Review of The Adventures of Batman and Robin (SNES)

The Adventures of Batman and Robin is perhaps the greatest Batman game ever made. The title is a bit misleading, you never play as Robin and he only appears in two stages. Regardless, the game stands as a great addition to your Super Nintendo library. If you're a Batman fan, you'll definitely want to track this game down as soon as possible.

Story : Each level features it's own story and villain and is absolutely enticing. These games usually feature little to no story, so having a plot within each level is icing on the cake. The villains in this game are numerous, and you're sure to get a kick out of fighting Joker, Poison Ivy, Penguin, Catwoman, Two-Face, Scarecrow, Riddler, Clayface, and Manbat.

Graphics : The graphics are ''dark deco'', based on the animation used in Batman: The Animated Series. Each background is extremely atmospheric. Additionally, all sprites are animated fluidly and beautifully.

Sound : The music is utterly fantastic, most of which is based on the music from Batman: The Animated Series. A flawless combination of good music and good tones make this game an absolute joy to listen to, even if you're not playing it.

Game play : The main thing a Superhero game should do is make you feel like the Superhero. This game accomplishes it in spades. Each level you can select which items you're going to bring on your mission. Some are a necessity, and figuring out which of your gadgets is needed at any specific moment is challenging and fun. All of them function as intended, from knockout gas to batarangs to plastic explosives to flashlights to gas masks.

Batman's attacks are animated well and all of his other actions are very fluid and responsive. He also possesses a grappling hook which is fun and essential to learning how to survive.

The level design is stunning and engaging. Everything gives you an appropriate amount of difficulty, save one stage which is Two Face's. In this game you race the bat mobile, and it's controls are extremely loose. Coupled with the fact that you have a very fast timer, this level is very aggravating. I have only ever defeated it once, all other times I've had to use passwords.

Every level has many twists and changes enough to keep you interested in what the next section will be. Additionally, every character's persona is captured perfectly from Riddler's brain teasing challenges to Joker's maniacal laughing.

Re playability : I've replayed this game a dozen or so times at least, and I'm sure I'll play it more as time goes on. An excellent game you're sure to remember and take with you.

Overall : 9/10. A near perfect game, ruined only by the extreme difficulty of Two Face's stage.