The Death and Return of Superman (1994)

by Christopher October 29, 2019

written by Christopher October 29, 2019 5 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 1994
Genres: Adventure, Hack and slash/Beat ’em up
Platforms: Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Developers: Blizzard Entertainment, Sunsoft
Publishers: Sunsoft

The Death and Return of Superman: A Nostalgic Dive into the Iconic DC Beat ’em Up

Released in 1994, The Death and Return of Superman is a side-scrolling beat ’em up game based on the popular DC comic book storyline of the same name. Developed by Sunsoft and published by Time Warner Interactive, the game allows players to relive the epic battle between Superman and the monstrous Doomsday, as well as control the destiny of the four Supermen who emerged in the wake of Superman’s apparent demise.

Gameplay

The Death and Return of Superman is a classic side-scrolling beat ’em up, similar to games like Streets of Rage and Final Fight. Players control Superman as he fights his way through hordes of enemies, including Lex Luthor’s henchmen, Doomsday’s minions, and even the Eradicator. Superman has a variety of attacks at his disposal, including punches, kicks, heat vision, and super breath.

The game is divided into 10 levels, each with its own unique boss fight. The first half of the game focuses on Superman’s battle against Doomsday, while the second half sees players controlling one of the four Supermen (Superboy, Steel, the Cyborg Superman, or the Eradicator) as they try to prove themselves worthy of the Superman mantle.

Story

The story of The Death and Return of Superman follows the events of the popular DC comic book storyline of the same name. After a long and arduous battle, Superman is seemingly killed by the monstrous Doomsday. In the wake of Superman’s death, four new Supermen emerge, each claiming to be the one, true Superman.

Players control these four Supermen as they fight to prove themselves worthy of the Superman mantle. Along the way, they must battle Doomsday’s minions, Lex Luthor’s henchmen, and even each other. In the end, only one Superman can remain.

Graphics and Sound

For a 1994 game, The Death and Return of Superman has impressive graphics. The character sprites are large and detailed, and the backgrounds are colorful and varied. The game’s soundtrack is also top-notch, with catchy tunes that perfectly capture the epic tone of the story.

Legacy

The Death and Return of Superman was a critical and commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. The game is still fondly remembered by fans of beat ’em up games and DC Comics fans alike. It is considered to be one of the best Superman games ever made, and it remains a popular choice for retro gamers.

Conclusion

The Death and Return of Superman is a classic beat ’em up game that perfectly captures the epic scope of the popular DC comic book storyline. With its challenging gameplay, stunning graphics, and memorable soundtrack, The Death and Return of Superman is a must-play for fans of beat ’em up games and DC Comics fans alike.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Christopher

Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.