The 15 Best Batman Video Games Ever And 14 That Are Embarrassing

TheGamer

Something New

The 15 Best Batman Video Games Ever And 14 That Are Embarrassing

These are the best Batman video games ever — and some that don't quite live up to the superhero. Ever since first appearing in Detective Comics #27 way back in 1939, Batman has been a fan favorite amongst comic book nerds. The alter ego of millionaire Bruce Wayne, the philanthropist takes on the persona of Batman when he dons his black superhero suit and heads out to tackle crime in the city of Gotham, spurred on by parents goodbye at the hands of a petty criminal (depending on what origin story you've read). The DC mainstay found a larger audience outside the comic book world with the 1960s serial Batman and became somewhat of a cultural icon when Micheal Keaton wore the costume for the 1989 big budget feature length film Batman. Since then the Dark Knight has starred in 13 live action films along with dozens of animated series and movies while also having a major impact in the video game world. The Caped Crusader has featured in almost 60 different console and computer games along with a dozen mobile phone games since the 80s. But as with any long-running franchise, not every release has been great. While the recent Arkham series helped revolutionize comic book games and brought back Batman's dark edge, the likes of Batman: Gotham Racer and Batman: Dark Tomorrow are best left in the trash. With so many games available it's not always easy knowing which to play, so here's a look at the 15 best Batman video games along with 15 of the most embarrassing to keep you from choosing a dud. THEGAMER VIDEO OF THE DAY

Best Batman Begins 2005

via: dualshockers.com Based upon the Christopher Nolan film of the same name Batman Begins stays relatively close to the plot of the film and is a great companion piece to the 2005 flick. Taking control of Batman you navigate the streets of Gotham fighting all manner of thugs as you try and stop your former mentor Ra's Al Ghul from destroying Gotham City. The game incorporates a stealth mode whereby you can use your environment to intimidate bad guys and attack them from the shadows, very similar to the Splinter Cell series of games. Batman Begins also features the actual voices of the actors from the film, adding a sense of realism to the gameplay.

Worst Batman Beyond Return Of The Joker 2000

via: YouTube (Gameboy Tester) Released to coincide with the animated film of the same name this side-scrolling beat 'em up is similar to games like Final Fight and Double Dragon, minus the fun. Batman Beyond: Return Of The Joker is a poorly made game let down by average graphics and repetitive gameplay. Although the game does allow you to alternate between four different Batman costumes - each with their own special abilities - the rest of the game is only mildly entertaining and will quickly leave you feeling less than satisfied.

Best Batman Arkham Asylum 2009

via: imdb.com The first game in the Arkham series remains one of the best titles to ever feature the DC comic book hero. Developed by Rocksteady Studios with a script written by longtime Batman veteran Paul Dini, Arkham Asylum revitalized the Batman character in the video game world. Set mainly in Arkham Asylum, players have free reign to explore the facility while battling Batman's biggest foes as they try to escape and put an end to The Joker's plan to detonate bombs throughout Gotham. Combining stealth elements with rich gameplay, a terrific story, gorgeous graphics, and top-notch voice over actors (Mark Hamill as The Joker is phenomenal), Batman: Arkham Asylum remains one of the best Batman games of all time.

Worst Batman Gotham City Racer 2001

via: YouTube (chunsam) Kudos to Ubisoft for trying to come up with something new, but a Batman-themed racing game just doesn't cut the mustard. Based on the animated series The New Batman Adventures and incorporating clips from the series this game is a horrible driving simulation that looks as bad as it plays. The aim of the game is to blow away bad guys before they can rob banks, which seems a little against the grain considering Batman is supposed to be against killing people no matter who they are. The graphics, sound, and control system are also disappointing, with few positives to speak about when it comes to Gotham City Racer.

Best Batman Return Of The Joker 1991

via wired.com A follow-up to Sunsoft's Batman game based upon the 1989 Tim Burton film, Batman: Return Of The Joker is an entirely new story taking elements from a number of comic book plots. Return Of The Joker is a side-scrolling platform game featuring interesting weapon power-ups and the ability to pilot both the Batmobile and the Batwing. The main villain is The Joker once again and the graphics are surprisingly spritely for an early 90s game, with entertaining gameplay and an intriguing storyline helping make this game an enjoyable experience.

Worst Batman Arkham Origins Blackgate 2013

via: YouTube (Nintendo World Report) Of all the games in the Arkham series only one fails to live up to expectations. Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate is a companion game to the original Arkham Origins set three months later. Although developers Armature Studios tried their best to incorporate the best elements of Arkham Origins it just doesn't connect, with the game feeling disjointed and unfinished. Many of the level designs set within the prison are reused throughout the game and often badly rendered while the 2.5D viewpoint is sometimes difficult to navigate. The addition of new villains with special traits is great but that's not enough to save this game from the scrap heap.

Best Lego Batman The Video Game 2008

via: wall.alphacoders.com After the success of the Lego Star Wars and Lego Indiana Jones games, it only makes sense a comic book superhero would get the same treatment, with Lego Batman: The Game proving to be one of the best conversions in the Lego series. While the involving plot is original and features a number of famous Batman characters, the highlight is the Lego setting, with players able to smash blocks and build crazy contraptions while playing as either Batman and Robin. While the general gameplay is similar to previous Lego efforts the puzzles are new and challenging and the recognizable Gotham locations add that something extra to this fun game.

Worst Batman The Caped Crusader 1988

via: YouTube (AI82 Retrogaming & Computing) Preceding the first Batman video game tie-in Batman: The Caped Crusader is an action-adventure title released a year before Batman. The game is unique in that each level is displayed as a panel in a comic book, although this becomes quite tedious as the game goes on. The biggest disappointment with this game is the fact you spend most of the time trying to solve puzzles and escape various mazes instead of beating up bad guys, something everyone wants to do as the Dark Knight. The lack of action meant the game failed to find an audience and was quickly overshadowed by the game Batman: The Movie.

Best Batman The Movie 1989

via pinterset.com The official tie-in of the Batman film this game consists of five stages based on scenes from the live action flick. Each level is different, with the first a scrolling platformer, the second a driving level in the Batmobile, the third a puzzle level, the fourth involving the Batwing, and the final level reprising the platform nature of the first as you battle The Joker in a final showdown. It's a decent and entertaining game that ends with Batman chucking The Joker of a rooftop to his supposed end. Quite a dark end to this one.

Worst Batman Rise Of Sin Tzu 2003

via: YouTube (LioN KoLLA) This game introduces new foe Sin Tzu first seen in the animated series The New Adventures Of Batman. He was supposed to be the big draw of the game but after failing to set the world on fire was never seen again. Even the multiplayer option couldn't save this one from the critic's rage, with many pointing out the repetitive combat, less than stellar graphics, and use of only B-grade villains (Scarecrow, Bane, Clayface) helping make this game unremarkable.

Best Batman Vengeance 2001

via emuparadise.com As you're probably realizing many of the games on this list are based around various Batman animated series. Batman: Vengeance serves as a bridge between The Batman Animated Series and The New Batman Adventures and is fantastic fun to play. The game takes inspiration from both series with cartoon style graphics and features the voice work of those involved with the shows. The storyline for the game is tv quality and the cut scenes just as impressive, although the control system can be challenging. The final confrontation with The Joker is also well thought out and ties up the many plot threads well.

Worst Batman Returns 1992

via: emuparadise.me Based on the dark sequel to Tim Burton's Batman this video game adaptation appeared on numerous consoles with varying results. While the NES version is praised for it's Final Fight-esque beat 'em up gameplay and colorful graphics, the same can't be said for the Amiga version. The game was advertised as an adventure game similar to the PC version but is, in fact, more like the console port, except with worse graphics and sound. The game is littered with bugs with horrible controls making it almost unplayable.

Best Batman Arkham City 2011

via: trueachievements.com The follow-up to the extremely successful Batman: Arkham Origins is exactly like it's predecessor expect with all-around improvements made to every aspect of the game. No longer are you trapped in Arkham Asylum, instead given the freedom to explore Gotham while chasing down bad guys. New features including Batman being able to glide through the air and a subplot involving you controlling Catwoman make this game memorable, adding to the gameplay and helping make it a pleasure to play.

Worst Batman Forever 1995

via powerupgamingzone.com Very much like the movie it's based upon, Batman Forever is an unfortunate addition to the Batman franchise. Having the choice to play as the Dark Knight or the Boy Wonder you complete various levels in this hideous looking beat 'em up. Characters are motion-captured (like Mortal Kombat) but look cheesy and the control system requires you to mash buttons in the hope of connecting with your enemies. The backgrounds are also dark and quite similar, making you feel like you're repeating levels as you progress. This game is considered one of the worst Batman adaptations of all time and well deserving of a spot on this list.

Best The Adventures Of Batman & Robin 1994

via: YouTube (GameIsJust AStart) Another Batman game that varies depending on what system you're playing it on The Adventures Of Batman & Robin on the Super NES is tons of fun to play, unlike the horrible Mega Drive version. In the Nintendo game, you play as Batman and take on all the big baddies in the Batman universe, with the graphics and look of the game very similar to the animated show it's based upon. Although you can't play as Robin the game contains some great sound effects and difficult puzzles making it a challenging game to play.

Worst Batman Dark Tomorrow 2003

via: YouTube (Gamer's Little Playground) Envisioned as an open world action-adventure game staying close to the mythology of the Batman franchise, Batman: Dark Tomorrow ended up a sub-standard linear action game with an emphasis on stealth techniques. Critically roasted and a massive failure upon its release, the fidgety controls, nausea-inducing camera angles, repetitive gameplay, and horrendous sound are all part of what makes this game so bad. Then there are the different endings depending on whether you diffuse a bomb that's not even mentioned during the game, with most players unwittingly finishing the game and getting the bad ending - where Batman goes bye-bye - without even knowing they could have prevented that.

Best Batman Arkham Origins 2013

via: ign.com The third game in the Arkham series is another tremendous effort set five years before Arkham Asylum. The story concerns crime lord Black Mask putting a bounty on Batman, with players having to defeat eight famous villains (including Bane and The Joker) who are looking to take out the Bat on Christmas Eve. It's very similar in style and gameplay to previous Arkham games, with players relying on stealth and close combat to defeat enemies. While not reinventing the wheel Batman: Arkham Origins is a solid entry into the Arkham franchise with an engaging story and a variety of interesting side missions.

Worst Batman The Brave And The Bold 2010

via gamespot.com Developed for the Wii and Nintendo DS Batman: The Brave And The Bold takes its name from the title of the animated series it's based upon. While the television show is another exciting Batman adaptation this game is a dull 2D beat 'em up that'll have you quickly switching off. The levels are structured like episodes of the series with Batman teaming with an assortment of DC superheroes to complete missions. This might sound like fun but the game is short and repetitive and doesn't offer much of a challenge to seasoned gamers.

Best Injustice God s Among Us 2013

via: injustice.wikia.com Everyone loves a fighting game so when NetherRealm announced they were teaming with Mortal Kombat co-creator Ed Boon to create such a game based upon characters in the DC Universe fans got rightly excited. Thankfully, Injustice: God's Among Us is a fantastic game that builds on the gameplay of Mortal Kombat with a wild storyline set in an alternate Justice League universe where Superman is a bad guy. You can pick from a host of famous DC characters (Flash, Aquaman, Green Lantern, Joker) with a stack of downloadable content available to keep the game fresh and entertaining.

Worst Batman Toxic Chill Justice Unbalanced 2003

via: YouTube (VideoGameRecon) Educational games can often be fun but Batman: Toxic Chill and Batman: Justice Unbalanced are perfect examples of teaching games that are a real drag. Aimed at kids aged 7-1o these two games were released on the PC and Mac in 2003 and are all about completing puzzles and logic solving problems, not beating up bad guys. There's not really much else to these games, and unless you're under the age of 10 you'll probably finish them within in a couple of hours. The graphics are decent but there's nothing here to keep regular gamers satisfied. Save this for you 8-year-old cousins.