Batman is one of the most popular fictional characters of all time. First appearing in Detective Comics #27 in 1939, he would quickly become the star of the book and get his own series, cementing him as a major player in the world of comics. He would achieve new heights of popularity in the 1960s with his own TV show and movie starring Adam West and this would help bring the character into the mainstream where he’s been ever since. The adaptability of the character has allowed him to show up in all sorts of stories, mediums and products, with video games being a prominent example.
The first foray into video games for the world’s greatest detective was the 1986 game simply titled Batman for the Amstrad, MSX and others. It was an isometric action-adventure game in which the player collects clues to rescue Robin. Another game by the same developers would follow, sticking close to a comic book aesthetic. With the release of the movie Batman in 1989, various game adaptions would follow, appearing on multiple platforms such as the NES, Mega Drive, Game Boy, PC, arcade, Amiga, Amstrad and more. Each game would be different from the other, but all take inspiration from the film rather than the comics. Adaptions would continue over time, with games based on the later Batman films and TV shows.
The late 2000s would be an important time for Batman in games. Lego Batman: The Video Game launched in 2008 and would be the first of many brick based adventures for the character. In 2009 came Batman: Arkham Asylum and it would change video games. It was a huge success both critically and commercially, bringing new fans to the character, with the mechanics of the game inspiring imitators. The game would span multiple sequels, with the franchise still going today, as well as comics and merchandise based on it. The most recent game to star the Caped Crusader was story based game Batman: the Telltale Series.
Batman has appeared in many different places in video games that aren’t what you’d first expect. The Dark Knight has popped up in other games, such as a boss in the Mega Drive game The Revenge of Shinobi. This was an unofficial use of the character and and he would be removed in later versions. He has his own casino game themed in the form of The Dark Knight Rises at Betway’s slots based on the film and he would feature in the child friendly drawing game Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure. Batman has teamed up with fellow heroes in various games revolving around the DC universe such as Justice League Heroes and DC Universe Online. He is a playable fighter in both Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe and Injustice: Gods Among Us.
Whether you’re saving Gotham City, playing Betway slots, or punching Sub-Zero in the face, Batman appears everywhere in games and in the future, this won’t stop.
