1989 SunSoft
Platform: PC Engine
Batman was indeed released on the PC Engine, though a much different design for the game was once underway by Sunsoft, and based closely on the 1989 Batman movie. Originally scheduled for release in December 1989, it was once planned as a side-scrolling action game with a cinematic feel, featuring key elements from the film.
This particular development seems much closer to what was released on the NES, with the first level seemingly being remade here. ParanoiaDragon suggests that Sunsoft at the last minute decided to switch gears and place Batman characters within an already existing maze game. The question is – why?
Set in Gotham City, the story follows Batman as he attempts to rescue reporter Vicki Vale, who disappears while investigating the Joker’s crimes. The Joker, Gotham’s shadowy ruler, has released a military-grade nerve agent, further plunging the city into fear and chaos just as it prepares for its annual festival.
The game allowed players to choose the order in which they tackled its four stages: Gotham City, a factory, a museum, and the final showdown with the Joker. Batman’s core combat moves were jumping and punching, though additional weapons were planned for boss battles.
Each level featured environmental hazards such as falling objects, floor traps, and destructible blocks, requiring precise movement and timing. The factory stage incorporated grappling hooks for vertical movement, while the museum stage had walls that Batman could break to progress.
In addition to standard gameplay, the game aimed to capture the cinematic atmosphere of the movie, with a title screen resembling a movie poster and highly detailed cityscapes. Vehicles such as the Batmobile and Batwing were also set to make an appearance.
Previews shown in Weekly Famitsu and PC Engine Fan magazines show early screenshots of the game in action, which doesn’t seem to have much going on. Just the background graphics and main character. It seems that the decision to change design happened relatively early on.
It’s still early days, and it isn’t clear who was working on the game at Sunsoft. We hope to learn more in the future, but if you know anything more – please do get in touch.
With thanks to ParanoiaDragon for highlighting and Gaming Alexandria for the hi-res scans.
Gallery
I’m just curious as to how many other unreleased games were once featured in weekly famitsu. I suspect they would be a gold mine given they are a bit more obscure in the west and have a language barrier to boot.
It will indeed be a treasure trove – there are a few people that tweet about some of the various unreleased NES, PC Engine and other titles that were featured and never released.