Batman Forever (arcade)

From Sega Retro

For other games with the same name, see Batman Forever.

n/a

  • ST-V
  • Saturn

BatmanForeverArcade title.png

BatmanForever Saturn US Title.png

Batman Forever
System(s): Sega Titan Video, Sega Saturn
Publisher: Acclaim Entertainment
Developer:
Distributor:
Sega Saturn
Arcadia Software (ES)
Sega Saturn
Ecofilmes (PT)
Sega Saturn
Scanbox Danmark (DK)
Sega Saturn
Roadshow Interactive (AU)
Sega Saturn
Aral (TR)
Licensor: DC Comics, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Peripherals supported: Saturn Backup Memory
Genre: Action[1][2]

















Number of players: 1
Release Date RRP Code
Arcade (Sega Titan Video)
US
$? ?























Sega Saturn
JP
¥5,8005,800 T-8118G
Sega Rating: All Ages
Sega Saturn
US
T-8140H
ESRB: Kids to Adults
Sega Saturn
EU
T-8140H-50
ELSPA: 11+ OK
Sega Saturn
DE
T-8140H-50
USK: 16
Sega Saturn
PT
STJAK0379
Sega Saturn
UK
£44.9944.99[5] T-8140H-50
ELSPA: 11+ OK
Sega Saturn
PL
Sega Saturn
AU
OFLC: M15
Non-Sega versions

Batman Forever, known on the Sega Saturn as Batman Forever: The Arcade Game (バットマンフォーエヴァー・ジ・アーケードゲーム), is a Sega Titan Video arcade beat-'em-up game developed by Iguana Entertainment and manufactured by Acclaim Entertainment, and released exclusively to American arcades in May 1996. Later that November, it was ported to the Sega Saturn in the United States, Europe, Japan, and Australia by the same developer, gaining the subtitle "The Arcade Game" to differentiate it from identically-named Batman Forever titles.

Story

Batman, the vigilante alter-ego of billionaire philanthropist Bruce Wayne, must save Gotham City from the dastardly duo of Two-Face and the Riddler. Two-Face is the former Gotham District Attorney Harvey Dent, who was accidentally disfigured in a courtroom incident, which he blames on Batman. The Riddler is disgruntled Wayne Tech employee Edward Nygma, who is angry that Bruce Wayne rejected his invention, a device that beams television signals directly into people's brains. Batman is joined by the young circus acrobat Dick Grayson, whose parents were killed by Two-Face, who takes up the identity Robin.

Gameplay

Batman Forever Saturn, Character Select.png

Character selection

The game is a belt-scrolling beat-'em-up played as the superhero duo Batman and Robin. It can be played by one player or by two players cooperatively. In two-player games, players can both play as the same character simultaneously.

Batman and Robin move with the D-Pad and jump with A. They attack by punching with C or kicking with B. They do a sweep kick with Down+B or a diving kick with B in midair. They block attacks with B+C. Characters can find special gadgets in the stages, such as Batarangs or Grappling Hooks, that grant them a limited number of special attacks, performed with C. They can pick up some objects, such as barrels, by holding toward them with the D-Pad and pressing C and throw them with C again.

Each character has a power meter that builds as the character pummels enemies or when Power-Ups are collected. The power meter allows the character to perform long chains of combos against foes. When the power meter fills, the gadget level increases and the character does a burst attack that attacks every enemy on the screen and recovers some health. The gadget level determines the strength of gadget abilities. The power meter is halved when going from level 1 to 2 and maxed out when it reaches level 3.

Characters also have special moves that are performed with certain button combinations. Batman can do a jumping kick with Right Right B, a dashing strike with Right Right C, an uppercut with Down Down-right Right C, and a sliding sweep with Down Down-right Right B. Robin does a series of flips ending in a take-down with Right Right B, a low sliding palm strike with Down Down-right Right C or Right Right C, and a corkscrew twist kick with Down Down-right Right B. The horizontal directions are reversed when facing left.

Character have health meters that empty as they take damage from foes. The character is defeated and loses a life when the meter is emptied, but he revives after a moment if the player has lives remaining. If the player runs out of lives, the game can be continued (and the player can change the character if desired) as long as there are continues remaining.

Players can choose the difficulty level (Easy, Medium, or Hard) and the number of continues from the options before starting the game. The game stores high scores to the Saturn's internal memory or a backup cartridge.

Pressure pads

Pressure pads appear on the ground during the stages. Batman or Robin can activate them by standing on them.

Batman Forever Saturn, Pressure Pads, Bat-Signal.png

Bat-Signal Pad
Contains an item or gadget.

Batman Forever Saturn, Pressure Pads, Riddler.png

The Riddler
Provides a random effect: invisibility, invulnerability, Hologram mode, or VR mode.

Batman Forever Saturn, Pressure Pads, Two-Face.png

Two-Face Yin-Yang
Provides a random positive effect (such as healing the character) or a random negative effect (such as shrinking the character temporarily) depending on whether the player touches the red (good) or black (evil) part of the pad.

Items

Batman Forever Saturn, Items.png
Power-Up
Increases the character's power meter.
Batman Forever Saturn, Items.png
Health
Restores part of the character's health.

Gadgets

Batman and Robin can find various gadgets on the ground in the stages. Gadgets have a power level from 1 to 3, with gadgets being more powerful and sometimes having special effects at higher levels. Gadgets can be used a limited number of times with C (with the exception of the Smart Bomb, which is used immediately when it is touched). The currently equipped gadget appears in the bottom corner of the screen for each player with the number of remaining uses.

Batman Forever Saturn, Gadgets.png
Batarang
Fires a projectile weapon that seeks enemies.
Batman Forever Saturn, Gadgets.png
Taser
Fires a stun shot that electrocutes opponents.
Batman Forever Saturn, Gadgets.png
Bat Bola
Fires a projectile weapon forwards.
Batman Forever Saturn, Gadgets.png
Grappling Hook
Shoots a grappling hook that can knock objects off the ceiling or lets Batman or Robin swing across the screen to knock out enemies.
Batman Forever Saturn, Gadgets.png
Smart Bomb
Explodes when stepped on.
Batman Forever Saturn, Gadgets.png
Bat Call
Summons bats that, depending on the power level, form a protective barrier, attack enemies, or pick up and carry enemies away.
Batman Forever Saturn, Gadgets.png
Stun Grenade
Throws a grenade that stuns enemies in an area.

Bonus items

At the end of each stage, the players have their scores tallied and are rewarded bonuses for the next stage depending on their performance. In two-player games, the player who performs better receives the bonus, while in one-player games, the player receives them merely for fulfilling the condition for the bonus at least once. Players each choose one bonus item for the next level, which is then triggered with C.

Batman Forever Saturn, Bonus Items.png
Overall Round Score
Rewarded to the player who achieves the highest score. When triggered, gives the player double points for 60 seconds.
Batman Forever Saturn, Bonus Items.png
Highest Combo
Rewarded to the player who performs the combo with the most hits. When triggered, launches "Hologram Mode," which creates transparent clones of the player to confuse and block the enemy. The number of clones depends on the character's power level.
Batman Forever Saturn, Bonus Items.png
Hero Bonus
Rewarded to the player with the most gadget hits on an enemy. When triggered, gives the character a random extra gadget.
Batman Forever Saturn, Bonus Items.png
Crime Buster
Rewarded to the player who defeats the most enemies. When triggered, gives the character sustained high power levels.
Batman Forever Saturn, Bonus Items.png
Super K.O. Bonus
Rewarded to the player who knocks out the most enemies (sending them flying). When triggered, activates "VR mode," which turns enemies into green holograms that can be shattered (or freezes bosses).
Batman Forever Saturn, Bonus Items.png
Bat-Signal
Rewarded to the player who activates the most Bat-Signals. When triggered, performs a full-power vertical grapple.
Batman Forever Saturn, Bonus Items.png
The Riddler Bonus
Rewarded to the player who activates the most Riddler pads. When triggered, activates temporary invisibility or invulnerability.
Batman Forever Saturn, Bonus Items.png
Two-Face Yin-Yang
Rewarded to the player who activates the most Two-Face pads. When triggered, raises the character's power level to its maximum level.

Stages

Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 1.png

Gotham City Streets

Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 2.png

Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 2 Boss.png

  • Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 2.png

  • Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 2 Boss.png

Biker Bar

Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 3.png

Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 3 Boss.png

Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 4.png

Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 4 Boss.png

  • Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 3.png

  • Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 3 Boss.png

  • Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 4.png

  • Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 4 Boss.png

Rooftop

Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 5.png

Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 5 Boss.png

  • Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 5.png

  • Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 5 Boss.png

Ritz Hotel

Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 6.png

Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 6 Boss.png

Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 7.png

  • Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 6.png

  • Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 6 Boss.png

  • Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 7.png

Subway Station

Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 8 Boss.png

Two-Face Lair

Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 9.png

Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 9 Boss.png

Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 10.png

Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 10 Boss.png

  • Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 9.png

  • Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 9 Boss.png

  • Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 10.png

  • Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 10 Boss.png

Alleyway

Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 11.png

Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 12.png

Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 12 Boss.png

  • Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 11.png

  • Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 12.png

  • Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 12 Boss.png

Batcave

Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 13.png

Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 13 Boss.png

  • Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 13.png

  • Batman Forever Saturn, Stage 13 Boss.png

The Riddler Throne Room

History

A Sega 32X version was produced[6], and progressed far enough in development to have a prototype shown at E3 1995[7], but ultimately never saw release.

Production credits

  • Programmed by: Iguana UK
  • Managing Director: Darren Falcus
  • Director of Product Development: Jason Falcus
  • Creative Director: Guy Miller
  • Technical Director: Rick Frankish
  • Art Director: Mike Muskett
  • Project Manager: Nick Bagley
  • Assistant Project Managers: Robert McCracken, Simon Phipps
  • Lead Programmer: Dave Semmens
  • Programmers: Darren Tunnicliff, Dave de Pauw, Mike Chilton, Steve Snake, Mark Wilkinson, Andy Taylor
  • Lead Artist: Trevor Storey
  • Artists: Andy Wright, Darren Hodgson, Ian McBurney, Neil Hislop
  • Music: Rick Fox
  • Sound Effects: Marc Schaefgen, Darren Mitchell
  • Quality Assurance Manager: Andy Roberts
  • Game Testers: Andy Davies
  • Special Thanks: Iguana US, Ziggy, Frank Tindle, Stephanie, Sam, Emma, Jan, Carolanne, Paula, Jane, Trevs Harem, Keith the Cat, Donna Semmens, Chris Semmens, Danielle Semmens, Brandon Luke Semmens, Phil Gaskell, Steve Archer, Jim Sangster, Dr Andrew Davies, Vicki Robinson, Christine Robinson, Claire Hopkins, Jamie Ulerick, My Magic Trousers
Batman Coin-Op
Saturn
Acclaim Product Development
  • Director: Amy Smith-Boylan
  • Associate Producer: Mike Hong
Acclaim Quality Assurance
  • Director: Ray Boylan
  • QA Supervisors: Carol Caracciolo, Tom Falzone
  • Technical Support Supervisor: Harry Reimer
  • Lead Analysts: Jeff Rosa, Mike Mazziotto
  • Game Analyst: Joseph Howell, Chris Jean
  • Technical Support: John Gonzales, Howard Perlman, Dan Wimpleberg, Andrew Fullaytor
Team Batman
  • Producer: Neill Glancy
Design
  • Game Design: Neill Glancy, Stephen Broumley, Carl Wade
  • Additional Design: Nigel Cook, Ian Dunlop, Jason Carpenter, David Dienstbier
Programming
  • Lead Programmer, Titan Engine: Carl Wade
  • Lead Programmer, Gameplay: Stephen Broumley
  • Tools Programmers: Carl Wade, Stephen Broumley, Craig Galley
  • Presentation Programming: David Crummack
  • Riddler Control Room: Richard Cowie
  • Additional Programming: Craig Galley
Art
  • Lead Artist: Mciahel McCallion
  • Artists: Scott Brocker, Patrick Thomas
  • Presentation Art: Gregg Hargrove
Advanced Technology Group
  • ATG Director: Cyrus Lum
  • Lead 3D Character Animator: Derek Robinette
  • 3D Character Animators: Cyrus Lum, Michael Daubert, Peyton Duncan, Jason Moulton, Alan Johnson
  • 3D Real Time Artist: Patrick Thomas
Team Iguana
  • President: Jeff Spangenberg
  • V.P. Product Development: Darrin Stubbington
  • Art Director: Matt Stubbington
  • Assistant Art Director: Jools Watsham
  • Technical Director: Craig Galley
  • Creative Director: Nigel Cook
  • Dev Support Manager: J Moon
Music and Sound
  • Music: Rick Fox
  • Sound Effects: Marc Schaefgen
Voice Talent Cast
  • Batman: Marc Schaefgen
  • Robin: Michael Daubert
  • Saboteur: David Dienstbier
  • Guesser Robot: Marc Shaefgen
  • Feather Thug: Scott Brocker
  • Tassel Boss: Rick Stefan
  • Spice: Michelle Thomas
  • Sugar: Jane Notgrass
  • Two Face Thugs: Adam McCarthy, Victor Mercieca
  • Voice from the Sky: Marc Shaefgen
  • Game Testing: Bey Bickerton, Neill Glancy, Stephen Broumley, Carl Wade, Derek Robinette, Michael Daubert, Peyton Duncan, Jason Moulton, Victor Mercieca, Nigel Cook, David Dienstbier, Jason Carpenter, Marc Schaefgen, Michael McCallion, Rob Cowen, Cameron, Matt, Nathan, Tyrone Miller, Jim Richardson
  • Special Thanks: Kate Miffitt, Jane Notgrass, Rubin Smith, Wendy Schultz, Veronica Villareal, Al Artus, Grant Dishman, John Carlsen, Pete Suarez, Beth Spengenberg, Gari Biasillo
  • Very Special Thanks: Wico Corporation, Happ Controls, Brett at Tilt Arcade Austin, Boots and Grey the Bags, Randy the Reindeer, Tubbs the Hamster
An Acclaim Coin-Operated Entertainment Inc Production
  • Producers for Acclaim: Tom Petit, John Pasierr
  • Hardware: Manoj Bhatngar, James Hunkins, Robin Seaver
  • Field Test Co-ordinator: Jaques Carter
  • Acclaim New York Special Thanks to: Paul Samulski, Nina Skalka
  • DC Comics Special Thanks to: Cheryl Ruben
  • Warner Brothers Special Thanks to: Holly J. Stein
Source:
In-game credits
Batman Forever Saturn credits.pdf
[8]

Magazine articles

Main article: Batman Forever (arcade)/Magazine articles.

Promotional materials

Sega TR advert 1997.03.jpg
Print advert in Blue Jean (TR) #03/97: "Mart 1997" (1997-xx-xx)
Sega TR advert 1997.03.jpg

Physical scans

ST-V version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
Next Generation (US) NTSC-U
50
[9]
Arcade (Sega Titan Video)
50
Based on
1 review

Batman Forever (arcade)


Saturn version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
Edge (UK) PAL
40
[10]
Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) NTSC-U
48
[11]
Fun Generation (DE) NTSC-U
40
[12]
GameFan (US) NTSC-U
60
[13]
GamePro (US) NTSC-U
68
[14]
Joypad (FR) PAL
50
[15]
LeveL (CZ)
14
[16]
MAN!AC (DE) PAL
37
[17]
Mega Fun (DE) PAL
35
[18]
Mean Machines Sega (UK) PAL
68
[5]
Next Generation (US) NTSC-U
0
[19]
Saturn Fan (JP) NTSC-J
48
[20]
Secret Service (PL)
50
[21]
Sega Magazin (DE)
35
[22]
Sega Power (UK) PAL
59
[23]
Sega Saturn Magazine (UK) PAL
63
[24]
Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J
63
[25]
Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J
72
[26]
Sega Saturn
47
Based on
18 reviews

Batman Forever (arcade)

Saturn, JP
BatmanForeverTAG Saturn JP Box Back.jpgBatmanForeverTAG Saturn JP Box Front.jpg
Cover
BatmanForever(arcade) Saturn JP Spinecard.jpg
Spinecard
Saturn, US
Batmanforevertag sat us backcover.jpgBatmanForeverTAG Saturn US Box Front.jpg
Cover
BatmanForeverTAG Saturn US Disc.jpg
Disc
Batmanforevertag sat us manual.pdf
Manual
Saturn, EU
BatmanForeverTAG Saturn EU Box.jpg
Cover
BatmanForeverTAG Saturn EU Disc.jpg
Disc
Saturn, PT
BFA Sat PT cover.jpg
Cover
BatmanForeverTAG Saturn EU Disc.jpg
Disc
Saturn, AU
BFA Sat AU cover.jpg
Cover
BatmanForeverTAG Saturn EU Disc.jpg
Disc
Saturn, TR
BatmanForeverTAG Saturn TR Box.png
Cover
BatmanForeverTAG Saturn EU Disc.jpg
Disc

Technical information

Main article: Batman Forever (arcade)/Technical information.

References

  1. File:BatmanForeverTAG Saturn JP Box Back.jpg
  2. 2.0 2.1 https://sega.jp/fb/segahard/ss/soft_licensee3.html (Wayback Machine: 2019-07-28 12:30)
  3. http://sega-saturn.com/software.htm (Wayback Machine: 1996-12-15 06:01)
  4. Computer & Video Games, "December 1996" (UK; 1996-11-xx), page 49
  5. 5.0 5.1 Mean Machines Sega, "February 1997" (UK; 1997-01-xx), page 68
  6. Mean Machines Sega, "September 1994" (UK; 1994-07-30), page 9
  7. GamePro, "August 1995" (US; 1995-xx-xx), page 40
  8. File:Batman Forever Saturn credits.pdf
  9. Next Generation, "July 1996" (US; 1996-06-18), page 91
  10. Edge, "March 1997" (UK; 1997-02-28), page 90
  11. Electronic Gaming Monthly, "January 1997" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 62
  12. Fun Generation, "02/97" (DE; 1997-01-15), page 84
  13. GameFan, "Volume 5, Issue 1: January 1997" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 22
  14. GamePro, "February 1997" (US; 1997-xx-xx), page 84
  15. Joypad, "Février 1997" (FR; 1997-0x-xx), page 82
  16. LeveL, "Únor 1997" (CZ; 1997-02-01), page 88
  17. MAN!AC, "02/97" (DE; 1997-01-08), page 85
  18. Mega Fun, "03/97" (DE; 1997-02-05), page 86
  19. Next Generation, "January 1997" (US; 1996-12-17), page 180
  20. Saturn Fan, "1997 No. 3" (JP; 1997-01-31), page 177
  21. Secret Service, "Marzec 1997" (PL; 1997-xx-xx), page 24
  22. Sega Magazin, "März 1997" (DE; 1997-02-12), page 73
  23. Sega Power, "March 1997" (UK; 1997-02-12), page 46
  24. Sega Saturn Magazine, "February 1997" (UK; 1997-01-16), page 68
  25. Sega Saturn Magazine, "1997-04 (1997-02-21)" (JP; 1997-02-07), page 143
  26. Sega Saturn Magazine, "Readers rating final data" (JP; 2000-03), page 14


Batman Forever (arcade)

BatmanForeverArcade title.png

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Batman games for Sega systems / published by Sega
Sega Mega Drive
Batman (1990) | Batman: Revenge of The Joker (1992) | Batman Returns (1992) | The Adventures of Batman & Robin (1995) | Justice League Task Force (1995) | Batman Forever (1995)
Sega Game Gear
Batman Returns (1992) | The Adventures of Batman & Robin (1995) | Batman Forever (1995)
Sega Master System
Batman Returns (1993)
Sega Mega-CD
Batman Returns (1993) | The Adventures of Batman & Robin (1995)
Pinball
Batman (1991) | Batman Forever (1995)
Arcade
Sega Saturn
Batman Forever (1996) | Batman & Robin (unreleased)
PlayStation 5
Gotham Knights (2022) | Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League (2024)