WelcometoExtremeGamer

Reviewed by The Sacred Cow | March 27th 2003

Introduction
Batman: Dark Tomorrow is another game in a long line of games that tries to redeem the Batman video game franchise. Oh boy does it fail miserably. The game spouts such features as being able to use stealth and cunning to defeat your foes. Not once do you use stealth or even have to think while playing this game. Superman 64…watch out! You have some competition.

The Game
Ok, try to imagine a fixed camera, ala Resident Evil, that changes directions on you every few steps and zooms in and out randomly. Then imagine your control being taken away because 2 seconds ago you were going up now you are going left, right, or down. (It’s random) Then imagine taking this game back to get a refund.

I say imagine, because I do not want any of you fine gamers out there to actually try this at home.

The game also has several bat gadgets to use. Unfortunately the majority of them are useless. There is a big disappointment in the “stealth” department as well. While you do have the ability to hug into a wall like Solid Snake, it is a completely useless ability as the enemies just spawn or pop up out of nowhere as you advance in the stages. So the enemies always know exactly where you are and there is no hiding from them. I do not know why they added the ability to wall hug.

Ok, a positive note, well kind of. The story is great, being written by long time Batman writer Scott Peterson and video game legend Kenji Terada. (Final Fantasy 1-3) The Cut scenes that tell the story are beautiful and unfortunately they make you want to play through the next gruesome level to advance the plot.

Graphics & Sound
Bet you think this game couldn’t get worse huh? Wrong! The graphics are appalling for a nex-gen system. The models are plain ugly, there is lots of clipping, the backgrounds are horrible and bland, and Batman looks like he needs a bra.

The music is, contrary to the rest of the game, great. Being done by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The voices are expertly done as well.

Mojo
What can I say that I haven’t already said? This game is horrible. I am a huge Batman fan and was really looking forward to this game for some time. It has been delayed for a year so that it would be perfect. I shudder to think of the product they had a year ago.

Lowdown
I cannot think of a single reason you would want to own or even play this game. But if you must, please, please rent it first. Even with the great story this game is utter crap, and should never have been released in such a poor state.

Gameplay: 2, Graphics/Sound: 3 , Innovation: 4, Mojo: 2. Final:3

FEATURES:
  • Groundbreaking stealth game animation incorporates the intellectually stimulating detective elements into the plot including tailing enemies, leaning against walls, and peeking around corners to infiltrate the villain's secret hideouts.

  • Innovative game design and intuitive interface will quickly immerse gamers in an expansive and realistic Batman universe, resulting in an experience that's easy to learn but balanced with intricate and challenging replay value that will appeal to both fans and non-fans alike.
  • "Batman: Dark Tomorrow" is based upon an original story by Batman writer Scott Peterson and was written by Peterson with Kenji Terada, famous for his work on "Final Fantasy I, II, & III." The story contains and underlining conspiracy theme incorporating hidden treachery, which permeates the plot with an atmosphere of danger that builds throughout the game.
  • Unique underworld villains and characters such as Black Mask, Scarface & the Ventriloquist, Killer Croc, Mr. Freeze, Poison Ivy, the Joker, and more!
  • Gamers will soar and dive in the new Batglider while navigating narrow ravines in order to remain undetected.
  • Utility belt features include: Batcuffs, Finger Light, Night Vision Lenses, Universal Tool, Batgrapple, Batcable, Smoke Capsules, Medical Kits, and Batarangs.
  • State-of-the-art Bat Cape is highly rendered and features tactile pulse feedback through the game controller, indicating blocked blows or deflected shots by criminals.
  • Soundtrack under development by composers from England and Italy, tentatively slated for performance by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Tot Taylor.
  • Exceptional gothic atmosphere and animation emulates all of the hallmarks of the Batman universe.



Batman:
Dark Tomorrow

 
Publisher
DC
 
Developer
Kemco
 
Genre
Action
 
Released
Mar. 2003
 
ESRB
Teen