Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker adapts the high-octane action of the animated film into a straightforward 3D brawler that puts you directly in Terry McGinnis’s sleek new Batsuit. Combat revolves around a simple but satisfying combo system: light and heavy attacks can be chained into cinematic finishers, and you’ll frequently mix in bat‐weapons like batarangs, grappling hooks, and electrified gauntlets. Enemy waves come fast and furious, and the game encourages you to memorize attack patterns and dodge or counter at the right moment.

What keeps the gameplay fresh is the selection of alternate Batsuits you unlock as you progress. Each suit offers a unique ability—stealth cloaking, super-strength punches, or shockwave blasts—that changes how you approach battles. Facing genetically engineered thugs who vary from speedy flyers to hulking brutes forces you to swap suits on the fly and tailor your strategy, creating a satisfying loop of trial, error, and mastery.

Level design is built around linear street corridors, rooftops, and industrial warehouses where you’ll confront Joker’s henchmen and mini-bosses. Occasionally, you’ll partake in chase sequences or puzzle-like segments, such as hacking security panels while evading laser turrets. While these detours add variety, the core remains combat—if you’re seeking deep platforming or open-world exploration, this game keeps its focus squarely on brawling.

Graphics

Visually, Batman Beyond captures the neon-drenched aesthetic of Gotham in the year 2039. Character models stay true to the animated designs, with Terry’s armor glowing blue against the city’s bleak skyline. Lighting effects—especially during night sequences and explosive set-pieces—lend a cinematic flair, even if some textures on building surfaces and enemy faces feel dated by modern standards.

The environments are richly detailed, from slick rain-soaked streets to high-tech labs where Joker’s genetically engineered goons are created. Animations are fluid during combat, allowing you to seamlessly transition from a flying kick to a whip lash with your grapnel line. Occasionally, camera angles can become too tight during crowd control fights, but the overall presentation remains impressive for a title of its era.

Cutscenes punctuate the action with hand-drawn panels reminiscent of comic books, tying the narrative to its source material. These sequences are well-executed and help bridge the gaps between gameplay segments, ensuring the visual storytelling feels cohesive. While the game can show its age in static backgrounds or repetitive textures, the strong art direction makes up for any technical shortcomings.

Story

Based directly on the animated feature Return of the Joker, the narrative sees young Terry McGinnis stepping into Bruce Wayne’s legendary role just as the Joker returns from the dead. The story unfolds through in-engine cinematics and voiceovers, delivering a dark, emotionally charged experience that explores themes of legacy, vengeance, and the psychological scars of Bruce Wayne’s past.

Playing as Batman Beyond, you uncover scattered clues about Joker’s horrific experiments, confront old allies turned enemies, and wrestle with the idea that the Joker’s final gambit goes far deeper than simple mayhem. Familiar characters like Tim Drake (Robin) appear, deepening the dramatic stakes as you learn how far Joker is willing to go to break the Bat-family once and for all.

While the plot hits all the high notes fans expect—twisted revelations, tense showdowns, and a heartbreaking resolution—it occasionally rushes through exposition to get back to the action. However, the strong voice cast and faithful adaptation of the film’s beats make this a compelling ride for both longtime fans of the show and newcomers eager for a superhero tale with real emotional weight.

Overall Experience

Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker delivers a focused, action-packed experience that remains faithful to its animated roots. The tight combat mechanics, combined with suit-switching tactics, ensure that each encounter feels purposeful. Despite some repetitive corridors and occasional camera quirks, the thrill of laying waste to Joker’s genetically twisted minions never wears off.

Graphically, the game strikes an impressive balance between comic-book stylings and 3D action set-pieces. While the visuals may show their age in certain texture work, the overall atmosphere—complete with rain-slicked streets and neon-lit back alleys—immerses you in a futuristic Gotham that’s as dangerous as it is beautiful.

For fans of superhero brawlers and the Batman Beyond mythos, this title offers a rewarding campaign that respects its source material. With varied combat scenarios, a strong narrative backbone, and enough suit customization to experiment with different playstyles, Return of the Joker stands as a solid purchase for anyone craving a tight, story-driven beat ’em up set in a darker, more futuristic corner of the DC universe.

Retro Replay Score

3.8/10