Label: Ocean
Author: Joffa Smith (SFX)
Price: £7.95
Memory: 48K/128K
Joystick: various
Reviewer: Jim Douglas
"Holy two-game double-up confusion, Batman!"
"Yes indeed, Robin. This case certainly looks as though it needs some... unravelling. Ah, as I though, the Bat computer tells me that there was another game a few years ago which was also based on our crusading exploits, but it was in the style of some game fiends describe as 3D, and while many thought it was 'fab', some complained that the atmosphere was slightly lacking."
"Damn it! You're right!" (punches fist).
"This seems to be another cunning plot by Ocean to cash in our name. I think we'd better proceed very carefully, old chum. Let's get this tape loading..."
"But how? We've only got our Bat-computer."
"Aha, With my handy BatSpectrumemulator." (Produces same from belt) "Now we'll see what those ingenious devils are up to. But wait! What's this? There seem to be two different games - one on each side of the tape!"
"Holy nightmare! How are they different?"
"I'm glad you asked me that old sausage (sausage?? are you sure? GT). One game has us pitted against the evil Penguin and the other features the mad, bad Joker as our foe. Now, take a seat on my knee, and we'll see what we're about."
"Jeepers creepers! Who's that fatso with the funny hat on the screen, Batman?"
"That's me Robin. Actually, I think I've been rather endearingly adapted to the computer. It seems that, if my Bat-senses aren't deceiving me, I can walk around the screen collect objects and climb things."
"Holy perception! You've got it! ! But what's that strange boxed-off effect?"
"Looks to me like another example of comic book style, Rob. And cleverly done. As you leave one room, the next frame will overlay like the frames in a comic. Nice touch. Now, we're out of the Batcave and into the harsh world. I smell crime in the air. Which side did we load, old fruit?"
"By Gotham City! it was the Penguin!"
"As I thought. I think we may find that our old friend the Penguin is about to try and take over the world with an army of robotic penguins and Henchmen in an operation he's running from a fake umbrella factory somewhere in the city."
"Holy Sixtiesexpression! Look out! Here comes a Henchman!"
(Impressive martial-arts fight breaks out) Biffo! sokk! Poww! "That dealt with him, Robin. I seem to be able to fight pretty well, and there are lots of moves available. I can even use the Batarang if I can find it."
"How in the name of Commissioner Gordon do you handle objects in this thing, Batty?"
"By using this cleverly designed Object-handling screen, Robin. I can highlight the objects I want to use - assuming I've found them in the very large play area - and then, while playing, I simply press the Use item key. I can then pick locks, disguise myself, find door passes and even have something to eat."
"Holy variety! So there's lots to do. How difficult is the mission looking, though?"
"Pretty tough, I'm afraid, old pomegranite. Gotham City is puzzling, and we don't have use of the Batmobile, so we'd better make a map. Here take this pen and paper..."
"Holy Swizz! I always have to make the maps!"
"I can't be bothered with such trifles, Robin. My energy level is getting low, as are the other two gauges which I don't understand the nature of. Pay attention to the graphics. Too much attribute clash for my liking, but on the whole they look good enough to me."
"And there are clues a at the top of the screen to help us when and where to use certain items."
"A good job, my caped suzette, because things would be a bit too mysterious without them I fear. There seems to be so much going on, I fear even my Bat-instincts wouldn't tell me where to begin."
"Holy thoughtful programminmg! So what's our Bat-verdict?"
"I think it's a damned fine game, Robin. These graphics make the action clear and attractive and both games use different map areas and there are different sets of bad guys to deal with. It also has a sense of humour, which makes a change from all this sombre Dark Knight malarky I've had to deal with recently. I'd advise the kids to buy it."
"Holy endorsement!"
"Indeed.".
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