Superman: The New Superman Adventures is a video game released for the Nintendo 64 (N64) in 1999. It is based on the Superman character from DC Comics, and was developed by Tetsuo Iguchi and published by Titus Interactive. This game is known for being part of the Superman franchise, which ties into the animated series Superman: The Animated Series that was airing at the time.
Key Features of the Game:
- Story and Setting: The game follows the events from the animated series, where Superman must battle a variety of villains threatening Metropolis. The story involves iconic enemies like Lex Luthor, Brainiac, and Metallo, with Superman trying to stop their evil schemes. The plot takes place within the same universe as the animated series, which is a key aspect for fans of the show.
- Gameplay: Superman: The New Superman Adventures is a 3D action-adventure game that allows players to control Superman as he flies, fights enemies, and completes missions throughout Metropolis. The game features a mixture of flying, combat, and puzzle-solving elements. Players use Superman’s vast array of superpowers, such as flight, super strength, heat vision, and freeze breath, to defeat enemies and solve in-game challenges.
- Flying Mechanic: A major selling point of the game is the ability to fly around Metropolis. This feature offers a sense of freedom, allowing players to soar through the city, avoid obstacles, and engage in combat in the air. The flying controls, while innovative for the time, have been critiqued for being somewhat difficult to master, particularly the targeting system during battles.
- Combat: Superman can punch, kick, and use his superpowers to fight enemies, including a mix of human and robotic foes. The game also features large-scale battles, where players fight iconic Superman villains. The combat mechanics are fairly simple, but the game offers a sense of superhero power by allowing players to unleash devastating attacks.
- Graphics: The game’s graphics, by the standards of the N64, are relatively simple, with polygonal character models and environments. Metropolis is rendered in a somewhat blocky 3D, but it captures the essence of the animated series. The character designs and animations are heavily inspired by the TV show’s art style, which adds to its appeal for fans of the series.
- Sound and Voice Acting: The game features voice acting that includes some of the actors from the Superman: The Animated Series, such as Tim Daly voicing Superman. The music and sound effects align with the animated series, with energetic background tracks that emphasize the heroic tone of the game.
- Reception: Superman: The New Superman Adventures received mixed to negative reviews. Critics praised the game’s premise, especially its faithful recreation of the animated series and the inclusion of Superman’s superpowers. However, the gameplay, especially the flying mechanics and the lack of depth in the combat system, was widely criticized. The game’s controls were seen as clunky, and the camera system was also a point of frustration for many players.
Legacy:
Despite its shortcomings, Superman: The New Superman Adventures remains a notable attempt to bring the iconic superhero to the N64 platform. While it didn’t achieve critical acclaim, it still holds some nostalgic value for fans of the animated series and those interested in superhero games of the late ’90s. The game’s use of Superman’s powers and the unique flying mechanic were ambitious for the time, even though they weren’t fully realized.
