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Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu is a beat 'em up based on the Batman: The Animated Series license. It is the second game (after Batman: Vengeance) in the [generation to be based off this license. It is similar to games like Gauntlet Legends because of its focus on multiplayer and dungeon crawling. The four playable characters are: Batman, Robin, Batgirl and Nightwing.

The main villain, Sin Tzu, was created especially for the game by notable comic book creator, Jim Lee. Several sketches and comic books by him are unlockable in the game.

Gameplay[ | ]

Players have the option of four characters in the campaign. These are:

  • Batman, the Dark Knight and World's Greatest Detective. A strong character.
  • Robin, the Boy Wonder. A fast character, but not as strong as Batman or Nightwing.
  • Batgirl, Barbara Gordon. Another fast character, good at clearing crowds, but not as strong as Batman or Nightwing.
  • Nightwing, the former Robin. Strong like Batman, but not as fast as Robin/Batgirl.

Each character gains experience points and moves. Experience is gained by defeating enemies and building up your combo meter. Moves are bought in stores in between each level for points you earn/save up. Other than moves, you can also buy tokens in these stores used for unlocking artwork, comics, and models.

There are 5 levels in total, each with different themed minions and topped off by an end-boss. The bosses are Scarecrow, Clayface, Bane and finally, Sin Tzu.

Level Structure[ | ]

The game progresses in a linear fashion from level-to-level with very little variety. Each level usually has the same objective: Reach a certain number of points in a time limit, and then reach the end of the level. The time limit is represented by a 2 or 3 minute timer, where you must reach a "captured civilian" or "time bomb" before it reaches 0. Failing to do so will cost you one life. After fulfilling the requirement of reaching these points (usually civilians or bombs), the time limit is gone, and you have unlimited time to reach the end of the level (which usually isn't very far). Invisible walls constantly block your path until you've defeated every enemy in the area.

Combat[ | ]

Fighting uses typical beat 'em up controls. There is a punch button, a kick button, a grab button, and a jump button. Jumping is not used for getting onto higher platforms, but for doing various jumping moves. Any combination (sometimes timed) of these buttons will pull of various moves, though you must buy them in the stores first. There is also a "gadget" button where you can switch gadgets (such as batarangs & grappling hooks) and use them. Batarangs stun, and grappling hooks let you do swinging kicks.

Reception[ | ]

The game has an average of 60.25% for Gameboy Advance, 61.43% for Gamecube, 59.97% for PlayStation, 62.22% for Xbox on GameRankings.[1]

References[ | ]

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