# Batman: Return of the Joker (NES) Introduction ## Overview *Batman: Return of the Joker*, released in December 1991 in Japan as *Dynamite Batman* and North America by Sunsoft, is a 2D run-and-gun platformer, the sequel to *Batman: The Video Game* (1989, NES). Unlike its predecessor, tied to Tim Burton’s 1989 film, *Batman: Return of the Joker* features an original story inspired by DC comics, where Batman hunts the Joker, who’s stolen toxic metals for missile explosives (*Web:1,10*). Known for its stunning 8-bit graphics, gritty anime-style sprites, and moody soundtrack (*Web:1,11,14*), it’s lauded as one of the best-looking NES games (*The Gamer*: 2020) but criticized for difficulty and less polished gameplay than the original (*Web:1,13*). It sold modestly but gained cult status (*Web:7*). ## Why Play Batman: Return of the Joker? *Batman: Return of the Joker* offers intense NES action across seven stages: Gotham City Cathedral, Joker’s Warehouse, Snowy Mountain, Refinery, Underground Conduit, Ammunition Base, and Ha-Hacienda Island. Batman uses a gauntlet gun (B) with upgradable bullets (S: shuriken, B: boomerang, N: normal, C: cross) from power-up boxes, a chargeable secondary attack, and a slide (Down+B) to battle enemies like goons and drones. Two stages feature jetpack shooter segments. The game spans 1-2 hours, with levels lasting 3-5 minutes (*Web:15*). Its fluid sprites and atmospheric design appeal to *Batman: The Video Game* and *Ninja Gaiden Shadow* fans, distinct from *Need for Speed: Carbon*’s racing or *Captain Tsubasa V*’s sports RPG (*Web:1,17*). ## Key Features - Battle through seven stages in a 1-2 hour adventure - Run-and-gun platformer with upgradable gauntlet weapons - Fight five bosses: Ace Ranger, Minedroid, Master C.P.U., and Joker (twice) - Use slide attacks and jetpack shooter segments - 16-bit-quality 8-bit graphics and moody soundtrack - Authentic NES gameplay on our retro ROM platform ## Key Differences: NES vs. Other Versions - **NES (1991/1992)**: Run-and-gun platformer, no wall-jumping, unlimited continues (*Web:1,11*). - **Compared to Batman: The Video Game (1989, NES)**: *Return* is run-and-gun, original story; *The Video Game* is film-based, melee-focused (*Web:1,17*). - **Compared to Batman: Return of the Joker (1992, Game Boy)**: NES is shooter-heavy; GB is platformer, uses punches and grappling hook (*Web:1,22*). - **Compared to Batman: Revenge of the Joker (1992, Genesis)**: NES is 8-bit; Genesis remake is 16-bit, similar gameplay (*Web:1,10*). - **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 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; SNES port canceled, ROM surfaced (*Web:1,17*). ## Play Batman: Return of the Joker Online Play *Batman: Return of the Joker* (1991, NES) instantly on Classic Joy Games with NES emulators. Available on retro platforms with 4.5/5 ratings from 45 votes (*Web:12*). Physical copies cost $50-$100 (cart) or $150-$300 (CIB) due to rarity (*Web:4*). Use Nestopia or RetroArch. Strategy: Use shuriken (S) for Minedroid; save charged attacks for Joker. Cheat: Pause and press Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A for stage select. Note: Emulators may lag during jetpack stages (*Web:9*). X posts praise its dark tone and graphics but note its challenge (*post:0*). Join Classic Joy Games and thwart the Joker’s chaos now!