Batman: Return of the Joker
Encyclopedia
Batman: Return of the Joker (Japanese title Dynamite Batman) is the follow-up to Sunsoft's first Batman game on the Nintendo Entertainment System
. Unlike that game, which was based on the 1989 Batman film
by Tim Burton
, Return of the Joker is entirely self-contained and based more on the modern comic book
iteration of Batman. However, the game features various movie-based styles; Batman is dressed similar to Michael Keaton
and mans the Batmobile from the film. A remake of Return of the Joker, titled Batman: Revenge of the Joker, was released on the Sega Genesis by Ringler Studios in 1992. A Super Nintendo
version of the game was in development but never released.
A completely different version of the game was released on the Game Boy
in 1992.
escaping from an insane asylum, and through various henchmen, tries to send Gotham City
into chaos. Batman must survive several side-scrolling levels with various tricky jumps, and defeat a multitude of enemies and bosses to ensure that Gotham is safe.
Batman is armed with a utility belt that allows him to collect various types of icons throughout the stages in order to shoot different types of batarang
s and projectiles. The game uses a password feature which allows players to return to any non-boss level which they have previously reached.
The music was composed by Naoki Kodaka, Hara Nobuyuki and Shinichi Seya.
Nintendo Entertainment System
The Nintendo Entertainment System is an 8-bit video game console that was released by Nintendo in North America during 1985, in Europe during 1986 and Australia in 1987...
. Unlike that game, which was based on the 1989 Batman film
Batman (1989 film)
Batman is a 1989 superhero film based on the DC Comics character of the same name, directed by Tim Burton. The film stars Michael Keaton in the title role, as well as Jack Nicholson, Kim Basinger, Robert Wuhl and Jack Palance...
by Tim Burton
Tim Burton
Timothy William "Tim" Burton is an American film director, film producer, writer and artist. He is famous for dark, quirky-themed movies such as Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Ed Wood, Sleepy Hollow, Corpse Bride and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet...
, Return of the Joker is entirely self-contained and based more on the modern comic book
Modern Age of Comic Books
The Modern Age of Comic Books is an informal name for the period in the history of mainstream American comic books generally considered to last from the mid-1980s until present day...
iteration of Batman. However, the game features various movie-based styles; Batman is dressed similar to Michael Keaton
Michael Keaton
Michael John Douglas , better known by the stage name Michael Keaton, is an American actor known for his early comedic roles, most notably his performance as the title character of Tim Burton's Beetlejuice . Keaton is also famous for his dramatic portrayal of Bruce Wayne/Batman in Tim Burton's...
and mans the Batmobile from the film. A remake of Return of the Joker, titled Batman: Revenge of the Joker, was released on the Sega Genesis by Ringler Studios in 1992. A Super Nintendo
Super Nintendo Entertainment System
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System is a 16-bit video game console that was released by Nintendo in North America, Europe, Australasia , and South America between 1990 and 1993. In Japan and Southeast Asia, the system is called the , or SFC for short...
version of the game was in development but never released.
A completely different version of the game was released on the Game Boy
Game Boy
The , is an 8-bit handheld video game device developed and manufactured by Nintendo. It was released in Japan on , in North America in , and in Europe on...
in 1992.
Gameplay
Each version of the game was essentially the same in storyline and format. The story begins with the JokerJoker (comics)
The Joker is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain published by DC Comics. He is the archenemy of Batman, having been directly responsible for numerous tragedies in Batman's life, including the paralysis of Barbara Gordon and the death of Jason Todd, the second Robin...
escaping from an insane asylum, and through various henchmen, tries to send Gotham City
Gotham City
Gotham City is a fictional U.S. city appearing in DC Comics, best known as the home of Batman. Batman's place of residence was first identified as Gotham City in Batman #4 . Gotham City is strongly inspired by Trenton, Ontario's history, location, atmosphere, and various architectural styles...
into chaos. Batman must survive several side-scrolling levels with various tricky jumps, and defeat a multitude of enemies and bosses to ensure that Gotham is safe.
Batman is armed with a utility belt that allows him to collect various types of icons throughout the stages in order to shoot different types of batarang
Batarang
A batarang is a roughly bat-shaped throwing weapon used by the DC Comics superhero Batman. The name is a portmanteau of bat and boomerang, and was originally spelled baterang. Although they are named after boomerangs, batarangs have become more like shuriken in recent interpretations...
s and projectiles. The game uses a password feature which allows players to return to any non-boss level which they have previously reached.
The music was composed by Naoki Kodaka, Hara Nobuyuki and Shinichi Seya.