Hello, everyone — SuperAsurada77 here!
Today, I’m bringing you a nostalgic recommendation: a game that middle-aged gamers like us can still enjoy and actually beat without losing our minds.
🦇 The Dark Knight Arrives on the Mega Drive
The year was 1990, and Michael Keaton had just blown audiences away as Batman on the big screen. The film was a massive hit, and suddenly everyone was doing their best Batman impressions.
Not long after, in 1991, Sunsoft released their Batman game for the Sega Mega Drive (a.k.a. Genesis) — and it was a masterpiece.
The graphics and music were stunning for the time, and best of all, the game isn’t brutally difficult. Even today, I still replay it from time to time and manage to see the ending. Once you learn a few key patterns, you’ll have no trouble.
🎮 Pro Tips Before You Start
Before you dive in, here’s some advice for us “veteran gamers”:
- Set lives to the maximum in the options.
- Keep the difficulty on Normal to avoid throwing your controller through the TV.
Stage 1 – Gotham City
The opening level captures Gotham perfectly in glorious 16-bit style.
If you hold the Select button, Batman takes a defensive stance that can block bullets and even bazookas — though knives still cut right through.
One of the coolest details: it rains during the stage, and back in the day, that graphical effect made me shout, “Wow!” There was a rumor about a hidden path in the background street, but I’ve never seen it.
Boss Tip:
The first boss is simple — crouch and throw Batarangs low and fast.
If you run out, double-tap jump to do a somersault and get behind the boss, then punch him from behind. Easy win!
Stage 2 – The Chemical Plant
Here’s where you’ll need Batman’s grappling hook:
- Hold Up + Jump to fire it upward.
- Hit Jump again to climb.
- Hold Down + Jump to descend.
⚠️ Be careful — if you try this on a pipe, you’ll fall to your death!
Boss: Joker
Head to the top-right corner and land a solid punch. Joker falls into a vat of chemicals, and that’s the end of Stage 2.
Stage 3 – The Mansion
Now you’re treated to some truly gorgeous 16-bit visuals.
Coming from 8-bit Famicom graphics, this was jaw-dropping stuff back in the day.
The mid-boss here is tricky — his jump-and-punch pattern is hard to time. Stay patient and keep trying.
Boss Strategy:
Use Batarangs to wear him down. After he jumps and leaves an opening, rush in with a punch.
Once you win, you’re rewarded with animated cutscenes — a big deal in 1991!
Stage 4 – The Batmobile Chase
Time for a fast-paced driving stage! It’s chaotic and hard to survive, so don’t hesitate to rely on save states.
Boss: Armored Tank
Spam missiles like there’s no tomorrow — and again, save/load is your friend here.
Stage 5 – The Clown Gauntlet
These pesky clowns dodge everything!
Here’s a tip: Jump far forward from the middle of the stage to grab an extra life. If you die afterward, you’ll restart closer to the front.
Boss Tip:
Position Batman on the left side. When the boss charges with a knife, jump and punch — repeat this pattern to win.
Stage 6 – The Airborne Assault
This stage is brutal. The boss will destroy you repeatedly.
Best advice: Use missiles, and don’t be ashamed to lean on save/load mechanics again.
Stage 7 – The Finale
Welcome to the final stage — and prepare for frustration.
You’ll face wave after wave of mid-bosses, often with just a sliver of health left. Again, save states will save your sanity here.
Dodge bombs, climb higher, and enjoy the incredible Gotham City skyline as you approach the climax.
Final Boss – The Joker
At last, you reach the rooftop and confront Joker himself. He’s smiling as always, but don’t underestimate him — one careless move and you’re toast.
The strategy:
- Throw Batarangs rapidly.
- Somersault behind him and punch.
- Repeat until he’s finished.
In true Batman fashion, Joker meets his end by falling from the tower with a creepy smile still on his face.
🎮 Final Thoughts
Sunsoft nailed it.
The graphics, music, presentation, and difficulty balance are all top-notch. This game remains one of the best Batman titles ever made — a true 16-bit classic that still holds up today.
If you’re a retro gamer in your 40s or beyond, give this one a shot.
It’s challenging, satisfying, and a blast from the past.
🦇 Enjoy your time in Gotham!
Original article in Korean: [link]