Spawn: Armageddon

"Spawn's latest Game doesn't sink(Completely"

As this is my first review here at GameFaqs, I'm quite sure that it won't be up to the standards of the vets, but it's not as if I'm a Pokemon-loving 12 year old, so bear with me.

Most of the gaming magazines and websites that I frequent all said pretty much the same thing: that it was a good idea on paper, but when executed it failed miserably. I would have to disagree. My only reason for purchasing it was that I needed a game, and it was either this or Pooh's Rumbly Tumbly Adventure...

GRAPHICS
In today's world of countless platformers, Spawn's graphics aren't earth-shattering, but they aren't terrible either. Spawn's model is done nicely, and his cape seems to be sentient, as it flutters in a believing manner. The enemy models, however, look like they are rejects from McFarlane's sketchbook. They are blocky, uninspired and not fearsome in the least bit. They seem to resemble varied lumps of cement. The backgrounds shouldn't have to be brilliantly vibrant..Spawn is located in a grungy, grimey city, and that's what this game delivers..nothing more, nothing less. The backgrounds, while similar, do the job.

SOUND
I am assuming that Mr. McFarlane thinks that all of his fans are into this particular genre of music that resembles a feral animal being probed...or deathmetal; whichever you prefer. I've heard better music in Quake for the PS1. The generic metal repeats over and over, getting quite monotonous by the third mission..even Marlyn Manson's track doesn't help, although it's lyrics referring to pleasuring yourself do leave a lot to be desired for. The sound effects, however are enjoyable, as your dispatched enemies howl and hiss as they disappear. The booms and reports of your weapons/hellpowers, as well as your capes flutter are done nicely as well.

CONTROL
The control scheme isn't perfect, but it's good for this game. Strafing and auto-targeting are easy to achieve, as is you jumping, gliding, and using your vicious axe to chop 'em to bits. The major problem with the controls is that your weapons and hellpowers are switched using the directional buttons. When the majority of the others are located on the face buttons, it becomes a chore to switch to the proper weapon...especially when you have six flying imps spitting fireballs in your face.

GAMEPLAY
The levels are quite linear, but have lots of hacking and slashing to keep your gory self occupied. The puzzles mainly consist of you shoooting random control boxes and using a flawed grappling system to propel yourself to new heights. You have a wide variety of weapons, from your basic shotgun to your mega-weapon the "Brimstone Cannon." You have a nice selection of hellpowers too, which are almost as fun to use as the weapons. The combat sequences can get crowded, but you can just chop your way out. the only disenchanting thing is that you get points for destroying inanimate objects such as cars, crates, cylindars etc.

REPLAY VALUE
Aside from being an avid Spawn fan, this is a buy/beat/sell game. If you ARE a fanboy, however, there is a nifty "encyclopedia" option that chronicles all of the monsters that you encounter. You also have the option of finding comic book covers in levels. Doing this unlocks the original cover art for the first 99 issues in a gallery accessed through the main menu.

OVERALL
If you are looking for a darker, more brooding platforming experience, are a fan of Spawn, or McFarlane in general, definitely consider this game. Even if you aren't, pick it up for a nice dark change of pace. But don't even think about spending 50 bucks for this puppy. Try to get it discounted. You won't be sorry.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 07/20/05