Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu (GameCube)

GameSpot editors' review

• CNET editors' rating: 3.5 stars Very good
  Detailed editors' rating
  Overall score: 7.5 (3.5 stars)

• Reviewed by:
  Ryan Davis
• Reviewed on: 11/18/2003
• Updated on: 05/17/2006
• Released on: 11/11/2003
• Originally published on GameSpot: Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu (GameCube) Review

Save for its overall air of cheese, the most memorable parts of ABC's campy 1960s Batman TV show were the fight scenes. Sure, Batman is a master of deduction, and he has that cool car, but what everyone really wants to see is Batman dealing out some good old-fashioned street justice to gangs of deserving thugs. While Ubisoft's last Batman game, Batman: Vengeance, was more of a full-fledged action adventure game, Rise of Sin Tzu strips out the adventure and beefs up the action. It's ultimately a pretty basic beat-'em-up, but the strong production values and a solid combat system make for a gratifying experience.

In Batman's latest caper, he must face off with Sin Tzu, a master strategist who is using the principles of Sun Tzu's The Art of War to take over Gotham City. Though Sin Tzu was created specifically for this game, you'll also go up against Arkham Asylum regulars like Scarecrow, Clayface, and Bane. But before Bats gets to any of these big-name bad guys, he will have to slug his way through wave after wave of lesser thugs. For the duration of the game, you'll walk from one end of a level to another, beating up bad guys as well as rescuing civilians and defusing bombs--but mostly, just beating up bad guys. This would get real boring real fast if Batman didn't have a flashy and surprisingly diverse combat system to work with--which, in fact, he does. You start off with a pretty limited number of moves, but as you advance, you'll be awarded with points, based on your performance, which you can use to purchase new moves. There's also a combo system, which you can use to charge up a special meter that, when activated, gives you access to a few incredibly brutal attacks for a short period of time.

The game also gives you the option of playing as one of three supporting Batman heroes--Batgirl, Robin, or Nightwing. Each offers a slightly different speed/power ratio than Batman, but, functionally, they're basically identical. In keeping with its arcade beat-'em-up roots, you can play through the story with two players, which opens up a few tag team attacks that are unavailable when flying solo. Though targeting enemies can sometimes be a bit of a hassle, the combat in the game is slick, fast, and fun. The regular introduction of new moves helps keep the gameplay fresh, and the occasional boss fight helps stave off monotony. The game is also pretty short, ending just about the time you're getting sick of the constant fighting. GameCube owners get a small bonus in the form of GBA connectivity, which lets you use points earned in the GBA game to unlock special items and trophies in the GameCube game. As with most games that tout such a feature, the appeal of the connectivity is limited and feels tacked-on.

Continue reading