Batman Begins (video game)
A stealth action-adventure game based on the 2005 film.
Batman Begins is a stealth action-adventure video game tied to the 2005 film, covering Batman’s first year fighting crime. It launched in June 2005 on Game Boy Advance, GameCube, PlayStation 2, and Xbox. Eurocom handled the console versions, published by Electronic Arts and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. Vicarious Visions made a separate Game Boy Advance version, and Klear Games adapted it for mobile phones; both used action-platform gameplay. The film’s main actors voiced their roles, except Gary Oldman (James Gordon), replaced by Gavin Hammon. The game got mixed reviews. A planned PlayStation Portable version was canceled for unknown reasons.
Quick Facts
- Title
- Batman Begins
- Developer
- Eurocom / (GC, PS2, Xbox) · Vicarious Visions / (GBA) · Klear Games / (Mobile)
- Publisher
- EA Games / Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
- Composer
- Ian Livingstone
- Platforms
- Game Boy Advance · GameCube · PlayStation 2 · Xbox · Mobile phone
- Series
- Batman
- Released
- Consoles / NA · June 15, 2005 · EU · June 17, 2005 · AU · June 27, 2005 · TW · June 15,2005 / Mobile / NA · June 20, 2005 · UK · July 7, 2005
- Genre
- Stealth, action-adventure / Action, platform / (GBA, mobile)
- Modes
- Single-player
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The game closely follows the film's plot, with modifications such as new scenes and expanded events. It features over 20 clips from the film as cutscenes. The story begins with Batman confronting thugs working for Dr. Jonathan Crane in a burning building, then flashes back to Bruce Wayne's training with Henri Ducard and the League of Shadows. After refusing to execute a captive, Bruce sets the League's temple alight and returns to Gotham to fight crime as Batman, aided by Alfred Pennyworth and Lucius Fox. The plot involves Crane's fear toxin, a microwave emitter stolen from Wayne Enterprises, and Ra's al Ghul's plan to destroy Gotham. Batman ultimately stops the plan by destroying a monorail track, causing Ra's death.
Reader's Guide
Batman Begins is notable as the last Batman film released by Warner Bros. to receive a video game tie-in. It received mixed reviews across all platforms, with GameRankings scores ranging from 62.14% (GBA) to 67.20% (Xbox) and Metacritic scores from 61 to 66 out of 100. The game won G4's award for 'Best Graphics on PS2'. A PlayStation Portable version was planned but cancelled, and a sequel, Batman: The Dark Knight, was developed for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 before being cancelled. The game incorporates a unique 'fear' mechanic, where players can intimidate enemies using environmental interactions and gadgets. The film's original cast provided voice-over reprisal, except Gary Oldman, replaced by Gavin Hammon. The game's legacy lies in its attempt to blend stealth and action gameplay with film tie-in expectations, though it did not achieve critical acclaim.
Did You Know?
- The game features a unique 'fear' mechanic that allows Batman to intimidate enemies using environmental interactions and gadgets.
- Gary Oldman, who portrays James Gordon in the film, was replaced by Gavin Hammon in the game.
- The game includes over 20 clips from the film used as in-game cutscenes.
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