Batman (TurboGrafx-16)

This page details pre-release information and/or media for Batman (TurboGrafx-16).

This needs some investigation. Discuss ideas and findings on the talk page. Specifically: Add more magazine previews if they can be found.

Rather infamously, Batman for PC Engine in its early previews was completely different from the final product, being a platformer rather than an overhead maze game.

Bi-Weekly Famicom Tsūshin (Famitsu) – No. 83 - September 15th, 1989#

'...But does it make sense?' The translations on this page need to be proofread. If you are fluent enough in this language, please make any corrections necessary! Notes: Double-check translation by Sledge3, as requested.

A preview with some screenshots. It's likely that the game was in an early state at this point, as platforms are implemented but no enemies or obstacles are visible. Further, while the description mentions Batman being able to jump, punch, and use his grappling hook to reach higher ledges (much like in the Genesis Batman game) while finding various items and weapons throughout the stages, the images show him with just two sprites: one walking/standing, and one jumping.

The game was going to have four stages total, each with a boss at the end. The first three were Gotham City, Axis Chemicals, and Gotham Museum, all of which could be chosen in any order (the screenshot with the Batcave is noted to be from the Stage Select screen). Beating all three unlocked the final stage, with the Joker as the final boss.

The preview states that the stages would have lots of enemies to fight with traps and objects falling from above to avoid, along with the boss fights having their own unique gameplay style.

The only thing that remains in the final game is the stage intro screen, with the background and text intact.

Title Screen#

Early	Final

The early version has the same elements (minus the "PRESS RUN BUTTON" prompt), but the logos aren't centered and the text seems to be in a different color.

Platforming Segments#

There are some screenshots of gameplay also shown in the magazine preview. However, only platforms and some backgrounds are shown, and there are no enemies present, nor is there any HUD with life/ammo count for weapons (if any) visible. Most likely this preview was preliminary and only a demonstration of platforming at this point.

Batcave Cutscene#

This cutscene of the Batcave is nowhere to be found in the final version. The previews in Famitsu and PC Engine Fan state that this was taken from the Stage Select screen.

PC Engine Fan (October 1989)#

'...But what does it mean?' This game has text or audio that needs to be translated. If you are fluent with this language, please read our translation guidelines and then submit a translation! Notes: Is there any more info in PC Engine Fan that's not in Famitsu?

Another preview, using four of the same screenshots as the Famitsu preview, though here they're unobstructed. Of note is that this preview gives a tentative release date: December 1989.