Batman Vengeance (Game Boy Advance) - Review by Andrew

Introduction

Ever since the Tim Burton remake we've had heaps of Batman games which have appeared on a whole host of platforms. Batman Returns even featured on the ill-fated Atari LYNX system almost 10 years ago. To be honest though, most of these haven't exactly been 'must have' titles and, as we've seen many times before, movies generally don't transfer well to games. This is, however, the caped crusader's first outing on the GBA and with a huge fan base already there it will no doubt sell but, is it any good?

Gameplay

Although we've put this in the platform genre it's actually a title containing several types of gaming styles including driving, shoot'em up and puzzle solving. You do, however, start with a platform game so that's where we'll begin. Initially, there's nothing here you haven't seen before, you control Batman jumping the rooftops whilst avoiding getting injured in any way in order to preserve your all important health. You are armed with various weapons and you encounter more as you progress through the levels. Batman's also equipped with a whole host of gadgets but you'll always be advised where and when to use them via on screen instructions so things never become too frustrating.

The whole game is wrapped up in a story which is presented via text and cut scenes which works very well. The plot has been professionally penned by DC Comics writers. The driving sections are viewed from a 'top-down' perspective and usually require you to reach the end within a given time limit whilst avoiding on-coming traffic. When piloting the Batwing you're treated to a side scrolling 'shoot 'em up' although it should be pointed out that we spent more time avoiding buildings than shooting things. Finally there is the puzzle section with Robin which may seem a little confusing at first. It resembles the old box pushing puzzle where you must move boxes around to clear your path. There are the usual problems involving avoiding lasers and finding keys for doors but also an interesting mode were you must control remote droids.

All of this is played in 'Story Mode' which is the only option availabe to you at the start of the game. Completion allows you to enter the 'Advance Mode' and while this uses the main game elements the objectives are very different. In the first level here, for example, you must collect three coded disks before the clock runs out. Finally the manual is of little help but there are some onscreen characters that will always point you in the right direction. With any new concepts your trusty butler Alfred pops up to tell you what you must do to complete the task. There are some cases where without this you'd be completely lost.

Controls

Actually reasonably simple and responsive considering the amount of game modes included here. There are some instances were the whole thing is a little confusing though and you do tend to lose a life when changing characters through no fault of your own. A little practice does rectify this situation though and it's back to saving Gotham City.

Graphics

After one of the best intros we've seen on a handheld things seem to drop down a gear. The developers have been rather ambitious with Batman Vengeance and whilst some of the imagery in the various gaming modes works, others can be a little confusing. Animation wise, Batman always moves well despite the many and varied tactics you need to employ within the game. The cut-scenes have all been ported from the PS2 version and are outstanding throughout and, for anyone who manages to finish the game, Ubi Soft also promise an exciting FMV ending.

Sound

The music here is actually quite pleasing, good use has been made of the GBA's advanced sound capablities. Everything is suitably dark with the soundtrack giving the game a sinister edge which immerses you fully in the world of Metropolis. There are also some very clear (and spooky) samples from the comic book characters, again ported from the various console versions. In short, this is a fine complement to the gameplay and it's encouraging that developers are paying as much attention to the audio as well as the visual elements of a title.

Final comments

Unusually for a review at this time of year (the games are piling up on our desks) we've managed to play this right through and can safely say that it will probably satisfy almost all gamers needs and is without a doubt the most successful handheld Batman title we've seen. We will add that you'll be playing this for some time as some of the puzzles have you banging your head against a wall while the limited manual gives no extra guidance at all. It's always an ambitious and risky move mixing gaming styles and for the most part this title manages to carry this off quite well. This won't be to eveyone's taste however and we'd strongly advise you to 'try before you buy' even if it's just to see the incredible intro.

Pro: Fantastic Intro and FMV
Con: Occasional Confusing Controls
Final score: 6.7

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