Overview
Batman: Return of the Joker is an action platforming game released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1991. Different ports of the game were also created for the original Game Boy and the Sega Genesis / Mega Drive.
Gotham City’s crown prince of crime has returned to terrorize the citizens. You play as Batman, pursuing the Joker and his minions across seven stages. Along the way, you’ll use your wrist projector to fight off all manner of villains. Collect eight energy capsules and you’ll have access to Batman’s invincible gold armor for a brief period. You’ll need this and all the gadgets in your utility belt if you’re going to save Gotham.
Gameplay
Batman: Return of the Joker is a typical NES platformer divided into seven stages. Five of the stages end in boss fights, while the remaining two have Batman strapping on a jetpack to maneuver through side-scrolling shooter levels.
In Return of the Joker, the Caped Crusader doesn’t use his fists to fight crime. Instead, he fires shots from his wrist projector, which can be upgraded with power-ups and even charged. Each version of the projector has unlimited ammo. You can also pick up energy capsules, which are shaped like orbs. Collect eight of these, and Batman will don invulnerable gold armor for a short time. Deployed correctly, this can be used to bulldoze through difficult areas.
Batman’s character sprite is quite large, but he moves with relative grace. In fact, some players might find the character “slippery” at first. While this does take some getting used to, it’s not game-breaking. In addition to jumping and crouching, Batman can also slide.
Sunsoft’s prior NES Batman entry, Batman: The Video Game, was known for its high level of difficulty, especially toward the later levels. Some areas require precise platforming, while the double-whammy final boss fight is very challenging. Return of the Joker, on the other hand, is fairly forgiving. You’re given unlimited continues and a password system to continue where you left off. You don’t even lose the energy orbs you’ve accumulated when you die. And although there’s some difficult platforming in certain stages, it is entirely possible to learn the enemy and stage patterns.
One interesting aspect in Return of the Joker is the boss fights. Rather than taking place in-level with your existing health, you’re transported into a basic fighting game. There’s no special moves (that I’m aware of), but each character gets a “life meter” represented by energy points. Obviously, the bosses all have more energy than Batman except for the one in the first level. While these stats may look intimidating, especially as you progress, none of the bosses are particularly challenging once you learn their movement and firing patterns.
The two side-scrolling areas are fun but aren’t overly hard, especially since they don’t end in boss fights. Bullet hells these ain’t.
Graphics & Sound
Sunsoft was known for its ability to program quality NES games, and Return of the Joker is no exception. The graphics are excellent, with many players and reviewers commenting on the 16-bit look of the game. Batman’s character sprite is much larger than in his previous NES outings. Even more impressive is the fact that the game accomplishes this with very little slowdown.
The stages all feature great backgrounds and environments, even if they trend toward looking similar. This isn’t the Technicolor Batman of Adam West, but the dark and gothic character of the late 1980s. The stages reflect that, though a bit more variety might have been nice.
Sunsoft’s in-house sound team created the music and sound effects for Return of the Joker. Naoki Kodaka, Nobuyuki Hara, Shinichi Seya all cut their teeth on some of Sunsoft’s biggest NES hits, like Batman: The Video Game and Blaster Master, so it’s no surprise that the sound design here is on par with other titles from the studio.
Final Thoughts & How to Play
Both newcomers and experienced players will find lots to like in Batman: Return of the Joker. The game is less punishing than the original NES Batman game but still requires a degree of finesse. Advanced players, though, may find Return of the Joker too easy. With little practice, the game’s seven levels can pass in a blur.
Loose copies of Batman: Return of the Joker cost about $70-80 on the secondary market, while complete copies often exceed $250. Unfortunately, the game has not been rereleased with great regularity, so players will have to decide if the price tag warrants the game’s addition to one’s own Batcave.
