Spider-Man & Venom: Maximum Carnage

"If he changed his name to Spider-Dan, every one would think his real name is Dan."

The Super Nintendo was around when comic books were the big thing. The biggest comic book at the time was probably X-Men. So, as one would suspect, the current consoles would churn out tons of comic book based video games. Some of them are awful. Just look at games like Separation Anxiety. You'll have an anxiety attack just from playing that game! Maximum Carnage is probably the only good Spider-Man game to be released on the 16 bit consoles, and the second best Spider-Man game ever released. The best one is on the PlayStation.

Graphics
No complaints about the graphics. They are very smooth and detailed, and they are not at all choppy. They look a lot like a comic book, which is obviously what the developer wanted. They even add in some ''bonks'' and ''pows'' when you punch up the bad guys. The backgrounds are also donw neatly. But the biggest thing you will notice is the detail in the character models. They look pretty darn real for a 16 bit console. And Venom looks stunning. They make his symbiote costume look alive. My only complaint is the lack of black lines that are supposed to be overlapping on the red part of Spidey's costume. Oh well. Graphics: 10/10

Sound
Fast-paced music for a fast-paced game pretty much sums up the sound. The music never gets old, although it is repetitive. It feels, although this is not a word, comic booky. It just feels right considering the surrondings. Also, the sound effects are done well. The lighting bolts sound excellent, as does the sound of Spidey's web-shooters. The punching and kicking noises are done well, too. Sound: 10/10

Controls
This is a punch-em-up side scroller, so the controls are not that complicated. Punch, jump, swing, and shield. You also use the shoulder buttons to summon other superheroes to aid you when you get in trouble. So the controls are not that hard to learn. No instruction booklet needed! Controls: 10/10

Replay
Now, you're probably wondering why I give this game an 8 if all the other aspects of it get a 10. The reason why is the lack of replayability. The game just seems to keep on going and going and going. And while you get some new enemies to fight every couple of levels, it isn't enough to make me want to play again and again. But if you like side scrollers and/or Spider-Man, then this probably won't affect you too much. Replay: 8/10

Challenge Level: High

Good Points
Graphics
Sound
Controls
Story

Bad Points
Repetitive
You press the same button over and over and over
No multiplayer
Does it ever end?

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 02/25/01, Updated 02/25/01