Batman Returns (Mega-CD)

From Sega Retro

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

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BatmanReturns MCD title.png

Batman Returns
System(s): Sega Mega-CD
Publisher: Sega
Developer:
Licensor: DC Comics
Genre: Action

















Number of players: 1
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Mega-CD
US 		$49.9949.99[4] 4401
Sega Mega-CD
EU 		4401
Sega Mega-CD
DE 		DM 119.95119.95[9] 4401
Sega Mega-CD
FR 		4401
Sega Mega-CD
PT 		CDJ4401
Sega Mega-CD
UK 		£44.9944.99[7] 4401
Sega Mega-CD
AU 		$119.95119.95[11]
OFLC: G8
Sega Mega-CD
BR

Batman Returns is a Sega Mega-CD action platform and driving game developed by Malibu Interactive and published by Sega. Based on the 1992 film Batman Returns, the game is an enhanced port of the earlier Batman Returns for the Mega Drive and was released in early 1993 to more positive reception, particularly in regards to the newly-added driving stages.

The Adventures of Batman & Robin for the Mega-CD is a spiritual successor to the driving segments of this game.

Story

The game loosely follows the plot of the film. The grotesque Penguin and his Red Triangle Gang are terrorizing Gotham City. They abduct and murder Gotham's Ice Princess and frame Batman for it. The Penguin is also running for Mayor of Gotham as part of millionaire businessman Max Shreck's schemes for consolidating control over the city. Meanwhile, Shreck's former employee Selina Kyle takes up the mantle of Catwoman after he attempts to kill her for uncovering his plans. She becomes entangled with Batman as she vows revenge.

Gameplay

Batman Returns contains both the original action platforming game and a new pseudo-3D arcade driving game on the same disk. As both games follow the same plot, their stage order was interwoven, although each can also be played individually. When played together, the game starts with the first driving stage, then the first platforming stage, then alternates between the two until the end.

Smaller changes were made to accompany the move to CD, such as reducing the cartridge soundtrack, increasing PCM sample quality, and replacing the playable fight from the staff roll with a non-interactive sequence.

Driving

Batman Returns CD, Batman.png

Batman

The driving sections are played as Batman piloting the Batmobile or the Batskiboat. Both vehicles are equipped with weapons for attacking foes. Batman loses a life if he runs out of time or if his vehicle takes too much damage from enemies or from hitting obstacles. Each stages consists of multiple levels, which are timed. Time is fully replenished and damage is partially repaired at the end of each level. The goal of each level is usually to destroy all of the enemies (a red bar under the health bar indicates the number of enemies remaining) or defeat a boss opponent. The first Batskiboat stage instead involves dodging obstacles and making it to the end of each level before time runs out, with a boss encounter at the end of the stage.

Both vehicles are steered with Left and Right. They accelerate with Up and brake with Down. The player can engage the turbo for a boost of speed by holding B. They are equipped with machine guns, which are fired with A (which can be held for continuous fire) and have unlimited ammunition. They also have heat-seeking missiles, which are fired with C but are limited in supply. Batman can replenish his missiles in the Batmobile stages by driving into barrels marked with the Batman insignia.

Stages

Batman Returns CD, Stage 1.png

Streets of Gotham

Batman Returns CD, Stage 2.png

Winter Wonderland

Batman Returns CD, Stage 3.png

City Limits

Batman Returns CD, Stage 4.png

Sewers of Gotham

Batman Returns CD, Stage 5.png

The Penguin's Lair

Platforming

Main article: Batman Returns (Mega Drive)#Gameplay.

History

Reception

The game was released to mixed reception. Reviewers were immediately enthralled with the new driving sections, but were still unimpressed with the previously-released action platform stages.

The scaling and rotation effects displayed in the driving sections were very well-received, and the game was resultingly considered a showcase of the Sega Mega-CD hardware. Spencer Nilsen’s soundtrack was also well-received[3], with the track City Limits frequently being used in Sega of America promotional videos.

Development

Programmer Chris Shrigley has released the source code to the driving sections of the game on his web site.

Production credits

Game Developed by: Malibu Interactive
  • Driving Game Designers: Jeff Godfrey, James Maxwell, John O'Brien
  • Platform Game Designers: James Maxwell, Bert Schroeder
  • Additional Platform Design: Nancy Nakamoto, Bernie Wang
  • Driving Game Backgrounds Lead Artist: Stephen Thomson
  • Driving Game Vehicles Lead Artist: Jeff Godfrey
  • Additional Driving Game Artists: Tom Applegate, Jeremy Cantor, Russel Comte, Damon DuBois, Robert Hemphill, Ray Huerta, Jayne Shrigley
  • Platform Game Artwork: Tom Applegate, Todd Tomlinson
  • Additional Platform Game Artists: Robert Hemphill, Ray Huerta, Stephen Thomson
  • Driving Game Programmer: John O'Brien
  • Platform Game Programmer: Andrew Green
  • Game Shell Programmer: Chris Shrigley
  • Sound Programmer: Brian Howarth
  • Testers: Darin Johnson, Justin Monast
  • Game Directors: James Maxwell, John O'Brien
Source:
In-game credits
Batman Returns CD credits.pdf
[13]


Source:
US manual
Batmanreturns mcd us manual.pdf
[14]

Magazine articles

Main article: Batman Returns (Mega-CD)/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

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Print advert in Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) #41: "December 1992" (1992-xx-xx)
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Print advert in Sega Visions (US) #13: "June/July 1993" (1993-xx-xx)
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Print advert in Sega Visions (US) #14: "August/September 1993" (1993-xx-xx)
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Print advert in Supergame (BR) #28: "Novembro 1993" (1993-11-xx)
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Physical scans

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
85 №12, p48-51
Sega Mega-CD
 85
Based on
1 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
Consoles + (FR)
79
[15]
Computer & Video Games (UK)
88
[7]
Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) NTSC-U
53
[16]
Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide (UK)
93
[17]
GameFan (US) NTSC-U
93
[18]
Game Players (US) NTSC-U
70
[19]
Game Power (IT) PAL
80
[20]
GamePro (US) NTSC-U
68
[4]
Hobby Consolas (ES)
93
[21]
Hyper (AU)
86
[22]
Joker (SI)
83
[23]
Joypad (FR) NTSC-U
81
[24]
Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming (UK) NTSC-U
85
[25]
Mega (UK) NTSC-U
81
[26]
Mega Action (UK) PAL
90
[27]
Mega Force (FR)
89
[28]
Mega Fun (DE) PAL
73
[29]
Mega Play (US) NTSC-U
63
[30]
Mega Power (UK) PAL
70
[31]
MegaTech (UK) PAL
94
[6]
Mean Machines Sega (UK) PAL
90
[32]
Megazone (AU)
85
[33]
Power Up! (UK)
75
[34]
Sega Magazin (DE)
80
[35]
Sega Power (UK) NTSC-U
85
[36]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
86
[37]
Sega Zone (UK) PAL
55
[38]
Sega Force Mega (UK) NTSC-U
83
[39]
Sega Force (SE)
73
[40]
Sonic the Comic (UK) PAL
85
[41]
Supergame (BR)
80
[42]
Super Juegos (ES)
94
[43]
Todo Sega (ES)
89
[44]
Video Games (DE) NTSC-U
78
[45]
Sega Mega-CD
 81
Based on
34 reviews

Batman Returns (Mega-CD)

Mega-CD, US
BatmanReturns MCD US Box Back.jpgBatmanReturns MCD US Box Front.jpg
Cover
BatmanReturns MCD US Disc.jpg
Disc
Batmanreturns mcd us manual.pdf
Manual
BatmanReturns MCD US RegCard.pdf
Reg Card
Mega-CD, EU
BatmanReturns MCD EU Box Back.jpgBatmanReturns MCD EU Box Front.jpg
Cover
BatmanReturns MCD EU Disc.jpg
Disc
Batman Returns MCD EU Manual.jpg
Manual
Mega-CD, FR (Blister pack)
BMR MCD FR blister back.jpgBMR MCD FR blister front.jpg
Cover
Mega-CD, PT

Mega-CD, BR

Technical information

ROM dump status

System Hash Size Build Date Source Comments
Sega Mega-CD
 ?
CRC32
MD5
SHA-1
527,137,296 CD (EU) 4401
Sega Mega-CD
✔
CRC32
MD5
SHA-1
527,137,296 CD (US) 4401
Sega Mega-CD
 ?
CRC32
MD5
SHA-1
1993-04-23 Page

References

  1. ↑ https://www.ign.com/games/batman-returns-sega-cd (Wayback Machine: 2021-04-14 07:13)
  2. ↑ https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video.sega/c/qhF7ZofJ3Iw/m/R_RHh1BrpmIJ
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video.sega/c/g9Zfwyh7s2o/m/ls3pC3fjCqsJ
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 GamePro, "June 1993" (US; 1993-xx-xx), page 66
  5. ↑ Computer & Video Games, "July 1993" (UK; 1993-06-15), page 100
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 MegaTech, "July 1993" (UK; 1993-06-19), page 68
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Computer & Video Games, "July 1993" (UK; 1993-06-15), page 40
  8. ↑ Megablast, "4/93" (DE; 1993-09-29), page 34
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Sega Magazin, "September/Oktober 1993" (DE; 1993-09-01), page 11
  10. ↑ Select Round, "Septembre 1993" (FR; 1993-xx-xx), page 2
  11. ↑ Megazone, "October 1993" (AU; 1993-xx-xx), page 33
  12. ↑ Video Game, "Outubro 1993" (BR; 1993-xx-xx), page 6
  13. ↑ File:Batman Returns CD credits.pdf
  14. ↑ File:Batmanreturns mcd us manual.pdf, page 33
  15. ↑ Consoles +, "Juillet/Août 1993" (FR; 1993-0x-xx), page 130
  16. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "June 1993" (US; 1993-xx-xx), page 34
  17. ↑ Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide, "" (UK; 1993-11-18), page 119
  18. ↑ GameFan, "Volume 1, Issue 7: June 1993" (US; 1993-xx-xx), page 16
  19. ↑ Game Players, "Vol. 6 No. 8 August 1993" (US; 1993-0x-xx), page 118
  20. ↑ Game Power, "Settembre 1993" (IT; 1993-0x-xx), page 46
  21. ↑ Hobby Consolas, "Septiembre 1993" (ES; 1993-xx-xx), page 56
  22. ↑ Hyper, "December 1993" (AU; 1993-xx-xx), page 55
  23. ↑ Joker, "Oktober 1993" (SI; 1993-xx-xx), page 22
  24. ↑ Joypad, "Juillet/Août 1993" (FR; 1993-0x-xx), page 92
  25. ↑ Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming, "August 1993" (UK; 1993-06-24), page 48
  26. ↑ Mega, "August 1993" (UK; 1993-07-15), page 42
  27. ↑ Mega Action, "August 1993" (UK; 1993-07-15), page 28
  28. ↑ Mega Force, "Mega-CD Force: Le Supplément Spécial Mega-CD" (FR; 1993-xx-xx), page 28
  29. ↑ Mega Fun, "09/93" (DE; 1993-08-18), page 33
  30. ↑ Mega Play, "June 1993" (US; 1993-0x-xx), page 58
  31. ↑ Mega Power, "August 1993" (UK; 1993-07-29), page 42
  32. ↑ Mean Machines Sega, "August 1993" (UK; 1993-06-30), page 68
  33. ↑ Megazone, "October 1993" (AU; 1993-xx-xx), page 32
  34. ↑ Power Up!, "Saturday, October 16, 1993" (UK; 1993-10-16), page 1
  35. ↑ Sega Magazin, "September/Oktober 1993" (DE; 1993-09-01), page 10
  36. ↑ Sega Power, "August 1993" (UK; 1993-07-01), page 42
  37. ↑ Sega Pro, "August 1993" (UK; 1993-07-08), page 42
  38. ↑ Sega Zone, "August 1993" (UK; 1993-07-22), page 38
  39. ↑ Sega Force Mega, "August 1993" (UK; 1993-06-24), page 36
  40. ↑ Sega Force, "5/94" (SE; 1994-08-10), page 33
  41. ↑ Sonic the Comic, "12th June 1993" (UK; 1993-06-12), page 11
  42. ↑ Supergame, "Junho 1993" (BR; 1993-06-xx), page 20
  43. ↑ Super Juegos, "Septiembre 1993" (ES; 1993-0x-xx), page 104
  44. ↑ Todo Sega, "Septiembre 1993" (ES; 1993-0x-xx), page 30
  45. ↑ Video Games, "9/93" (DE; 1993-08-25), page 38


Batman Returns (Mega-CD)

BatmanReturns MCD title.png

Main page | Comparisons | Maps | Hidden content | Magazine articles | Video coverage | Reception | Technical information


Sega Mega-CD
Prototypes: 1993-04-23



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)
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