Batman Forever (Mega Drive)
From Sega Retro
- For other games with the same name, see Batman Forever.
Batman Forever | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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System(s): Sega Mega Drive | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Publisher: Acclaim Entertainment (US, EU, AU), Acclaim Japan (JP), Tec Toy (BR) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Developer: Probe Entertainment, Black Team | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Distributor: Sega-Ozisoft (Australia)
Arcadia Software (Spain) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Licensor: DC Comics, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Peripherals supported: Six Button Control Pad | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Genre: Fighting Action/Taisen Action (対戦アクション)[1], Action[2] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of players: 1-2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Batman Forever (バットマン フォーエヴァー) is a Sega Mega Drive beat-'em-up game developed by Probe Entertainment and Black Team. Based on the titular June 1995 film Batman Forever, it was first released in the United States in September 1995, and was later brought to Europe, Japan, Australia, and Brazil in the following months. Batman Forever is most notable for being significantly inspired by the developer's previous home ports of the Mortal Kombat series, featuring digitized character sprites and a virtually identical control scheme.
Contents
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
The normal mode is a side-scrolling beat-'em-up game with controls that are similar to a one-on-one fighting game. It can be played with a single player, where the player can choose to play as Batman or Robin, or with two players, where player one is Batman and player two is Robin. Two-player games can be played cooperatively, where players cannot harm each other and share credits, or competitively, where Batman and Robin can attack each other and have separate credits. Players and enemies have health bars and are defeated when the bar is depleted. Players start each level with the same health as they ended the previous level, but health can be replenished by finding items. Players lose a credit if they run out of life (or the game ends if there are no more credits remaining). Enemies can block or dodge attacks, and most have their own special attacks. Enemies can harm each other with friendly fire. Levels often require the player to defeat all the enemies in an area before pathways are opened. Levels also contain hidden areas that can be found through exploration and the use of items.
Characters walk with and
and crouch with
. They jump with
and perform a somersault with
or
. They can glide with their capes, slowing their descent, by pressing
while in mid-air. They normally turn around by pressing in the opposite direction unless they are fighting an enemy, in which case pressing in the away direction twice forces them to turn around. They can roll by pressing
(or
if facing to the left), which lets them reposition to escape surrounds and can also sweep enemies.
+
jumps off platforms to a lower level.
The attack controls are similar to Mortal Kombat. With a Six Button Control Pad, is high punch,
is low punch,
is high kick, and
is low kick.
+
or
+
performs an uppercut,
+
performs a sweep kick, and
+
(or
+
if facing left) performs a roundhouse kick.
blocks, which can be done while crouching. Blocked attacks still inflict a small amount of damage. There are two control methods, selectable before starting the game, for performing back attacks (attacking an enemy behind the character while engaged with another enemy in front of him). The first and default method simply requires pressing in the away direction and attacking. The second method requires holding the MODE button and attacking.
With the standard control pad, is low punch,
+
(or
+
if facing left) is high punch,
is low kick, and
is high kick.
+
uppercuts,
+
performs a sweep kick, and
+
(or
+
if facing left) performs a roundhouse. START blocks (and START +
pauses the game).
Characters can also grab enemies at close range by pressing
(or
depending on the direction of the enemy). Once an enemy is grabbed, they can be thrown them by pressing in the away direction. Some enemies can block grabs.
Each character carries five "gadgets," which are special abilities that can be performed by pressing certain button combinations. The gadget list is selected by the player at each level, with three standard gadgets for each character and two gadgets selected from two separate lists. There are also four hidden "blueprint" gadgets. Gadgets have unlimited supply and can be used as often as needed.
There is also a fighting game mode called "training mode" where the player can play as Batman, Robin, or many of the enemies found throughout the game against either a computer-controlled opponent, against a second player, or cooperatively against two computer opponents. Batman and Robin choose their gadgets before starting a round, as in the normal game, but the other characters have their own sets of special moves.
Gadgets
Characters always have their standard gadgets. Players choose one optional gadget from each list before each level and then use them by performing the appropriate button combination. Button combinations mostly only use ,
, and
so they are generally the same regardless of whether the player has a Six Button Control Pad.
Button combinations assume that the player is facing right. If facing left, and
should be reversed.
Batman
Standard
Optional 1
Optional 2
Robin
Standard
Optional 1
Optional 2
Blueprint
These weapons are hidden and can only be collected by finding all of the blueprints in a level.
Items
Partial Energy | |
---|---|
Partially replenishes the character's energy bar. | |
Full Energy | |
Fully replenishes the character's energy bar. | |
Riddler Box | |
Provides a clue in the form of a riddle. | |
Extra Time | |
Gives the player extra time in the third level. | |
Two-Face Coin | |
If collected when the scarred face is showing, gives the player an extra credit. If collected when the smooth face is showing, gives the player an extra credit and also fully replenishes the character's energy bar. | |
Gadget Blueprint | |
Collect four in a single level to gain a new gadget for use in the next level. |
Levels
Arkham Asylum | |
---|---|
Second Bank of Gotham City | |
The Circus | |
Two-Face's Hideout: Warehouse | |
Ritz Gotham | |
Abandoned Subway Station | |
Wayne Manor/Destroyed Batcave | |
Claw Island | |
History
Development
The video game adaption of Batman Forever was created simultaneously with the movie, likely as the film was going through its post-production phase. Acclaim's development team in the US were given access to the movie's 70 sets, and would both record footage and take notes of the design before sending it off to the UK-based Probe Entertainment to be implemented in-game[7].
Probe would then attempt to convert what assets they were given into backdrops, initially by scanning the footage into an SGI workstation and then by drawing rough guidelines, placing computer generated light sources and attempting to turn the results into 2D backdrops[8].
The characters in-game were motion captured using the film's stuntmen against green screen, which again would be sent to Probe in video form[9]. No members of the film's main cast reprise their roles for the video game, though their likenesses are used in promotional material.
Release
A limited edition release of Batman Forever was sold exclusively in branches of Woolworths in the United Kingdom. In addition to a boxed version of the game, the package includes a VHS cassette documenting how the game was made, a Batman Forever-themed notepad and stickers. The package is thought to have sold poorly, and has subsequently become a rare collectors' item. Both Mega Drive and Super NES versions were available.
Production credits
- A Probe Production
- Programmer: Paul Carruthers
- Producers: Tony Beckwith, Tim Bradstock
- Designer: Nick Baynes
- Storyboards: Alex Lawrence, Darren Goodacre, Dimitri Bakalov
- Music: Tim Follin
- Arrangements: Andy Brock
- Sound Effects: Andy Brock
- Backgrounds: Ned Langman, Phil Williams
- Clay Models: Alex Lawrence
- Model Digitsation: Cybersite UK Ltd.
- 3D Model Animation: Jason McDonald
- Animation Editors: Kevin Watts, Tim Bradstock
- Additional Graphics: Terry Ford, Darren Goodacre, Ned Langman, Pierson Lippard, Kevin McMahon, Phil Williams
- Level Designers: Jonathan Gibson, Simon Bland
- Q.A. Team: Gary Patino, James Brown, Nick McGee, Michael Movel, Clifford Ramsey, Mark Viccary
- A.I. Logic: Dan Phillips
- Compression: Nick Pelling, Rob Northen
- All Pies Eaten By: Gary Liddon
- Producer: Douglas Yellin
- Assoc. Producers: Michael Archer, Tyrone Miller
- Analysts: Simon Gouldstone, J.J. Maziotto
- Admin. Assistant: Kristen Muzer
- Q.A. Project Leader: David Sanchez
- Q.A. Staff: C. Caracciolo, A. Ingberman, H. Reimer, J. Gonzalez, H. Perlman, C. Shanley, A. Falk, C. Chamberlain, R. Morton, R. Tucker, P. Lindsay, A.K. Brown, J. Rosa, D. Tabb, M. Mazziotto
- Producer: Douglas Yellin
- Director: Fiona Milburn
- Stunt Coordinator: Jeff Gibson
- Lighting Design: Leslie Hankey, Brian Danitz
- Camera Operator: Chris Caris, Eric Schmitz
- Production Assts.: Rich Nelson, Ron Sommers, Ray McDonough
- Directors Asst.: Cynthia Graham
- Costumes: Izquierdo Studio, New York
- Wig Design: Edward Sylvia
- Harvey Two-Face Make-Up: Bryant Holt
- Special Thanks: Larry Kelley, Jeremy Schwartz, Rob Zimmelman, Rob Muzer, Howard Schwartz, Roger Booth
- Shot At: Acclaim Studios, Glen Cove, New York
Magazine articles
- Main article: Batman Forever (Mega Drive)/Magazine articles.
Promotional material
- Main article: Batman Forever (Mega Drive)/Promotional material.
Physical scans
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76 | |
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Based on 25 reviews |
Mega Drive, PT (White Box Sticker) |
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Mega Drive, CZ (Datart) |
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Technical information
- Main article: Batman Forever (Mega Drive)/Technical information.
References
- ↑ File:BatmanForever MD JP cover.jpg
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software_l.html (Wayback Machine: 2020-07-02 23:21)
- ↑ File:BatmanForever MD-GG US PrintAdvert.jpg
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 GamePro, "December 1995" (US; 1995-xx-xx), page 92
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Computer & Video Games, "October 1995" (UK; 1995-09-14), page 80
- ↑ Computer Trade Weekly, "" (UK; 1995-09-04), page 56
- ↑ Mean Machines Sega, "September 1995" (UK; 1995-07-27), page 19
- ↑ Mean Machines Sega, "September 1995" (UK; 1995-07-27), page 18
- ↑ Mean Machines Sega, "September 1995" (UK; 1995-07-27), page 35
- ↑ File:Batman Forever MD credits.pdf
- ↑ GamesMaster, "September 1995" (UK; 1995-08-03), page 41
- ↑ 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 27
- ↑ Cool Gamer, "9" (RU; 2002-10-13), page 26
- ↑ Digitiser (UK) (1995-09-13)
- ↑ Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 1, "" (RU; 1999-xx-xx), page 292
- ↑ Famitsu, "1995-11-03" (JP; 1995-10-20), page 32
- ↑ Freak, "10/95" (IL; 1995-xx-xx), page 1
- ↑ GamePro, "November 1995" (UK; 1995-09-xx), page 38
- ↑ Game Informer, "October 1995" (US; 1995-xx-xx), page 26
- ↑ Hobby Consolas, "Octubre 1995" (ES; 1995-xx-xx), page 78
- ↑ MAN!AC, "11/95" (DE; 1995-10-11), page 77
- ↑ Mega Force, "Octobre 1995" (FR; 1995-xx-xx), page 48
- ↑ Mega Fun, "10/95" (DE; 1995-09-20), page 61
- ↑ Mean Machines Sega, "October 1995" (UK; 1995-08-25), page 70
- ↑ Player One, "Octobre 1995" (FR; 1995-xx-xx), page 129
- ↑ Saturn Fan, "1995 12-22" (JP; 1995-12-08), page 86
- ↑ Sega Magazine, "October 1995" (UK; 1995-09-12), page 86
- ↑ Sega Power, "October 1995" (UK; 1995-08-17), page 50
- ↑ Sega Pro, "November 1995" (UK; 1995-10-05), page 52
- ↑ Svet Kompjutera, "April 1996" (YU; 1996-xx-xx), page 79
- ↑ Sega Megazone, "Summer '95/'96" (AU; 1995-xx-xx), page 30
- ↑ Todo Sega, "Octubre 1995" (ES; 1995-xx-xx), page 40
- ↑ Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 20
- ↑ Video Games, "9/95" (DE; 1995-08-30), page 106
Batman Forever (Mega Drive) | |
---|---|
Main page | Comparisons | Maps | Hidden content | Magazine articles | Video coverage | Reception | Promotional material | Region coding | Technical information | Bootlegs |
Batman games for Sega systems / published by Sega | |
---|---|
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) | |
Batman Returns (1992) | The Adventures of Batman & Robin (1995) | Batman Forever (1995) | |
Batman Returns (1993) | |
Batman Returns (1993) | The Adventures of Batman & Robin (1995) | |
Batman Forever (1995) | |
Batman Forever (1996) | Batman & Robin (unreleased) | |
Gotham Knights (2022) | Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League (2024) |
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