Swamp Thing (video game)
{{short description|1992 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
|title = Swamp Thing
|image = Swamp Thing cover.jpg
|caption = North American NES version cover art
|developer = Imagineering (NES)
Equilibrium (GB)
|publisher = Toy Headquarters
|designer=Barry Marx (NES)
Dan Kitchen (NES)
David Lubar (NES)
Christian Dana Perry (GB)
Curtis Norris (GB)
Timothy H. Mensch (GB)
|released = December 1992
|genre = Platform
|modes = Single-player
|composer = Mark Van Hecke (NES)
Ed Bogas (Game Boy)
}}
Swamp Thing is a platform video game for the NES and Game Boy. Based on the animated series of the same name, of the DC Comics superhero character Swamp Thing. It was published by THQ and released in December 1992.
A Swamp Thing title was also in development by Microsmiths for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis but was canceled.{{cite web|last=Buchanan|first=Adam|url=http://www.retrocollect.com/News/unreleased-sega-megadrive-game-swamp-thing-prototype-rom-dumped.html|title=Unreleased Sega Megadrive game Swamp Thing Prototype ROM dumped|work=RetroCollect|date=November 14, 2010|access-date=2020-12-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113014350/http://www.retrocollect.com/News/unreleased-sega-megadrive-game-swamp-thing-prototype-rom-dumped.html|archive-date=2017-01-13|url-status=live}} It would have been published by NuVision Entertainment.[http://segaretro.org/Swamp_Thing Swamp Thing] Sega Retro. Retrieved on 7-23-11.
Gameplay
The NES version of Swamp Thing borrows the game engine from The Simpsons: Bart vs. the Space Mutants. Its introduction features the origin story of Swamp Thing and as depicted in the 1991 animated series. The player takes the role of the title character battling foes throughout the Louisiana swamps and other locations in a side-scrolling format. Swamp Thing's attack methods include punching and firing "sludge balls" which are acquired throughout the game. The player must venture through various stages, which include a graveyard, chemical factory, toxic dump, and finally, Arcane's lab. Bosses include Arcane's Un-Men, Dr. Deemo, Weedkiller, Skinman, and finally, Arcane himself.SubSane [https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/nes/587674-swamp-thing/faqs/36212 Swamp Thing Video Game FAQ/Walkthrough] GameFAQs (April 5, 2005). Retrieved March 15, 2018.
In Game Boy's Swamp Thing, stages include the Arctic, the desert, and contaminated rainforests. Swamp Thing also uses tools like camouflage and thorn skin, and he must recycle scattered garbage in order to score points and gain additional powers.[http://gameboy.ign.com/objects/012/012640.html IGN: Swamp Thing] IGN.com. Retrieved February 3, 2008.
Reception
{{Video game reviews
| Allgame = {{rating|2|5}} (NES){{cite web|last=Alan Weiss|first=Brett|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141115161254/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=17569&tab=review|archive-date=November 15, 2014|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=17569&tab=review|title=Swamp Thing|work=AllGame|access-date=September 1, 2020}}
| EGM = 3.25/10 (NES){{efn|The Electronic Gaming Monthly review was by four authors, three of whom gave the game a 3/10 and one a 4/10.{{cite magazine|last1=Harris|first1=Steve|last2=Semrad|first2=Ed|last3=Alessi|first3=Martin|author4=Sushi-X|title=Swamp Thing|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|date=January 1993|issue=42|page=34}}}}
| GamePro = 3.75/5 (Game Boy){{efn|GamePro gave the Game Boy version two 4/5 scores for graphics and fun factor and two 3.5/5 scores for sound and control.{{cite magazine|author=Andromeda|date=September 1992|title=Swamp Thing|magazine=GamePro|issue=38|page=126}}}}
| NP = 2.5/5 (Game Boy){{efn|Nintendo Power gave the Game Boy version a 2.8/5 score for graphics and sound, a 2.3/5 score for play control, 2.4/5 for challenge, and 2.5/5 for theme and fun.{{cite magazine|last1=Sinfield|first1=George|last2=Noel|first2=Rob|last3=Hill|first3=Jade|title=Now Playing|date=November 1992|volume=42|magazine=Nintendo Power|page=104, score on 107}}}}
| TOT = 21% (Game Boy){{cite magazine|first=James|last=Beaven|title=Swamp Thing|date=February 1993|issue=14|magazine=Total!|page=69}}
Aside from marginal graphics, the NES Swamp Thing has received average to generally negative reviews for its high difficulty, poor music, and dull gameplay. While perhaps faring better than its NES counterpart, the Game Boy version of Swamp Thing was not met with high praise either, getting a 2.5/5 score from Nintendo Power.
Notes
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References
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{{Swamp Thing}}
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Category:Cancelled Sega Genesis games
Category:Imagineering (company) games
Category:Nintendo Entertainment System games
Category:Single-player video games
Category:Swamp Thing in other media
Category:Video games based on DC Comics
Category:Video games developed in the United States
Category:Video games scored by Mark Van Hecke
Category:Video games set in Louisiana