Based on the movie of the same name, Batman Forever puts you in the role of either Batman or Robin. Whether you decide to play as the Caped Crusader or the Boy Wonder, your job is to save Gotham City from the clutches of The Riddler and Two-Face (and the latter's sidekicks, Sugar and Spice).

Throughout the game's eight levels of play, you must battle the aforementioned villains and their henchmen (such as killer clowns) using a variety of punch and kick moves and special bat gadgets, such as Batarangs, smoke pellets, tranquilizer darts, and grappling hooks. Some of the levels contain puzzles, such as hidden switches to pull and pieces of gadget blueprints to find.

The normal game mode of Batman Forever roughly follows the plot of the film, taking place in such locations as the Second Bank of Gotham City, the circus, and an abandoned subway station. Your ultimate goal, in addition to saving your fair city, is to rescue the beautiful Dr. Chase Meridian from The Riddler. She is being held at Claw Island, The Riddler's nightmarish factory. Throughout the various levels you can find helpful items (such as Riddler boxes and Two-Face coins) for gaining lives, energy, time, and tips.

A special training mode of play lets you, or you and a friend, hone your combat skills by pitting you (as hero or villain) against Batcomputer-generated characters in one-on-one (or two-on-two) fights.