save Gotham City.
 * Gotham City Cathedral: Inside the colossal city's cathedral, Batman makes the final showdown versus the Joker.

Similarities and differences from the Nintendo version
Unlike the NES, this version stays closer to the plot of the film, and features the Batmobile and Batwing in the form of horizontal shooting levels. While the NES version allows three unique weapons and unlimited continues, the Genesis version only has the Batarang as a special weapon with limited continues. The grappling hook is an additional item. The game also deviates from the film plot because, in the film, Batman attempts to save Napier from falling into the chemicals, but fails. However, in the game, Batman actually knocks Napier into the vat. This game has several cutscenes, with the player advancing to the next destination after defeating a boss character.

Like the NES version, the music was also composed by Naoki Kodaka.

Reception
IGN gave the game a review score of 6/10 saying that "Sunsoft's Batman accurately recreates the movie and it was certainly a welcome treat after seeing the import featured in early gaming rags. Unfortunately, the game is too short and not especially challenging." The game holds an aggregate score of 70% on GameRankings.