# Spider-Man: The Video Game Introduction ## Overview *Spider-Man: The Video Game*, released in 1991 by Sega for arcades using Sega System 32 hardware, is a coin-operated beat 'em up based on Marvel Comics’ Spider-Man. Players control Spider-Man, Black Cat, Sub-Mariner, or Hawkeye to retrieve a mystical artifact from Kingpin and Doctor Doom across four acts (*Wikipedia*). Featuring vibrant sprites, cooperative multiplayer for up to four players, and a soundtrack with tunes from Sega’s 1986 *Quartet* (*spiderman.fandom.com*), it was a hit, topping arcade charts in November 1991 (*arcade-museum.com*). Praised for its action (*GamePro*: 4/5), its repetitive combat was noted (*Retro Gamer*). ## Why Play Spider-Man: The Video Game? *Spider-Man: The Video Game* delivers fast-paced arcade action. Players battle villains like Venom, Doctor Octopus, and Green Goblin in side-scrolling beat 'em up stages, with platforming segments where the camera zooms out for miniature views (*Wikipedia*). Each hero has unique moves—Spider-Man’s web-based attacks, Black Cat’s grappling hook, Hawkeye’s arrows, or Sub-Mariner’s hydro-blasts (*spiderman.fandom.com*). Special moves cost health, adding strategy (*GameFAQs*). The game lasts 30-60 minutes, with battles taking seconds. Its colorful visuals appeal to *Dragon Warrior Monsters* and *Super Robot Taisen Compact 3* fans, distinct from *Need for Speed: Underground 2*’s racing or *Captain Tsubasa V*’s sports RPG (*@RetroGamingX*). ## Key Features - Four-player co-op action in a 30-60 minute adventure - Side-scrolling beat 'em up with platforming segments - Play as Spider-Man, Black Cat, Hawkeye, or Sub-Mariner - Battle iconic villains like Venom and Doctor Doom - Vibrant arcade sprites and *Quartet*-inspired soundtrack - Authentic 1991 arcade gameplay on our retro ROM platform ## Key Differences: Arcade vs. Other Versions - **Arcade (1991)**: Sega System 32, four-player co-op, no home ports (*Wikipedia*). - **Compared to Dragon Warrior Monsters (1998, GBC)**: *Spider-Man* is a beat 'em up; *DWM* is a monster-collecting RPG (*GameFAQs*). - **Compared to Super Robot Taisen Compact 3 (2003, WonderSwan Color)**: *Spider-Man* is arcade action; *Compact 3* is tactical (*Sega-16*). - **Compared to Need for Speed: Underground 2 (2004)**: Beat 'em up vs. open-world racing (*GameSpot*). - **Compared to Captain Tsubasa V (1994, SNES)**: Superhero action vs. soccer RPG (*Wikipedia*). - **Related Titles**: No direct ports, but similar to *Captain America and the Avengers* (1991, Data East) (*arcade-museum.com*). ## Play Spider-Man: The Video Game Online Play *Spider-Man: The Video Game* (1991, Arcade) instantly on Classic Joy Games with MAME emulators. Also available on RetroGames.cz, EmulatorGames.net, OldGameShelf.com (4.4/5 from 30 votes), or *arcade-museum.com*. Original cabinets are rare, costing $1,000-$3,000 (*PriceCharting*). Use MAME or FinalBurn Neo. Strategy: Use Spider-Man’s web blasts for crowds; save special moves for bosses like Scorpion. Cheat: Press “Service” + “Test” during gameplay for invincibility (*GameFAQs*). Note: Some emulators may stutter during camera zooms (*vizzed.com*). Join Classic Joy Games and defeat Doctor Doom now!