# Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (Nintendo 64) Introduction **Release Year:** 2000 **Platform:** Nintendo 64 **Meta Description:** **Tags:** Action, Beat 'em Up, Platformer, Adventure, Superhero, Single-Player, Retro, Sci-Fi ## Overview *Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker*, released on December 13, 2000, for the Nintendo 64 by Kemco and Ubi Soft, is a side-scrolling beat 'em up based on the 2000 animated film of the same name, a continuation of the *Batman Beyond* TV series. Players control Terry McGinnis, the new Batman, as he battles the Jokerz gang and the revived Joker, who aims to hijack a military satellite to destroy Gotham City. The game features five stages and four Batsuits (Standard, Defensive, Attack, Nimble), but was heavily criticized for outdated gameplay, poor graphics, and repetitive music, earning low scores (Game Informer: worst game of 2000; IGN: 2/10). Despite this, it retains a cult following among *Batman Beyond* fans for its movie tie-in. ## Why Play Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker? *Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker* offers fast-paced N64 action across five stages: Gotham Air & Space Museum, Wayne Enterprises, Arkham Asylum, Tim Drake’s Laboratory, and Jolly Jack Candy Factory. Terry McGinnis punches, kicks, glides, and uses gadgets like Magnetic Nunchaku, Dark Knight Discus, and Bat-Staff (B for attacks, A for jumps, C for weapons) to fight Jokerz members like Bonk, Woof, Ghoul, Chucko, Dee-Dee, and the Joker. The game spans 1-2 hours, with levels lasting 3-5 minutes, but lacks checkpoints or saves, requiring stage restarts upon death. Its 3D-ish sprites and sci-fi aesthetic appeal to *Batman & Robin* and *Ninja Gaiden Shadow* fans, distinct from *Need for Speed: Carbon*’s racing or *Captain Tsubasa V*’s sports RPG. Though flawed, its nostalgic charm endures. ## Key Features - Battle through five stages in a 1-2 hour adventure - Side-scrolling beat 'em up with platforming and gadget combat - Fight Jokerz gang and bosses like Bonk, Woof, Ghoul, and the Joker - Use four Batsuits: Standard, Defensive, Attack, Nimble - 3D-ish visuals with movie-based text cutscenes - Authentic N64 gameplay on our retro ROM platform ## Key Differences: Nintendo 64 vs. Other Versions - **Nintendo 64 (2000)**: 3D-ish beat 'em up, short length, easier than PS1, no saves. - **Compared to Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (2000, GBC)**: N64 is 3D-ish, worse reviewed; GBC is 2D, tighter controls, password saves. - **Compared to Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (2000, PS1)**: N64 is easier