GameTavern - Batman: The Brave and The Bold

Already posted over on NeoGAF so why waste a good thread

What is it?
Batman: The Brave and The Bold is the most recent animated version of the Caped Crusader. Instead of following in the footsteps of the awesome, Batman: The Animated Series, the show took a different route looking at a side of Batman which is rarely seen in this day and age.

Not only does it show a different side of Batman, it also has him teaming up with all manner of DC characters including Aquaman, Green Arrow, Guy Gardener's Green Lantern and Blue Beetle.

Now you know about the inspiration for the game, what about the game.
Well the game is available on the Nintendo Wii and DS.

The Awesome Launch Trailer

As you can see, this is a 2D beat-em up with co-op action. Sadly, no online play is included in the package. However, you can take Batman and a myriad of partners through the games 4 episodes.

For some odd reason, they decided to split the roster between the DS and Wii version, but here are your possible partners.

Wii
Robin
Blue Beetle
Guy Gardner
Hawkman
Bat-Mite (Exclusive DS Link to Wii version)

DS
Aquaman
Blue Beetle
Green Arrow
Plastic Man
Red Tornado

Personally, looking at the list, I feel the DS version stays more true to the show as it features many of the recurring sidekicks/partners. I mean no home-console Aquaman?

That's not entirely true though, in addition to having a partner in crime, you are also able to select one assist character per stage, and those are:
Aquaman
Black Canary
Black Lightning
Booster Gold
Captain Marvel
Flash (Jay Garrick)
Green Arrow
Hal Jordan
Plastic Man
Red Tornado

Each character can be summoned when you have a power stored and will do their own screen clearing move.

So there's the basics.
Two player co-op, each gets to pick an assist character. 2D beat-em up.

If you have both the Wii and DS version, you are able to get a 3rd player in the game who controls Bat-Mite.

The game also features all the major voices from the TV show.

How does it fare?

-Reviews
GameInformer 8.5

Quote:

Tight controls and cheeky humor make Brave and the Bold an easy recommendation for bat and brawler fans alike. Accessible and entertaining, it’s also a perfect fit for –familyplay.

1up B+

Quote:

If you know you're getting into an easy and simple brawler, then The Brave and The Bold is one heck of a ride. It's unapologetically simple and goofy, and it not only presents a good throwback to the 16-bit era, but also to a more lighthearted take on Batman in general. Overall, while it errs a bit too much toward simplicity, The Brave And The Bold is a great family-friendly Batman game, and is honestly my favorite Batman title not called Batman: Arkham Asylum.

Destructoid 8.0

Quote:

It delivers a solid and enjoyable experience from beginning to end. It isn't going to win anyone over for its finger-blistering difficulty, either, so fans looking for an old-school challenge should check their expectations accordingly. But super sharp visuals and clever writing make this a collection of Batman adventures you won't want to miss.

GameSpot 7.0

Quote:

A great sense of humor and flashy style make the Caped Crusader's latest adventure entertaining, despite the lack of challenge.

Joystiq 7.0

Quote:

Genuine laughs and amusing scenarios await within, and if you can keep in mind that you're probably several times older than the target audience, it's a pretty solid option for co-op with your kid sibling -- or a drinking buddy, for that matter.

IGN 6.5

Quote:

If The Brave and the Bold was a downloadable title I would buy it in an instant. But it's a full $40 game. There's a lot of flair and style with The Brave and the Bold, but it's a pretty mindless affair, even for a kids' game.

Comics Alliance

Quote:

So if you take nothing else away from this review, it should be this: "Batman: The Brave and the Bold" is absolutely, without a doubt the best game about Hawkman we have ever gotten. In fact, I'm pretty sure it's the best game about Hawkman that it's actually possible to make.

When Can I pick it up?

Thanks to the lack of hype around this title, most don't even know its already in stores! And for a discounted price of 39.99 for the Wii!

For now Bat-fans, that's all I have, I'm sure missing a ton, but I'll hopefully add impressions of either the DS or Wii version soon.

So I'll catch you same Bat-time, same Bat-channel.