A rundown of Batfink

What did I do?

As I had never is much as heard of this IP, my first task was to look at internet sites for common elements within the TV show.
For example, I found out about the characters powers, who the primary cast where, and the basic plot. (Hero gets bad guy.)

With this, I would not pick out overly complex details about it as I watched it, which is the next stage!

As I watched, I noted down the plot progression, characters, the way ni which powers and characters where used, and the kind of situations that would be expected.

So what did I find?

After a few episodes, The first key element I found that would relate to game play is that there seemed to be a car chase of some sort near the end.

As well as this, I also noticed that Batfinks sidekick, Karate, would often try to ‘help’, but instead would let the villain get away extending the plot. This sort of narrative device would translate well in a game.

The basic elements

So, what did I find? Well, from noting down the plot of each episode, I found that the villain tended to escape or allude Batfink several times, be in some sort of car chase, and eventually be involved in some sort of showdown, often in some way causing their own defeat (Such as throwing a bomb at the hero, hurting themselves as he would simply block.)

Common plot elements included:

A car chase.

Being foiled in some way.

and a showdown.

This sequence of chase, catch, fight, end can be seen in a lot of old (and modern) games, such as Sonic or Mario, simply making your way to each boss at the end of levels, so perhaps the best transition would be that of a sides roller or simple platforming game?

Also noteworthy are the abilities of Batfink. He would simply block attacks, or use a close range chopping attack with his wings.

Protective metal wings, compelte with catchhprase.

Fighting hand to hand.

Often, he would emit two “Beep” letter characters (that acted as his sonar) to find trouble, but this may not be so useful in a linear game, unless it was some kind of assist mechanic.

Using the sonar for help

To summarise

Batfink will have a blocking move, and a close range chop attack. (So the game would presumably have elements of being a beat’um up)
Levels will be fairly linear, with the player catching up with the villains throughout, but Karate allowing them to escape.
Levels will have some sort of driving car chase section near the end.
The level will have end bosses of some sort.

All images captured from ''Batfink - The Short Circuit Case" From youtube. Reference stuff to follow