Batman Returns - Thoughts

Batman Returns was released for the Super Nintendo in 1993, following Tim Burton’s 1992 film of the same name. Developed and published by Konami, the SNES version was not a direct port of the other Batman Returns games released around the same time. Like many licensed games from that era, different platforms received very different versions, with the Genesis and Sega CD games taking a more action-platforming approach while the SNES game leaned fully into the side-scrolling beat ’em up genre.

That decision ended up working in the game’s favor. Rather than making Batman hop around like a standard platforming hero ala Mario, Konami built the game around Batman doing what Batman does best: stalking the streets of Gotham and beating criminals into the pavement with his fists and wonderful toys. The game sort-of follows the events of the film by the same name, sending Batman against the Red Triangle Circus Gang, Catwoman, and the Penguin, all while capturing the snowy, gothic atmosphere of the movie.

The SNES version of Batman Returns was generally well received and is still often remembered as one of the better Batman games of the 16-bit era. Its large sprites, moody visuals, music inspired by Danny Elfman’s score, and satisfying combat helped it stand apart from many movie tie-in games of the time. Reliable sales numbers for the SNES version do not appear to be publicly available, but the film itself was a major release, which helps explain why so many versions of the game were made across different platforms. For a licensed game from the early ’90s, Batman Returns on the SNES doesn’t feel quite like a complete cash grab because at the time Konami could really do no wrong.

What I Liked 😃

A Fun Beat ‘em Up

image: SNES A Day

Batman Returns should be the blueprint for how a beat ‘em up can be done. The controls are smooth, the contact with an enemy feels good and fists hitting faces sounds great. But above all, the different ways you can take out an enemy is so impressive.

Firstly, there’s the standard melee move set. This is Batman’s punch combo and is fairly effective on its own. But for variety, there’s so much more. He has a cape sweep that shoves Batman’s cape in enemy faces, dealing damage. He has a flying jump kick and a flying attack in which he glides toward enemies to take them down.

Then there are the grabs. When Batman picks up an enemy he can perform several takedown moves: a standard attack where he holds an enemy and punches them in the gut, a head toss where Batman picks an enemy up and slams them into the ground, a special toss that has Batman throw an enemy backward into a window or fence which is reminiscent of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle arcade games and finally the double whammy in which Batman takes two bad guys and butts their heads together.

Finally, there are Batman’s gadgets. He has the iconic Batarangs that he can sling at people. This is good for long range attacks. The spear gun is mainly useful for traversal but it does allow Batman to kick enemies as well. Being the prepared detective that he is, Batman also has prepared some chemical vials that he can throw down, damaging all enemies on screen.

Compared to other beat ‘em ups of the time, Batman has way more moves than any of them and more ways to dispatch enemies is always welcome. Basically, if you are getting tired of wailing on enemies one way, there’s always another option to keep the combat fresh and fun.

I’m Batman

image: Reddit

Licensed video games based on films can certainly be hit or miss. Some games don’t feel like the property they are trying to mimic at all like Cliffhanger or Home Alone. Others nail it right on the head. Batman Returns is definitely the latter.

From the Danny Elfman inspired music to the dark setting of the stages, you couldn’t ask for a more respectful recreation of Tim Burton’s Batman in the 90s. The game evokes both the dark tone and the campy-ness of the films, a line that Tim Burton was able to straddle so well. And through it all, you ARE Batman and are taking on the villainy brought on by the Penguin and his henchmen. Konami even took it upon themselves to digitize Michael Keaton, Michelle Pfieffer and Danny de Vito which was a nice touch. Sad about no Christopher Walken but we can’t have everything, can we? I have to also mention the moments where you get to drive the Batmobile which could be one of my favorite moments in the game. Navigating the mean streets of Gotham and getting to blow up enemies while in the Batmobile is one of those childhood dreams simply because the Batmobile always looked so darn cool.

What I Didn’t Like ☹️

Ever Dance With the Devil in the Pale Moonlight?

image: Substack

The boss fights are true to their movie counterparts visually (for the most part), but that doesn’t mean they were easy. I found several of the boss battles to be pretty challenging and frustrating. The first Penguin fight in particular stands out, with him flying across the screen, dropping explosive umbrellas, and attacking from awkward angles. Catwoman’s first fight can also be frustrating thanks to her fast movement and hard-to-avoid attacks. None of these bosses ruin the game as a whole, but they do cause some friction against the satisfying experience of Batman grabbing street thugs and slamming them into nearby walls. We want a challenge in our games, but we also still want to feel like we are Batman and I think the game fails in a few spots in that regard.

Taking It From All Sides 😳

image: Comic Book Video Games

Very suspicious title I know, but it perfectly describes the problem this game has as do most beat ‘em ups. The potential to get flanked by enemies and “pinned” in and take a ton of damage is high and it’s probably my biggest pet peeve of the entire genre. I want to be able to be Batman and be cool, but I don’t feel cool when my head is being bashed in by a bunch of hooligans and I can’t get out of a flank. This happened to me more than once and every time it was frustrating. I will say in Batman Returns I wasn’t flanked as much as games like the Golden Axe series for example, but it was still present.

Overall Thoughts 🤔

Batman Returns is probably one of the best beat ‘em up games ever made. It is certainly one of my favorites of the games I’ve played. It probably doesn’t eclipse the Turtles games but it definitely deserves to stand amongst those. The visual style of Tim Burton’s Batman Returns is intact and the combat is fun and varied. I loved beating up bad guys to the tune of Elfman and getting to drive the Batmobile, however short-lived, was a blast. I think some of the boss fights are frustrating and the classic dying from enemy flanking is unfortunately alive and well in this game. But I don’t think Batman Returns should be missed for those minor flaws. Get out there and be Batman!

Where Can I Play This? 🕹️

In 2026, Batman Returns on the SNES remains trapped in time. It has not been re-released on modern platforms or added to any digital storefront, so playing it today generally means tracking down an original cartridge or using emulation. Like many licensed games from the 16-bit era, it seems to be stuck between nostalgia and rights issues, waiting for someone to light the Bat Signal once again.

I played Batman Returns physically on the SNES. I beat the game. There’s not much in the way of collectibles or side content and once you’ve played it once, there’s not any tangible reason to go back except to have fun as Batman again.

Up Next 📅

Up next, we’re finishing the Darksiders series (for now) with the odd but interesting Darksiders: Genesis!