Batman Returns Genesis box art

Sega Genesis / Mega Drive · Platformer

Batman Returns

SystemSega Genesis / Mega Drive
Released1992
GenrePlatformer
DeveloperMalibu Games
PublisherSEGA
Players1 player
CommitmentAn evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
SeriesBatman
ESRBE10+
LegacyDeep cut · legacy score 2

Released for the Sega Genesis / Mega Drive in 1992, Batman Returns is a platformer developed by Malibu Games and published by SEGA.

It landed about 3 years into the Genesis's life. Other notable Genesis releases from 1992 include Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Lemmings and Streets of Rage 2.

It is part of the Batman series; on the Genesis you can also try Batman Forever, The Adventures of Batman & Robin and Batman. The series also appears on other systems with Batman: The Video Game (NES) and Batman Forever (SNES). Malibu Games also made 3 Ninjas Kick Back, Cliffhanger and Ex-Mutants for the Genesis.

This is a solo experience: one player, no waiting on anyone else.

Pick it if…

  • you want to run, jump and explore
  • you have time for an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
  • you've played the Genesis hits and want something less obvious

Maybe skip it if…

  • you get frustrated by precise jumps and limited lives
  • you are looking for something to play with friends

What playing Batman Returns is like

Platformers are all about movement: running, jumping and timing your way across levels full of gaps, enemies and secrets. The best ones feel great to control within seconds and then slowly teach you to master every leap.

Tip for newcomers: Retro platformers often have limited lives and few checkpoints. Learn one level at a time, look for hidden 1-ups, and don't be shy about using a save feature when it is available.

Batman Returns gameplay screenshot on Genesis
In-game screenshot (Genesis)

Batman Returns cheats & codes

121 codes on file (Action Replay, Other codes). Here are a few Action Replay codes to start with:

Infinite LivesFFFE320003
Infinite EnergyFFFE31002C
Unlimited GlidingFFFCC8FF05
Infinite Smoke Bombs And BatarangsFFFE346363
InvincibleFFFE4C0200
Infinite Grappling Hooks And BatsFFFE344343

See all Batman Returns cheats

Batman Returns walkthroughs & guides

Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Batman Returns.

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Playing Genesis games today

Genesis games are fast and immediate, and many are made for two players. Official collections and Nintendo Switch Online carry a big slice of the library, and Rec0m88 can run your own Genesis backups with online netplay.

Batman Returns FAQ

When did Batman Returns come out on the Genesis?

Batman Returns was released for the Sega Genesis / Mega Drive in 1992.

Who made Batman Returns?

It was developed by Malibu Games and published by SEGA.

Is Batman Returns multiplayer?

No. Batman Returns is a single-player game.

How long does Batman Returns take to play?

As a platformer, Batman Returns typically falls into the "An evening or two" category: roughly 1–6 hours to see it through. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.

Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.

Not sure? Let the Matrix pick for you