Spider-Man

Spider-Man vs. The Kingpin is a side-scrolling platform game developed by Technopop and published by Sega in 1990 for the Master System. The Kingpin frames Spider-Man for planting a nuclear bomb in New York City, and the hero has only 24 hours to find the keys needed to disarm it and clear his name. Spider-Man must battle various supervillains—including Doctor Octopus, Sandman, The Lizard, Hobgoblin, Vulture, Mysterio, Electro, and Venom—to obtain these keys. The game consists of eleven stages, including boss fights and bomb defusal. Spider-Man can punch, kick, jump, climb walls, and use his webs to swing or stun enemies. A unique mechanic allows him to take photos of supervillains to sell for web cartridge refills. The game has four difficulty levels.

Master System

This 8-bit version is noted as one of the last Master System games sold in North America. It features the same basic storyline as the 16-bit version but with redesigned levels and cutscenes that include a cameo from Doctor Strange. Unlike the Mega Drive version, Mary Jane is not kidnapped. The game allows players to return home to rest and recover health after the second stage, at the cost of precious time. The controls use one button for attacks and another for jumping, with web-swinging performed mid-air. The game features nicely drawn panel illustrations for cutscenes, which some consider superior to the 16-bit version's text narration. However, the game is infamous for its very high difficulty even on the easiest setting, with awkward controls and cheap hits making progression frustrating. The game also includes secret easter eggs, such as a Pac-Man-style minigame and the ability to unlock a Venom costume.