The Amazing Spider-Man vs. The Kingpin
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| The Amazing Spider-Man vs. The Kingpin | |
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| Developer(s) | Technopop |
| Publisher(s) | Sega |
| Platform(s) | Mega Drive/Genesis, Master System, Game Gear, Sega CD |
| Release date | 1990, 1991, 1993 |
| Genre(s) | Action |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
| Rating(s) | VRC: GA |
The Amazing Spider-Man vs. The Kingpin (also known as Spider-Man Vs. the Kingpin or simply Spider-Man) is a video game produced by Sega of America and developed by Technopop. It was released on the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, Master System, and Game Gear consoles; an updated version was also released for the Sega CD.
All versions of the video game are side-scrolling platform games, whereby the player controls superhero Spider-Man to battle various supervillains (Doctor Octopus, Sandman, The Lizard, Hobgoblin, Vulture, Mysterio, Electro, Venom) to obtain the keys needed to disarm a nuclear bomb that the Kingpin has not only framed Spider-Man for stealing but plans to detonate within twenty-four hours. In the middle of the game, Spider-Man's wife Mary Jane Watson is also kidnapped by Venom.
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[edit] Ports
[edit] Genesis version
The Sega Genesis version was released in 1991 and was a widely popular with comic book fans, helping to establish the success of the 16-bit Mega Drive/Genesis system. Critics noted that the game had superior graphics, sound and faithfully recreated the characters for the video game universe, even allowing the player to take pictures of the major and minor enemies in the video game to sell at the Daily Bugle to buy more web fluid. The game had four different difficult levels and a contest was held to see who could successfully complete the game in the ultra-hard nightmare mode. The additional ultra-hard challenge was that at the end of each round, the popular Spider-Man villain Venom would appear briefly and you had to fight him before you got to the actual boss.
According to developer Randel B. Reiss, this version was a huge commercial success: two thirds of all Genesis owners at the time also bought the game, and single-handedly convinced Marvel Comics not to cancel the licensing deal they had with Sega. [1]
[edit] Master System / Game Gear version
The 8-bit Sega Master System version is noted as one of the last Master System games sold in America. It had the same basic format and storyline as the 16-bit version, with redisgned levels, cutscenes (that included a cameo from Doctor Strange) and even on the easiest setting was seen as being difficult to complete. A nearly-identical port was also released for the Sega Game Gear portable system. In this version Mary Jane wouldn't be kidnapped but still appear at the end of the game if players attain the best ending.
[edit] Sega CD version
The 16-bit Sega CD version (1993) made several improvements to game to take advantage of extra memory capabilities of the CD-ROM system. Animated scenes, with voice actors, were added to move the story along and to show what happen when the player died. The game also added two new levels, extra combat moves, the ability to collect reproductions of famous Spider-Man comic books issues, and an original musical score by Spencer Nilsen and the Mr. Big rock band. The game also was more non-linear as the player could venture to various locations throughout the city (including a local television station). However, the ability to take pictures during the game in order to earn money for web fluid was taken out of this version. The game also added two new levels (Mysterio's Funhouse and the Vulture in the subway). In addition, before battling the Kingpin, the player must first defeat Bullseye and Typhoid Mary.
[edit] Alternate endings
There were some alternate cutscenes depending on the Kingpin boss level. If you beat Kingpin, but not in time to save Mary Jane from falling into the acid pit, the police would arrest Kingpin and Spider-Man would vow to avenge Mary Jane. If you failed to defeat Kingpin, Spider-Man and Mary Jane would both die from the acid pit.
In the Master System version Mary Jane wouldn't be kidnapped. But if players take too much damage and escape from the final battle, Kingpin would get away.
[edit] External links
- The Amazing Spider-Man vs. The Kingpin at MobyGames
- Marvel video games on Marvel.com
- Sega-16's review, Genesis version
- Sega-16's review, Sega CD version
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