Bat-Octoberfest - Batman Returns (Game Gear)

Firmly in the "not bad at all" camp is Batman Returns for the Sega Game Gear. Yep, The Penguin and his goons are in need of yet another beating. This time around there are five stages of side-scrolling action-platforming action. Jump, swing, and bop the circus gang with your trusty batarang. It's a very traditional game, but the execution is solid as a rock, and you know I'm all about the execution. The soundtrack is provided by Motohiro Kawashima. To the surprise of nobody, it's chockful of bangers. If you've got an hour or less to kill, then give it a couple of play-throughs.

I'd say that this was the short review and to stick around if you want to read the long one, but admittedly I don't have a whole lot to talk about. If you've ever played a Shinobi game, particular the entries exclusive to the Game Gear, then you already have a pretty good idea of what to expect. Besides his batarang, which can be adjusted for more distance or power, Batman's main tool is the bat-hook. Swinging around or climbing onto ledges is handed quite well. It's easy to figure out while still satisfying enough to keep you engaged. 

The first four stages all have two routes to choose from. Consider them the "normal" or "hard" routes and take your pick. Mainly, the differences tend to be slightly more difficult platforming sections and new enemy types. It's a cool feature that I wish was expanded upon with either a third route or more stages. Each member of the Red Triangle Circus Gang has a unique method of attack. The most basic of the bunch will throw hands or fire bullets, while others get cute with somersaults or sliding everywhere like a Metroidvania protagonist. One of the reasons why I brought up Shinobi is that for most enemies, there isn't any contact damage. If you want, you can just bump into them and use the period of invincibility to walk on by. 

No matter which routes you choose, you'll want to take the time to explore each stage. I don't believe there are any huge secrets, but fluttering bats drop both hearts and bat-icons. The hearts do what you'd expect while the bat-icons add to your special attack stock. Using a special attack causes the batmobile or batskiboat to arrive, fire some weapons, and that's it. Huh... Now I'm reminded of Streets of Rage 1. Whatever. A... anyways, you'll want to hold onto every special attack you find. Then, when you reach the final boss, all you have to do is bash him a few times during his easy first phase, then spam special attacks to crush his next two phases. 

And... yeah... I think that's all I have to say. Batman Returns is a decent little romp. It doesn't have the replay-value to compare with similar titles on Sega hardware, but I had a good enough time.