Plot. Gotham City, a city that is plagued and governed by crime and violence, is in preparation for the 200th Anniversary Festival since the birth of the city. At that time, Jack Napier, a former mob hit-man working for Boss Grissom, fell into a chemical vat during a raid at Axis Chemicals, and was transformed into the Joker. During the festival, the Joker comes out and releases a poisonous nerve-gas terrorizing the citizens. Vicki Vale, a shrewd photo journalist is a witness to the disastrous event and she was saved countless times by the Caped Crusader, Batman. Batman sets out to stop and take revenge on the Joker, who he recognizes as the murderer of his parents, when they were being mugged on their way home. It's up to Batman, to stop the Joker and save Gotham City from it's utter destruction, and also to avenge the murder of his parents.
Concept. This game is comprised of five different stages: Gotham Streets, Axis Chemical Plant, The Sewers, The Underground Caverns, and finally Gotham Cathedral. The game has scenarios similar to those of the original Ninja Gaiden. You fight against five excruciating bosses, until you finally face the Clown Prince of Crime, The Joker himself.
Design. Batman: The Video Game is a 2D side-scrolling video game. At that time in the 80's and early 90's, video games were just beginning to rise, and back then people believed that these games were something for kids, but as the years passed, even grown-ups played too. The design of the game was too similar to that of Ninja Gaiden, which was created by Team Ninja. My favorite stages were the Axis Chemical Plant, The Sewers and the Gotham Cathedral, which I found quite similar to the movie. The scenarios were also well made, but unfortunately you could not drive neither the Batmobile, or the Batplane.
Rantings. What I do not like of this game, is the cave boss, which as a bothersome bastard, worse than one of those bosses in the original Ninja Gaiden. Also, I was disappointed when you could not drive the Batmobile or the Batplane, and you could only drive and pilot these vehicles in the Sega Genesis version. My most hated enemies were the ones that were always running at you, and also this frog-like guy who's always jumping at you and then kills you. Those guys were a bother. Also, I did not like the Joker's design, because he wasn't even THAT tall.
Good Aspects. The game's music and gameplay were very well made at that time. Batman: The Video Game also had replay value, that fans of the comic book series, cartoon series, and movies would definitely enjoy. Most people believed that the Sega Genesis remake of the Batman game was a lot better than the NES version of the game. To me, this is one of those video games that take me back to my childhood days, when I used to play it all the time with my cousin, while I was living in the Dominican Republic, great times.
History. Batman has succeeded not only in comic books, but also in movies, tv shows, and even in video games. The direct sequel to this game is Batman: Return of the Joker, but it is not related to the 1989 movie. Batman spawned so many good games over the years. Only reason I'm writing this review, is not because I'm a huge fan of the Caped Crusader, but also I am looking forward to Batman: Arkham City for the PS3, and XBOX 360.
Overall. Batman: The Video Game lives on in the hearts of gamers of the older generation. I give this game an 8 out of 10