Batman (PC Engine) Playthrough/Who would've thought this could actually work? Joker certainly didn't

Batman (1990) by Sunsoft for the PC Engine is a rather unusual movie-licensed game based on Tim Burton's 1989 Batman. Instead of following the typical action-platformer formula most players would expect, Sunsoft took a surprisingly different approach and created a maze-based action game that feels much closer to classics like Pac-Man or even Mappy. You still take control of the Dark Knight as he fights against the Joker's forces, but the gameplay revolves around exploring labyrinth-like stages, collecting hidden objectives, and avoiding or defeating enemies rather than simply running from left to right. It's certainly a bold design choice, especially considering the popularity of Batman at the time. Visually, the game is somewhat disappointing considering what the PC Engine was capable of. While the graphics are clean and perfectly serviceable, they never truly impress. Character sprites are rather small, environments are repetitive, and many stages share a very similar visual style, making the overall presentation feel somewhat plain. Fortunately, this simplicity never becomes distracting enough to hurt the gameplay itself. The real graphical highlight comes from the story cutscenes, which are surprisingly detailed and beautifully illustrated. They capture the atmosphere of Burton's film remarkably well and clearly received far more attention than the in-game environments. As expected from Sunsoft, the soundtrack is one of the game's greatest strengths. Several tracks are recognizable rearrangements of music heard in the NES version of Batman, yet they remain excellent compositions in their own right. The energetic melodies fit the gameplay perfectly, while the darker themes successfully recreate Gotham City's atmosphere. Even when familiar tunes return, the overall soundtrack remains memorable, dynamic, and genuinely enjoyable to listen to throughout the adventure. Gameplay is where Batman truly separates itself from other licensed games of the era. Rather than simply defeating every enemy, each stage requires you to collect ten specific items before you can move on. Along the way you'll encounter numerous enemy types as well as environmental hazards such as moving cars and shifting platforms that constantly force you to stay alert. The mechanics are extremely straightforward, but that's exactly what makes the game so enjoyable. Everything is easy to understand, responsive, and immediately accessible. What impressed me the most is the sheer originality of the concept. Choosing a maze-based formula for one of the world's most recognizable superheroes was certainly a risky decision. Whether it was the right one is open to debate, but personally I found it surprisingly refreshing. After all, how many Batman games let you clean priceless works of art with a simple cloth? Moments like these give the game its own unique charm and show that the developers weren't afraid to experiment with the license. Unfortunately, the biggest weakness lies in the level design. Although the layouts themselves change from stage to stage, the environments often look far too similar and lack visual variety. More distinctive locations and richer backgrounds would have made the adventure feel considerably more memorable. In the end, Batman on the PC Engine is a game that deserves far more attention than it usually receives. It's one of the few movie-licensed titles built around a genre that most developers would probably never have considered for Batman. Its unusual gameplay may surprise players expecting a traditional action game, but thanks to its accessible mechanics, enjoyable pacing, excellent soundtrack, and original ideas, it's a genuinely fun experience from start to finish. It may not be the Batman game most people expect, but it's certainly one I can confidently recommend. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- #Batman #PCEngine #Sunsoft #RetroGaming #Playthrough #DCComics #MazeGame #MovieGame #ClassicGaming #RetroGames "Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio"