Play Batman Returns on Snes Online

Batman Returns on SNES is one of those movie tie-ins that actually gets it right. You start off punching your way through Gotham’s weirdest threat—the Penguin’s circus gang, which is exactly as ridiculous as it sounds. Picture this: clowns on unicycles, clowns with flamethrowers, clowns who just won’t stop coming. Batman’s got punches, kicks, and a satisfying Batarang toss to clear them out, plus these weird little explosive test tubes that feel oddly satisfying to use.

Some levels lock you into a straight line—left or right only—where the Batarang does most of the work unless some clown gets too close. There’s also a grappling hook for swinging over pits, which is cool until you mistime it and plummet into the abyss (happens more than you’d think). And just when you’re settling into the rhythm, bam—you’re thrown into a Batmobile chase, weaving through traffic while blasting clown bikers. It’s chaotic, but in that classic ‘90s beat-’em-up way.

The bosses are where it really shines, especially Catwoman, who’s way faster than you’d expect. The whole thing’s wrapped in these grainy cutscenes pulled straight from the movie, which somehow make punching clowns feel even more cinematic. It’s not perfect, but for a licensed game, it’s way more fun than it had any right to be.