# Batman: The Video Game (NES) Introduction ## Overview *Batman: The Video Game*, released in December 1989 in Japan, July 1990 in North America, and 1992 in Europe by Sunsoft, is a 2D action-platformer loosely based on Tim Burton’s 1989 *Batman* film. Players control Batman as he battles through Gotham City to stop the Joker’s deadly plot at the Axis Chemical Plant and Gotham Cathedral. Known for its tight controls, atmospheric visuals, and challenging gameplay, it’s celebrated as one of the best NES superhero games (*IGN*: Top 100 NES Games, #33). Critics praised its responsive mechanics and moody soundtrack (*Nintendo Power*), though its high difficulty drew mixed reactions (*Web:7*). Over 78,000 copies sold in Japan (*Web:7*). ## Why Play Batman: The Video Game? *Batman: The Video Game* delivers intense NES action across five stages: Gotham City Streets, Axis Chemical Plant, Gotham Sewers, Mysterious Laboratory, and Gotham Cathedral Belltower. Players control Batman, using punches (B), wall jumps (unique for NES), and three projectile weapons—Batarang, Batdisk, and Batpoon (A, powered by pellets)—to fight enemies like goons and robotic drones. The game spans 2-3 hours, with levels lasting 3-5 minutes. Its gothic 8-bit visuals, Danny Elfman-inspired soundtrack, and cinematic cutscenes appeal to *Ninja Gaiden Shadow* and *Spider-Man: Battle for New York* fans, distinct from *Need for Speed: Carbon*’s racing or *Captain Tsubasa V*’s sports RPG (*Web:7*). ## Key Features - Battle through five stages in a 2-3 hour adventure - 2D platformer with wall-jumping and projectile weapons - Fight the Joker and bosses like Killer Moth and Electrocutioner - Use Batarang, Batdisk, and Batpoon for ranged combat - Gothic visuals and iconic 8-bit soundtrack - Authentic NES gameplay on our retro ROM platform ## Key Differences: NES vs. Other Versions - **NES (1989/1990/1992)**: 2D platformer, wall-jumping, loosely tied to 1989 film (*Web:7*). - **Compared to Batman: The Video Game (1990, Game Boy)**: NES is more complex; GB is simpler, slower-paced (*Web:2*). - **Compared to Batman: The Video Game (1990, Genesis)**: NES is platformer; Genesis is beat ‘em up (*Web:3,5*). - **Compared to Need for Speed: Carbon - Own the City (2006, DS)**: Platformer vs. racing (*Web:9*). - **Compared to Ninja Gaiden Shadow (1991, GB)**: Superhero vs. ninja platformer (*Web:1*). - **Compared to Spider-Man: Battle for New York (2006, GBA)**: *Batman* is 8-bit, single-character; *Spider-Man* is 16-bit, dual-character. - **Compared to Dragon Warrior Monsters (1998, GBC)**: Action vs. RPG. - **Compared to Super Robot Taisen Compact 3 (2003, WonderSwan)**: Platformer vs. tactical RPG. - **Compared to Captain Tsubasa V (1994, SNES)**: Action vs. soccer RPG. - **Re-releases**: None; NES exclusive. ## Play Batman: The Video Game Online Play *Batman: The Video Game* (1989, NES) instantly on Classic Joy Games with NES emulators. Available on retro platforms with 4.6/5 ratings from 50 votes (*Web:7*). Physical copies cost $15-$50 (cart) or $60-$150 (CIB) (*Web:5*). Use Nestopia or RetroArch. Strategy: Save Batarangs for bosses like Deadshot; master wall jumps for Sewers. Cheat: At title screen, press Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A for extra lives. Note: Emulators may flicker during cutscenes (*Web:9*). Recent X posts celebrate its 35th anniversary and iconic Michael Keaton sprite (*post:2,6*). Join Classic Joy Games and save Gotham from the Joker now!