Spider-Man and the X-Men in Arcade's Revenge

Last updated
Spider-Man and the X-Men in Arcade's Revenge
Spider-Man and the X-Men - Arcade's Revenge Coverart.png
Super NES cover art by John Romita
Developer(s) Software Creations
Unexpected Development (Game Boy)
Publisher(s) Acclaim Entertainment [lower-alpha 1]
Composer(s) Tim Follin, Geoff Follin
Platform(s) Super NES
Mega Drive/Genesis
Game Gear
Game Boy
ReleaseSuper NES
  • NA: November 1992
  • PAL: August 19, 1993
Mega Drive/Genesis
  • PAL: November 1993
Game Gear
  • NA: March 1994
Game Boy
Genre(s) Action, platform
Mode(s) Single-player

Spider-Man and the X-Men in Arcade's Revenge is a video game released for the Super NES in 1992 by LJN. It was released for the Genesis and Game Gear (under the Flying Edge brand) as well as the Game Boy. The game features Marvel Comics characters Spider-Man and the X-Men as they battle their captor, the villainous Arcade to escape Murderworld.

Contents

Summary

While swinging his web throughout the city, Spider-Man notices the disappearances of X-Men Cyclops, Storm, and Wolverine; he then notices a tube from a garbage truck sucking up Gambit, and after figuring out it's Arcade, swings his web to the truck. [1] [2] He tracks Arcade down to an abandoned building, which is the location of the first stage; the player portrays Spider-Man de-activating "Security Eyes" in a set order (as indicated by the Spider-Sense) to enter. [3] Inside, he, along with Cyclops, Storm, Wolverine and Gambit, are placed in the deadly games of Murderworld, a simulated program designed by Arcade to torture and kill his victims. [4]

Goal

The player must successfully complete each Marvel hero's two "events" in order to get to control Spider-Man in a final battle with Arcade and escape. [5] [6] While any character's first event can be selected at the player's will, his or her second event isn't playable until the completion of the first. [6] All the heroes have the same lives, meaning if one hero loses a life, the others do as well. [7]

Development and release

Spider-Man and the X-Men in Arcade's Revenge was released in 1992 for multiple platforms, including the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and the Sega Genesis. The development of the game was influenced by the popularity of the X-Men animated series, which was airing at the time, and LJN's desire to capitalize on the success of previous Spider-Man and X-Men games.

Reception

Reviewing the Game Boy version, GamePro commented the graphics are good but the controls are frustratingly imprecise and complained of the fact that players must re-solve the tedious level 1 maze every time they start the game. [16] They gave the Game Gear version a negative review as well, saying it retains the problems of the Game Boy version. [17] Electronic Gaming Monthly gave the Game Gear version a 6 out of 10, praising the ability to play as multiple different characters but criticizing the difficulty as overly high. [13] Brett Alan Weiss of AllGame criticized the Game Gear version for "awkward" controls, particularly of Spider-Man and its weak portrayals of the superheroes. [5] Super Gamer reviewed the SNES Version and gave an overall score of 75% stating: "A whole host of superheroes make this attractive for any comics fan. Gameplay is varied and tough, graphics impressive and sound brilliant". [34]

Notes

  1. Released under the LJN brand for Nintendo systems and the Flying Edge brand for Sega systems.
  2. Electronic Gaming Monthly's review of the Game Gear port was by five critics with different ratings; three gave it a 6/10, one 5/10, another 7/10. [13]
  3. Electronic Gaming Monthly's review of the SNES version was by four critics that scored it differently; two rated it 6/10, one 7/10, another 8/10. [14]
  4. GamePro scored the Game Boy port two 3/5 scores for sound and fun factor, 2.5/5 for control, and 4/5 for graphics. [16]
  5. GamePro scored the Game Gear port two 3.5/5 scores for graphics and sound, and two 3/5 scores for control and fun factor. [17]
  6. GamePro scored the Mega Drive version 5/5 twice for control and fun factor, and 4.5/5 twice for graphics and sound. [18]
  7. Nintendo Power scored the Game Boy port 3.5/5 for graphics/sound, 2.8/5 for play control, 3.3/5 for challenge, and 3/5 for theme/fun. [24]
  8. Nintendo Power scored the SNES version 3.8/5 twice for graphics/sound and theme/fun, 3.2/5 for play control, and 3.4/5 for challenge. [25]

Related Research Articles

<i>Zool</i> 1992 video game

Zool: Ninja of the Nth Dimension is a platform game written for the Amiga by Gremlin Graphics and published in 1992. It was marketed as a rival to Nintendo's Super Mario and Sega's Sonic the Hedgehog. Zool was ported to other platforms and followed by Zool 2 in 1993.

<i>Lethal Enforcers</i> 1992 video game

Lethal Enforcers is a 1992 light gun shooter released as an arcade video game by Konami. The graphics consist entirely of digitized photographs and digitized sprites. Home versions were released for the Super NES, Genesis and Sega CD during the following year and include a revolver-shaped light gun known as The Justifier.

<i>Pac-Attack</i> 1993 puzzle video game

Pac-Attack, also known as Pac-Panic, is a 1993 falling-tile puzzle video game developed and published by Namco for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and Sega Genesis. Versions for the Game Boy, Game Gear and Philips CD-i were also released. The player is tasked with clearing out blocks and ghosts without them stacking to the top of the playfield — blocks can be cleared by matching them in horizontal rows, while ghosts can be cleared by placing down a Pac-Man piece that can eat them. It is the first game in the Pac-Man series to be released exclusively for home platforms.

<i>Spider-Man: Return of the Sinister Six</i> 1992 video game

Spider-Man: Return of the Sinister Six is a video game featuring the Marvel Comics characters Spider-Man and the Sinister Six. It was developed by Bits Studios and published by Acclaim Entertainment under the LJN banner for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1992. Versions of the game were also released for the Master System and Game Gear by Acclaim's Flying Edge division. The game is loosely based on the story arc of the same name, which was published in The Amazing Spider-Man #334-339 in the early 1990s.

<i>Captain America and The Avengers</i> 1991 arcade game

Captain America and the Avengers is a beat 'em up arcade game developed and released by Data East in 1991. It features the Avengers team of Marvel Comics characters in a side-scrolling brawling and shooting adventure to defeat the evil Red Skull. The game received ports for the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Game Boy and Game Gear. A different Data East game was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System.

<i>Spider-Man and Venom: Maximum Carnage</i> 1994 video game

Spider-Man and Venom: Maximum Carnage is a side-scrolling beat 'em up game for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and Mega Drive/Genesis, developed by Software Creations and published by Acclaim Entertainment and its subsidiary LJN in 1994. The game, based on the comic book story arc of the same name, features numerous heroes, including Spider-Man, Venom, and their allies from the Marvel Comics fictional universe like Captain America, Black Cat, Iron Fist, Cloak and Dagger, Deathlok, Morbius and Firestar, all teaming up to battle an onslaught of villains led by Carnage, including Shriek, Doppelganger, Demogoblin and Carrion.

<i>Terminator 2: Judgment Day</i> (arcade game) 1991 video game

Terminator 2: Judgment Day or T2 is a light gun shooter based on the film of the same name, produced by Midway Manufacturing Company as an arcade video game in 1991. Developed in tandem with the movie, several actors from the film reprise their roles for the game and are featured as part of the game's photorealistic digitized graphics. The game's plot largely follows that of the film, casting up to two players as the T-800 "terminator" cyborg from the film, sent back in time to protect John Connor from assassination by the T-1000 terminator. A success in arcades, home conversions of the game were released by Acclaim Entertainment for various platforms under the title of T2: The Arcade Game to avoid confusion with the numerous tie-in games also based on the movie.

<i>Hook</i> (video game) Video game based on the eponymous 1991 film

There have been several video games based on the 1991 film Hook. A side-scrolling platform game for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Game Boy was released in the United States in February 1992. Subsequent side-scrolling platform games were released for the Commodore 64 and the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), and an arcade beat ‘em up by Irem later in 1992, followed by versions for the Sega CD, Sega Genesis, and Sega's handheld Game Gear console in 1993.

<i>Joe & Mac</i> 1991 video game

Joe & Mac, also known as Caveman Ninja and Caveman Ninja: Joe & Mac, is a run and gun platform game released as an arcade video game by Data East in 1991. It was adapted for the Super NES, Mega Drive/Genesis, Nintendo Entertainment System, Game Boy, Amiga, Zeebo, Nintendo Switch, and IBM PC compatibles.

<i>Alien 3</i> (video game) 1992 video game

Alien 3 is a run and gun game based on the 1992 film of the same name. It was released for the Genesis and Amiga in 1992, then for the Commodore 64, Game Boy, Game Gear, Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, and Master System.

<i>The Lawnmower Man</i> (video game) 1993 video game

The Lawnmower Man is a video game based on the 1992 film of the same name. The game was published in Japan by Coconuts Japan (ココナッツジャパンエンターテイメント) under the title Virtual Wars.

<i>Top Gear 2</i> 1993 video game

Top Gear 2 is a racer video game developed and published by Gremlin Interactive. A direct sequel to the 1992 game Top Gear, it was first released by Kemco for the SNES in North America on August 8, 1993, and then the Super Famicom in Japan on December 22. It was later ported to the Amiga on May 24, 1994 by Gremlin Interactive, and to the Sega Genesis on June 2 by Vic Tokai. While more realistic than its predecessor, Top Gear 2 maintained the arcade-style gameplay the series is known for.

<i>The Incredible Hulk</i> (1994 video game) 1994 video game

The Incredible Hulk is a 1994 video game released for the Mega Drive, Master System, Game Gear, and SNES. Developed by Probe Software and published by U.S. Gold, the game is based on the Marvel Comics superhero Hulk and showcases him within the context of a side-scrolling action game with platforming and beat 'em up elements. The narrative involves the Hulk attempting to thwart the world domination bid of his nemesis, the Leader, while engaging in combat with other arch-rivals.

<i>Waynes World</i> (video game) 1993 video game

Wayne's World is an action video game based on the film of the same name and released in 1993 by THQ. Different versions of the game were released; the NES and Game Boy games were developed by Radical Entertainment and feature both protagonists Wayne and Garth as playable characters. The Super NES and Sega Mega Drive/Genesis games were developed by Gray Matter and feature only Wayne as a playable character.

<i>Spider-Man</i> (1995 video game) 1994 video game

Spider-Man is a side-scrolling action game developed by Western Technologies and published by Acclaim and LJN in 1994 and 1995, based on the 1994–1998 animated series of the same name. The game was released for the Sega Genesis and the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). The two versions of the game have the same basic story but have gameplay, level, and enemy differences.

<i>The Incredible Crash Dummies</i> (video game) 1993 video game

The Incredible Crash Dummies is a side-scrolling action game produced by Flying Edge based on the line of toys of the same name developed by Tyco Toys, and released in North America, Japan and Europe.

<i>Terminator 2</i> (8-bit video game) 1992 video game

Terminator 2: Judgment Day is an action game released for several 8-bit consoles, including the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), and Sega's Game Gear and Master System. It is based on the 1991 film of the same name. The NES version was developed by Software Creations and published by LJN in February 1992. The Sega versions were published in late 1993, by Flying Edge.

References

  1. LJN 1992, p. 2.
  2. Software Creations (November 1992). Spider-Man and the X-Men in Arcade's Revenge (Super Nintendo Entertainment System). Spider-Man: I just hope I'm not too late!... / First Cyclops, then Storm and Wolverine... / Gambit!! Lookout! / [GNNR-SFLANNG!] / Spider-Man: I know that truck! / ...Arcade!!! I have to go after them. / The lives on the X-Men depend on me!
  3. LJN 1992, p. 3.
  4. Software Creations (November 1992). Spider-Man and the X-Men in Arcade's Revenge (Super Nintendo Entertainment System). Arcade: Welcome one and welcome all. / I'm so glad you could make it, Spider-Man. / Your presence here is a bonus I didn't plan. / Still, there's plenty of fun for everyone, / Let the games begin...
  5. 1 2 3 Weiss, Brett Alan. "Spider-Man/X-Men: Arcade's Revenge". AllGame. All Media Network. Archived from the original on November 16, 2014. Retrieved January 22, 2012.
  6. 1 2 LJN 1992, p. 9.
  7. LJN 1992, p. 10.
  8. "Spider-Man / X-Men: Arcade's Revenge SNES Review Score". Archived from the original on 2019-05-22.
  9. Uli (April 1993). "Spider Man & X-Men: Arcade's Revenge". Aktueller Software Markt . p. 130. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  10. Lord, Gary (March 1994). "Spider-Man X-Men: Arcade's Revenge". Computer and Video Games . p. 81. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  11. "Supershots". Computer and Video Games. No. 155. October 1994. p. 102. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  12. Keen, Steve; Anglin, Paul (March 1993). "Spider-Man and the X-Men: Arcade's Revenge". Computer and Video Games. No. 136. pp. 20–24. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  13. 1 2 "Review Crew: Spider-Man/X-Men". Electronic Gaming Monthly . No. 59. June 1994. p. 40. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  14. Harris, Steve; Semrad, Ed; Alessi, Martin; Sushi-X (December 1992). "Spider-Man and the X-Men in Arcade's Revenge". Electronic Gaming Monthly . Vol. 5, no. 12. p. 30. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  15. Skid; Brody (October 1992). "Viewpoint". GameFan . Vol. 1, no. 1. pp. 6–7. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  16. 1 2 Doctor Devon (May 1994). "Spider-Man and the X-Men in Arcade's Revenge". GamePro . No. 58. p. 126. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  17. 1 2 Bonehead (June 1994). "ProReview: Spider-Man and the X-Men in Arcade's Revenge". GamePro. No. 59. p. 144.
  18. Gideon (September 1993). "Spider-Man and X-Men: Arcade's Revenge". GamePro. No. 50. p. 30. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  19. McCarthy, Patrick (November 1992). "Spider-man and the X-Men". GameZone. No. 1. pp. 20–22. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  20. Wildgoose, David; Humphreys, David (December 1993). "Arcades Revenge: Spiderman vs. X-Men". Hyper . Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  21. T.S.R.; Olivier (November 1993). "Spiderman and the X Men". Joypad (in French). p. 136. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  22. Steve; Gus (September 1994). "Spider-Man X-Men: Arcade's Revenge". Mean Machines Sega . No. 23. pp. 78–79. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  23. Rich; Paul (November 1993). "Spiderman X-Men: Arcade's Revenge". Mean Machines Sega. No. 13. pp. 88–90. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  24. "Now Playing". Nintendo Power . No. 57. pp. 102–107. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  25. George; Rob (December 1992). "Now Playing". Nintendo Power. No. 43. pp. 106–109. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  26. Rich; Jaz (November 1992). "The Amazing Spider-man and the Uncanny X-Men". Nintendo Magazine System . No. 2. pp. 20–24.
  27. Bielby, Matt (January 1993). "Spiderman & the X-Men". Super Play . No. 3. pp. 72–74. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  28. Wolfgang (June 1994). "Spider-Man X-Men". Video Games (in German). p. 116. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  29. Eggbrecht, Julian (October 1992). "Spiderman & the X-Men". Video Games (in German). p. 138. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  30. Slate, Chris (February 1993). "Spider-Man & the X-Men in Arcade's Revenge". Game Players . Vol. 6, no. 2. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  31. Rob; Max (March 1993). "Spiderman and the X-Men: Arcade's Revenge". N-Force . No. 9. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  32. "Spider-Man X-Men". Play Time (in German). May 1993. p. 82. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  33. Hickman, Sam; Leadbetter, Richard (September 1994). "Spider-Man and the X-Men". Sega Magazine . No. 9. p. 77. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  34. "Spider-Man and the X-Men in Arcade's Revenge Review". Super Gamer (2). United Kingdom: Paragon Publishing: 123. May 1994. Retrieved March 24, 2021.