# Batman: Gotham City Racer (PlayStation) Introduction ## Overview *Batman: Gotham City Racer*, released on April 19, 2001, for the PlayStation by Ubisoft and developed by Sinister Games, is a racing game based on *The New Batman Adventures* animated series. Players control Batman, Robin, Batgirl, or Nightwing to pursue villains like the Joker, Two-Face, Poison Ivy, and Mr. Freeze after an Arkham Asylum breakout, or play as one of 12 villains to wreak havoc. Featuring 51 missions, the game includes checkpoint races, point-to-point races, and pursuit-based challenges across Gotham City’s semi-open world. It uses animated series cutscenes for storytelling, but was criticized for poor controls, low draw distance, and repetitive missions (GameSpot: 4/10; IGN: mixed). Despite flaws, its *Batman* charm and villain roster make it a nostalgic pick. ## Why Play Batman: Gotham City Racer? *Batman: Gotham City Racer* offers arcade-style racing in a 3-4 hour campaign. Players drive the Batmobile, Batcycle, or villain vehicles like the Joker’s van, using weapons like Batarangs, Laughing Gas, or Sewage Slicks (L1/R1) to combat foes or evade heroes. Missions range from timed races to tailing villains without detection, with a Patrol Mode for free-roam crime-fighting or chaos-causing as villains. The two-player Hero-vs-Villain mode adds replayability. Its animated series aesthetic, voiced by Kevin Conroy and Arleen Sorkin, appeals to *Batman & Robin* and *Need for Speed: Carbon* fans, distinct from *Ninja Gaiden Shadow*’s platforming or *Captain Tsubasa V*’s sports RPG. Though clunky, its unique premise shines. ## Key Features - Race through Gotham in a 3-4 hour mission-based campaign - Play as Batman, Robin, Batgirl, Nightwing, or 12 villains - Use signature weapons like Batarangs or Cat Claws - Compete in checkpoint, point-to-point, and pursuit races - Two-player Hero-vs-Villain splitscreen mode - Authentic PS1 gameplay with animated series cutscenes ## Key Differences: PlayStation vs. Other Versions - **PlayStation (2001)**: Semi-open-world racing, animated series-based, 51 missions. - **Compared to Batman & Robin (1998, PS1)**: *Gotham City Racer* is racing-focused; *Batman & Robin* is open-world adventure. - **Compared to Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (2000, N64)**: Racing vs. beat ‘em up platformer. - **Compared to Batman Forever: The Arcade Game (1996, Arcade)**: *Gotham City Racer* is vehicle-based; *Arcade* is beat ‘em up. - **Compared to Need for Speed: Carbon - Own the City (2006, DS)**: *Gotham City Racer* has superhero theme, weaker handling. - **Compared to Ninja Gaiden Shadow (1991, GB)**: Racing vs. ninja platformer. - **Compared to Dragon Warrior Monsters (1998, GBC)**: Racing vs. RPG. - **Compared to Super Robot Taisen Compact 3 (2003, WonderSwan)**: Racing vs. tactical RPG. - **Compared to Captain Tsubasa V (1994, SNES)**: Racing vs. soccer RPG. - **Re-releases**: None; PS1 exclusive. ## Play Batman: Gotham City Racer Online Play *Batman: Gotham City Racer* (2001, PS1) instantly on Classic Joy Games with PS1 emulators. Available on retro platforms with 4.0/5 ratings from 25 votes. Physical copies cost $10-$30 (disc) or $40-$100 (CIB); sealed copies reach $50-$150. Use ePSXe or RetroArch. Strategy: Use Batarangs for villain pursuits; play as Joker for easier Patrol Mode chaos. Cheat: At main menu, press Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, L1, R1 for all vehicles unlocked. Note: Emulators may lag during loading screens or dense traffic. Recent X posts praise its animated series vibe but note its dated controls (*post:0*). Join Classic Joy Games and race through Gotham’s chaos now!