Batman Forever is a beat ’em up video game based on the movie of the same name. Though released by the same publisher at roughly the same time, it is an entirely different game from Batman Forever: The Arcade Game. The game was followed by Batman & Robin in 1998, itself based on the movie of the same name.
Gameplay
The player plays as either Batman or Robin. There is also a fighting game mode called “training mode” where the player can play as Batman, Robin, or any of the enemies found throughout the game against either a computer-controlled opponent, against a second player, or cooperatively against two computer opponents.
The controls are largely based on move lists and key sequences. Some gadget moves involve moving away from the enemy right before pressing a punch or kick button.
The gadget list is selected by the player at each level, with three standard gadgets for each character and two gadgets selected from a list. There are also four hidden “blueprint” gadgets.
Development
Acclaim used motion capture technology to animate the digitized sprites. Warner Bros acquired Acclaim’s motion capture technology for the film, before Acclaim used it for the game.[3]
Reception
| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| AllGame |   (SMD)[7] (GG)[8] |
| Electronic Gaming Monthly | 1.25/10[6] |
| HobbyConsolas | SMD: 83/100[4] SNES: 90/100[5] |
The four reviewers of Electronic Gaming Monthly praised the Game Gear version as having graphics that are virtually identical to those of the Genesis and Super NES version, but overall dismissed the game due to poor controls, explaining that “Punching enemies is nothing more than a delayed sequence that continues well after the enemy is dead.” They gave it a 1.25 out of 10.[6] GamePro also gave it a negative review. They remarked that the graphics are technically impressive but dull due to their lack of onscreen objects and interesting backgrounds, and concluded that “the sluggish gameplay, mediocre graphics, and weak sounds really kick this cart to the bat curb.”[9]
References
- ^ “CTW Games Guide”. Computer Trade Weekly. No. 553. United Kingdom. 4 September 1995. p. 56.
- ^ “Software List (Released by Soft Licensees)”. セガ 製品情報サイト (in Japanese). Sega. Retrieved May 15, 2023.
- ^ “Acclaim Stakes its Claim”. RePlay. Vol. 20, no. 4. January 1995. p. 71.
- ^ “Batman: Forever”. HobbyConsolas (in Spanish). No. 49. October 1995. pp. 80–81. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
- ^ “Batman: Forever”. HobbyConsolas (in Spanish). No. 49. October 1995. pp. 78–79. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
Batman Forever Marquee
