My Played Video Games Review: Spider-Man and Venom: Maximum Carnage for the Sega Genesis

Spider-Man and Venom: Maximum Carnage is a side-scrolling fighting action video game for the Sega Genesis console by Software Creations as the developer and Acclaim Entertainment as the publisher. It was released in 1994. A slightly better version was made for the Super Nintendo simultaneously that year.

The game coincided with the release of the Marvel Comic limited series bearing the same name. This game was well received by the gaming public but the critics disliked it.

This was the first game I had on my old Sega Genesis console. For the retro gaming enthusiasts out there, this one's a better than average game.

The Story

Insane supervillain Carnage and few others create mayhem on the city and it is up to Spider-Man and Venom along with some non-playable superhero allies to put an end to the "carnage" they cause.

The Graphics and Sound

These graphics were decent during the early 1990s when 16-bit gaming was at its height. The comic book colors and sharp resolution added to the game's visual appeal. I never heard somebody complain about it at the time.

To me, the sound could have used some work. I feel kind of annoyed with what Maximum Carnage had to offer. Other Genesis games had better music tracks. The action sound effects like punches and hits are decent though but not better.

The Gameplay

You control Spider-Man with the option of playing Venom in some stages in the typical 2D beat-em up fashion. Some stages require climbing and web-slinging across. Various superheroes such as Captain America and others come to your aid when summoned. Each one having their unique music and special move to hit and run the villains.

My Verdict

Though the game does not bring anything new, it really does offer a solid gaming experience for both comic book fans and retro gamers alike. It can be kind of repetitive at times and the difficulty can be surprising. It adds to the nostalgia of this underrated game and is worth a second look.

I got fond memories playing this video game during the mid-1990s. It kept me from boredom for quite some time as a person with a disability. It indulged the comic book nerd in me. Back then life was simpler when you were in your early twenties.