Batman Returns is a PC game (for DOS) developed by Park Place Productions and published by (both) Konami and Spirit of Discovery for North America under a partnership while Gametek published it for Europe. What makes this game different from the other Batman Returns games is the emphasis of investigating evidence linked to the Penguin and Max Shreck while interrogating criminals on the spot for evidence that can be used to nail them. The game operates on nine in-game days.
The game is played as a Point-and-Click Game.
Since the game is out of circulation, the only way to play the game is either buying used copies and use it with a PC that can handle it or play it through emulation.
The DOS version of Batman Returns contains examples of:
- All There in the Manual: Accessing the Batcomputer in the Batcave allows the players to read up on the suspects and persons of interests in the game.
- Downer Ending:
- Having the Penguin as the new Mayor of Gotham is an instant game over.
- The Batmobile being wrecked is another downer ending.
- Frameup: Penguin has evidence to show that the Mayor of Gotham publicly getting a bribe, which would allow him to win the mayoral elections. Getting the tape from him is a major condition for the game to continue; otherwise it's game over.
- Guide Dang It!:
- Certain events can be achieved if some steps are done such as getting enough evidence prior to saving the Ice Princess from being killed by the Penguin.
- Having certain gadgets can make or break an event such as having the grappling gun to scope out Arctic World from a nearby tree.
- Getting the best ending will require players to not go to events that can lead to an encounter with Catwoman.
- Point-and-Click Map: Traveling around Gotham City requires going to a map and choosing a location (highlighted in red) with a mouse pointer.
