Remember 20 years ago? OK, so maybe some of you don’t but that was when Batman starring Michael Keaton was released, helping to Bat-rocket launch the popularity of comic book-based movies. To honor the anniversary, Gamertell is looking back at the many Batman video games released throughout the years.

Here’s a chronological look back at 10 of the most popular (although not necessarily the best) Batman games released since 1989.

Put all expectations out of your mind right now that this is anything like the console games. It is not an action, peg gathering multiplayer game.

Instead, this is a collection of several familiar single-player minigames covered in cute Lego slash DC Comics style Bat-skins that range from challenging and fun to simply frustrating.

Click through for the full review (and don’t miss the 100+ screenshots)…

Title: Lego Batman: The VideogamePrice: $29.99System(s): DS (PSP, PS2, PS3, Xbox 360, PC, Wii)Release Date: September 23, 2008Publisher (Developer): Warner Home Video GamesESRB Rating: “Everyone 10+” for mild cartoon violence.Pros: More fun the longer you play, plenty of collectibles, multiplayer mode, well-executed 3D environments and cute story.Cons: Does not follow the plot of any Batman movie, repetitive puzzles and a fatal revival glitch in Free Play Mode.Overall Score: One thumb up, one thumb sideways; 81/100; B-; * * * out of five.

Taking a huge hint from the success of the Lego Star Wars and Lego Indiana Jones games, Warner Bros. has converted yet another an iconic character book hero into colored pegs to star in a video game…

After getting shut down, resurrected by new owners, moved to a new venue and taking place two month earlier than normal, the Mid-Ohio-Con (aka MOC) was this past weekend (October 4-5, 2008) at the Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, OH (USA). The convention is typically a showcase for Ohio area comic book artists and stores with a smattering of additional celebrity guests and other goodies.

There were two videogame booths a the MOC, one for Ninja Gaiden and the other was promoting Soul Calibur IV. There were a few celebrities, several big-name comic artists, the Batmobile and costumes aplenty…

For those of you who indulge in the delicacies of fatty snacks that come in a colorful box and an accompanying toy, the recent McDonald’s Happy Meals are promoting Lego Batman and a game code has been stamped on the bottom of each toy.

There are eight toys in the set including four vehicles and four characters. Each game code unlocks playable characters so you don’t have to wait until later in the game to cash in precious and readily available Lego pegs for the same character.

I don’t usually do this but, since GoNintendo has already started the sharing, I’ll offer up two more codes…

Title: The Dark Knight (aka Batman: The Dark Knight, Batman Begins 2, The Dark Knight: The IMAX Experience)Release Date: July 18, 2008Company: Warner Bros.Rating: PG-13Length: 142 min (2 hours, 22 minutes)Pros: A lot of great acting, a well-woven story and plenty of psychological creepiness. The more realistic Gotham City is a well-executed contrast to the inner darkness of the characters.Cons: A little long and a bit too creepy for kids. Only one moment of unbelievability.Overall Score: Two thumbs up; 93/100; A-; * * * * out of five.

Put away your illusions that this is a big-screen adaptation of Frank Miller’s graphic Novel, The Dark Night Returns. While there is a tiny nod or two to the book, this is continuation of the Batman Begins film with a new origin of at least one DC Comics character and a more realistic, visually brighter yet thematically darker take on Batman.

Click through for the full review…