Spider Man and the X Men (Sega Genesis) - Are we having fun yet?
12Spider-Man and the X-Men in Arcade's Revenge is a video game released in 1992 for multiple platforms, including the Sega Genesis (Mega Drive). Developed by Software Creations and published by Acclaim Entertainment under the LJN brand, the game combines characters from the Spider-Man and X-Men franchises, offering a challenging platforming experience. Here's what you need to know:
Storyline:
The villain Arcade captures members of the X-Men (Cyclops, Storm, Wolverine, and Gambit), prompting Spider-Man to rescue them. Each character must survive Arcade’s deadly obstacle courses tailored to their unique abilities, culminating in a final showdown with Arcade.
Gameplay:
Initial Stage (Spider-Man):
The game begins with Spider-Man using his spider-sense to deactivate bombs in a cityscape while avoiding enemies like robots and gunmen.
Character-Specific Levels:
Once Spider-Man completes his stage, players unlock levels dedicated to the other heroes. Each level has mechanics suited to the character's powers:
Cyclops: Navigates a mine filled with Sentinels while using optic blasts.
Storm: Manages underwater mazes, controlling water currents and avoiding hazards while using her powers sparingly.
Wolverine: Fights in a circus-themed area, including a duel with the villain Juggernaut.
Gambit: Escapes a scrolling trap-filled stage, throwing kinetically charged cards to defeat enemies.
Final Battle: After rescuing the X-Men, players face Arcade in a final confrontation.
Features:
Character Abilities:
Each character has unique controls and abilities, like Spider-Man’s web-slinging or Storm’s flight in her underwater stages.
Difficulty:
The game is known for its high level of difficulty, with complex level designs, limited lives, and challenging enemy patterns.
Visuals and Audio:
The graphics are colorful and vibrant, capturing the comic book aesthetic of Marvel’s heroes.
The soundtrack was composed by Tim and Geoff Follin, delivering a memorable and atmospheric score.
Reception:
The game received mixed reviews. While praised for its character variety and ambitious crossover concept, it was criticized for its steep difficulty curve and frustrating level designs.
It has since become a nostalgic piece for fans of the era, despite its flaws.