Difference between revisions of "Superman: The Man of Steel"

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Revision as of 07:59, 26 January 2024

n/a

  • Mega Drive
  • Master System
  • Game Gear

Superman MD title.png

Superman SMS Title.png

Superman GG Title.png

Superman: The Man of Steel
System(s): Sega Mega Drive, Sega Master System, Sega Game Gear
Publisher: Virgin Games
Sega Mega Drive
Sunsoft (US)
Developer:
Licensor: DC Comics
Sound driver:
Sega Mega Drive
Sunsoft sound driver
Genre: Action[2], Arcade[3]

















Number of players: 1
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Mega Drive
US
$54.9954.99[5] T-15036
Sega Mega Drive
EU
T-70126-50
Sega Mega Drive
PT
MD70126
Sega Mega Drive
UK
£39.9939.99[8][9] T-70126-50
Sega Mega Drive
SE
(Rental)
Sega Mega Drive
AU
Sega Master System
EU
MK-27050-50
Sega Master System
PT
MS27050
Sega Master System
UK
MK-27050-50
Sega Master System
AU
Sega Master System
BR
027190
Sega Game Gear
EU
T-70068-50
Sega Game Gear
EU
(Classic)
70068-00
Sega Game Gear
PT
GG70068
Sega Game Gear
UK
£27.9927.99[13] T-70068-50
Sega Game Gear
GR

Superman: The Man of Steel, known simply as Superman in North America, is an action game for the Sega Mega Drive, Sega Master System, and Sega Game Gear.

Story

Superman is the Man of Steel, a superhero who lives in the fictional American city of Metropolis. He was born on the fictional planet Krypton and named Kal-El, but his parents sent him to Earth in a small spaceship moments before Krypton was destroyed in a natural cataclysm. His ship landed in the American countryside, where he was found and adopted by farmers Jonathan and Martha Kent, who named him Clark Kent. Clark developed various superhuman abilities, such as incredible strength and impervious skin. His adoptive parents advised him to use his abilities for the benefit of humanity, and he decided to fight crime. As Clark Kent, he works as a journalist for the Daily Planet, but he changes into a colorful costume and uses the alias "Superman" when fighting crime.

Archvillain Brainiac has captured fellow journalist and love interest Lois Lane, and Superman must rescue her.

Gameplay

Mega Drive version

Superman MD, Brainiac.png

Brainiac

The game is a side-scrolling action game where the player controls Superman through unconnected episodes as he rescues innocents and foils the plans of various supervillains. Each round of the game begins with a front page of the Daily Planet announcing that some supervillain is wreaking havoc on the city, and with Clark Kent changing into his Superman costume in order to start the round. Gameplay is divided between ground levels, where Superman walks, and flying levels, which are autoscrolling like a shoot-'em-up.

In ground levels, Superman moves with Left and Right and runs with LeftLeft and RightRight. The crouches with Down and jumps with C. He jumps higher with Up+C (which can also be done during running jumps). He punches with B, which can be used to hurt enemies or punch through some barriers. He can punch while standing, crouching, or jumping. Superman can also use a super power with A. His super power is initially the Sonic Punch, but it can be changed to the Hyper Spin by finding an item. Using an ability drains Superman's super power gauge. A super power can only be used when the gauge is full, but the gauge slowly replenishes over time.

In flying levels, Superman moves in any direction using the D-Pad. He punches enemies with B. He can punch when he is flying in an upright position but not when he is flying in a prone position. He can use his Heat Vision superpower with A or C to shoot red beams from his eyes. Using Heat Vision drains the super power gauge, but Heat Vision can be used even when the gauge is empty. However, the ability fires a larger, more powerful beam when the gauge is not full.

Superman has a health gauge that empties as he takes damage from foes. The game ends if he loses all of his health, but it can be continued two times. The player earns extra continues at 40,000, 80,000, 160,000, 240,000 and 320,000 points.

Super powers

Superman MD, Super Powers.png
Sonic Punch
Superman hits enemies with a deadly supersonic punch. Some barriers can only be destroyed by the Sonic Punch. Superman only Sonic Punch while standing. This ability is used in the ground levels and can only be used when the super power gauge is full.
Superman MD, Super Powers.png
Hyper Spin
Superman spins in place with his arms stretched out, which can be used to destroy enemies that come near or bust through floors. This ability is used in the ground levels and can only be used when the super power gauge is full.
Superman MD, Super Powers.png
Heat Vision
Superman fires red heat beams from his eyes. This ability is used in the flying levels and does more damage when the super power gauge is full.

Items

Superman MD, Items.png
Black & White
Awards 3,000 points.
Superman MD, Items.png
Yellow & Red
Restores Superman's health gauge.
Superman MD, Items.png
Blue
Replaces Superman's super power with the Hyper Spin ability and fills the super power gauge.
Superman MD, Items.png
Red
Replaces Superman's super power with the Sonic Punch ability and fills the super power gauge.

Rounds

Superman MD, Stage 1 Intro.png

Superman MD, Stage 1-1.png

Superman MD, Stage 1-2.png

Superman MD, Stage 1-2 Boss.png

  • Superman MD, Stage 1 Intro.png

  • Superman MD, Stage 1-1.png

  • Superman MD, Stage 1-2.png

  • Superman MD, Stage 1-2 Boss.png

Children Are Being Kidnapped!
Boss:
The Prankster

Superman MD, Stage 2 Intro.png

Superman MD, Stage 2-1.png

Superman MD, Stage 2-1 Boss.png

Superman MD, Stage 2-2.png

Superman MD, Stage 2-2 Boss.png

Superman MD, Stage 2-3.png

Superman MD, Stage 2-3 Boss.png

  • Superman MD, Stage 2 Intro.png

  • Superman MD, Stage 2-1.png

  • Superman MD, Stage 2-1 Boss.png

  • Superman MD, Stage 2-2.png

  • Superman MD, Stage 2-2 Boss.png

  • Superman MD, Stage 2-3.png

  • Superman MD, Stage 2-3 Boss.png

Bodies Found in Train Station
Boss:
Metallo

Superman MD, Stage 3 Intro.png

Superman MD, Stage 3-1.png

Superman MD, Stage 3-2.png

Superman MD, Stage 3-3.png

Superman MD, Stage 3-4.png

Superman MD, Stage 3-4 Boss.png

  • Superman MD, Stage 3 Intro.png

  • Superman MD, Stage 3-1.png

  • Superman MD, Stage 3-2.png

  • Superman MD, Stage 3-3.png

  • Superman MD, Stage 3-4.png

  • Superman MD, Stage 3-4 Boss.png

Lois Lane Kidnapped

Superman MD, Stage 4-1.png

Superman MD, Stage 4-1 Boss.png

Superman MD, Stage 4-2.png

Superman MD, Stage 4-2 Boss.png

  • Superman MD, Stage 4-1.png

  • Superman MD, Stage 4-1 Boss.png

  • Superman MD, Stage 4-2.png

  • Superman MD, Stage 4-2 Boss.png

Superman in Space

Superman MD, Stage 5-1.png

Superman MD, Stage 5-1 Boss.png

Superman MD, Stage 5-2.png

Superman MD, Stage 5-2 Boss.png

Superman MD, Stage 5-3.png

Superman MD, Stage 5-3 Boss.png

  • Superman MD, Stage 5-1.png

  • Superman MD, Stage 5-1 Boss.png

  • Superman MD, Stage 5-2.png

  • Superman MD, Stage 5-2 Boss.png

  • Superman MD, Stage 5-3.png

  • Superman MD, Stage 5-3 Boss.png

Final Round
Boss:
Brainiac

Master System and Game Gear versions

The game is a side-scrolling action platformer played as the superhero Superman. Superman moves with Left and Right and ducks with Down. He jumps with 1. He attacks by punching enemies with 2. He can punch while standing or crouching but not while jumping or flying.

Superman starts flying by holding 1, and then the player can move him in any direction using the D-Pad. Some levels are autoscrolling levels where Superman is permanently flying. In these levels, Superman can fly faster by holding in a direction.

He can find power-ups that give him the Heat Vision or Super Punch abilities. Heat Vision fires red heat beams from Superman's eyes with 2 when he is jumping or flying. Super Punch gives him a more powerful punch that he can use by holding 2 when on the ground. These abilities last for a limited number of uses.

Superman has a health gauge, and the game ends if he loses all of his health. The player starts the game with one continue but earns another every 100,000 points. Superman automatically starts flying if he falls into a bottomless pit, with no harm incurred. There are three difficulty levels (Easy, Medium, and Hard).

Items

Items are sometimes found in levels or released by fly out from enemies when they are defeated.

Superman SMS, Items.png
Blue
Gives Superman the Heat Vision or Super Punch super ability, which last for a limited number of uses. A yellow icon appears to the left of the health gauge when Superman has the Super Punch ability and to the right of the health gauge when Superman has the Heat Vision ability.
Superman SMS, Items.png
Red
Restores Superman's health gauge.

Rounds

Superman SMS, Stage 1 Intro.png

Superman SMS, Stage 1-1.png

Superman SMS, Stage 1-2.png

Superman SMS, Stage 1-2 Boss.png

  • Superman SMS, Stage 1 Intro.png

  • Superman SMS, Stage 1-1.png

  • Superman SMS, Stage 1-2.png

  • Superman SMS, Stage 1-2 Boss.png

Metropolis Attacked
Boss:
The Prankster

Superman SMS, Stage 2 Intro.png

Superman SMS, Stage 2-1.png

Superman SMS, Stage 2-1 Boss.png

  • Superman SMS, Stage 2 Intro.png

  • Superman SMS, Stage 2-1.png

  • Superman SMS, Stage 2-1 Boss.png

Children Kidnapped
Boss:
Metallo

Superman SMS, Stage 3 Intro.png

Superman SMS, Stage 3-1.png

Superman SMS, Stage 3-2.png

Superman SMS, Stage 3-2 Boss.png

  • Superman SMS, Stage 3 Intro.png

  • Superman SMS, Stage 3-1.png

  • Superman SMS, Stage 3-2.png

  • Superman SMS, Stage 3-2 Boss.png

Subway Hijack
Boss:
Metallo

Superman SMS, Stage 4 Intro.png

Superman SMS, Stage 4-1.png

Superman SMS, Stage 4-1 Boss.png

  • Superman SMS, Stage 4 Intro.png

  • Superman SMS, Stage 4-1.png

  • Superman SMS, Stage 4-1 Boss.png

Lois Lane Hostage

Superman SMS, Stage 5 Intro.png

Superman SMS, Stage 5-1.png

Superman SMS, Stage 5-2.png

Superman SMS, Stage 5-2 Boss.png

  • Superman SMS, Stage 5 Intro.png

  • Superman SMS, Stage 5-1.png

  • Superman SMS, Stage 5-2.png

  • Superman SMS, Stage 5-2 Boss.png

Lois Held in Space
Boss:
Brainiac

Versions

Localised names

Also known as
Language Localised Name English Translation
English Superman: The Man of Steel Superman: The Man of Steel
English (US) Superman Superman

Production credits

Mega Drive version

  • Programmer: Sakura Hasegawa, Ann Bob Winza
  • Design Concept by: Mike Mendheim
  • CG Designers: Minori Okamoto, Naomi Sanada, Takakiyo Masaki, Hiroyuki Karashima, Toyozumi Sakai, Dai Ozawa, Yukio Obayashi
  • Sound Creator: Kenji Yamasaki, Junichi Ueda, Hiroshi Tsukamoto
  • Director: Masahiro Kataoka, A.T
  • Special Thanks to: Masato Kawai, Masaru Aoyanagi, Mikio Iwata, Joe Robbins, Rita Zimmerer, David Siller, Steve Gehrke, Al Artus, Karen Shadley, Kazuko Harman
  • Very Special Thanks to: Luana Chambers, Marilyn Drucker, Barbara Farina
  • Producer: Kiharu Yoshida
Source:
In-game credits
Superman MD credits.pdf
[14]


Master System and Game Gear versions

  • Programming: Rod Mack, Steve Turner © 1992 Graftgold Ltd
  • Graphics: John Lilley
  • Music: Jason Page
  • Additional Design: Steve Turner, Rod Mack
  • Produced by: Ian Mathias
  • Quality Assurance: Darren Lloyd, Ken Jordan, Terry Spoon
  • Manual Origination: Gary Penn
  • Marketing: Andrew Wright, Matt Walker
  • Logistics Manager: Catherine Spratt
  • Storyboard Design: Michael Mendheim
  • Sound Originator: Kenji Yamasaki, Junichi Ueda, Jason Page
  • Game Design: © 1992 Sunsoft
Source:
In-game credits
Superman SMS credits.pdf
[15]

Magazine articles

Main article: Superman: The Man of Steel/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Superman FR PrintAdvert.jpg
FR print advert
Superman FR PrintAdvert.jpg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Sega Visions (US) #11: "February/March 1993" (199x-xx-xx)
also published in:
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Computer & Video Games (UK) #140: "July 1993" (1993-06-15)
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Todo Sega (ES) #2: "Mayo 1993" (1993-04-15)
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Todo Sega (ES) #5: "Agosto 1993" (1993-0x-xx)
Logo-pdf.svg

Physical scans

Mega Drive version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
65
51 №12, p40/41
Sega Mega Drive
58
Based on
2 reviews
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
1700 igr dlya Sega (RU)
40
[17]
Cool Gamer (RU)
30
[18]
Digitiser (UK) PAL
40
[19]
Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide (UK)
52
[20]
Game Power (IT)
79
[21]
GamePro (US) NTSC-U
83
[5]
Hobby Consolas (ES)
79
[22]
Joypad (FR)
83
[23]
Joypad (FR) PAL
72
[24]
Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming (UK) PAL
51
[25]
Mega (UK) PAL
39
[8]
Mega Action (UK) PAL
40
[26]
MegaTech (UK) PAL
50
[9]
Player One (FR)
61
[27]
Play Time (DE)
46
[28]
Sega Power (UK) PAL
30
[29]
Sega Pro (UK) NTSC-U'"`UNIQ--ref-0000001A-QINU`"'
62
[30]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
80
[31]
Sega Zone (UK) PAL
68
[32]
Sega Opisaniy i sekretov (RU)
73
[33]
Supergame (BR) NTSC-U
87
[34]
VideoGames & Computer Entertainment (US) NTSC-U
90
[35]
Video Games (DE) PAL
25
[36]
Sega Mega Drive
59
Based on
23 reviews

Superman: The Man of Steel

Mega Drive, US
STMoS MD US Box.jpg
Cover
Superman MD US Cart.jpg
Cart
Superman MD US Manual.pdf
Manual
Mega Drive, EU
STMoS MD EU Box.jpg
Cover
STMoS MD EU Cart.jpg
Cart
Superman MD EU Manual.jpg
Manual
Superman MD EU pcb.jpg
PCB
Mega Drive, SE (Rental)

Mega Drive, PT

Mega Drive, AU

Superman MD AU cartback.jpgSuperman MD AU cart.jpg
Cart

Master System version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
Sega Master System
Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
Digitiser (UK) PAL
44
[37]
Mega Force (FR)
61
[38]
Micromanía (segunda época) (ES) PAL
55
[39]
Mean Machines Sega (UK) PAL
75
[40]
Player One (FR)
70
[41]
Sega Power (UK) PAL
52
[42]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
78
[43]
Sega Force (SE)
85
[44]
Sega Force (UK) PAL
66
[45]
Video Games (DE) PAL
11
[46]
Sega Master System
60
Based on
10 reviews

Superman: The Man of Steel

Master System, EU
STMoS SMS EU Box.jpg
Cover
Superman SMS EU Cart.jpg
Cart
Superman The Man of Steel SMS EU Manual.pdf
Manual
Master System, PT

Master System, PT (Super Preço)
STMoS SMS PT sp cover.jpg
Cover
Master System, AU

STMoS SMS AU cart.jpg
Cart
Master System, BR
STMoS SMS BR Box.jpg
Cover
STMoS SMS BR Cart.jpg
Cart
SupermanSMSBrManual.pdf
Manual

Game Gear version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
Joypad (FR)
41
[47]
Mega Force (FR)
41
[48]
Micromanía (segunda época) (ES)
59
[39]
Player One (FR)
35
[49]
Power Unlimited (NL)
70
[50]
Score (CZ)
71
[51]
Sega Power (UK) PAL
52
[42]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
77
[52]
Sega Force (SE)
63
[53]
Sega Force (UK) PAL
64
[54]
Todo Sega (ES)
65
[55]
Video Games (DE) PAL
8
[56]
Sega Game Gear
54
Based on
12 reviews

Superman: The Man of Steel

Game Gear, EU
Superman GG EU cover.jpg
Cover
STMoS GG EU Cart.jpg
Cart
Superman GG EU Manual.jpg
Manual
Game Gear, EU (Classic Game Gear)
Superman GG EU classic back.jpgNospine.pngSuperman GG EU classic front.jpg
Cover
STMoS GG EU Cart.jpg
Cart
Superman GG EU Manual.jpg
Manual
Game Gear, PT
Superman GG PT front.jpg
Cover
Game Gear, GR
Superman GG GR front.jpg
Cover

Technical information

Main article: Superman: The Man of Steel/Technical information.

References

  1. @gdri on Twitter (archive.today)
  2. File:Superman GG EU cover.jpg
  3. File:STMoS SMS EU Box.jpg
  4. GamePro, "September 1992" (US; 1992-xx-xx), page 28
  5. 5.0 5.1 GamePro, "March 1993" (US; 1993-xx-xx), page 46
  6. Mega, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-17), page 11
  7. Sega Pro, "July 1993" (UK; 1993-06-10), page 18
  8. 8.0 8.1 Mega, "August 1993" (UK; 1993-07-15), page 53
  9. 9.0 9.1 MegaTech, "August 1993" (UK; 1993-07-20), page 66
  10. 10.0 10.1 Sega Pro, "August 1993" (UK; 1993-07-08), page 30
  11. GamesMaster, "June 1993" (UK; 1993-05-20), page 18
  12. Sega Pro, "September 1993" (UK; 1993-08-12), page 28
  13. Computer & Video Games, "July 1993 (Go! Issue 21)" (UK; 1993-06-15), page 28
  14. File:Superman MD credits.pdf
  15. File:Superman SMS credits.pdf
  16. Electronic Gaming Monthly, "March 1993" (US; 1993-xx-xx), page 160
  17. 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 298
  18. Cool Gamer, "9" (RU; 2002-10-13), page 212
  19. Digitiser (UK) (1993-04-08)
  20. Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide, "" (UK; 1993-11-18), page 101
  21. Game Power, "Ottobre 1992" (IT; 1992-xx-xx), page 60
  22. Hobby Consolas, "Agosto 1993" (ES; 1993-xx-xx), page 106
  23. Joypad, "Mars 1993" (FR; 1993-0x-xx), page 90
  24. Joypad, "Septembre 1993" (FR; 1993-0x-xx), page 157
  25. Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming, "August 1993" (UK; 1993-06-24), page 40
  26. Mega Action, "September 1993" (UK; 1993-08-12), page 14
  27. Player One, "Septembre 1993" (FR; 1993-08-xx), page 145
  28. Play Time, "5/93" (DE; 1993-04-07), page 104
  29. Sega Power, "September 1993" (UK; 1993-08-05), page 52
  30. Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 30
  31. Sega Pro, "July 1993" (UK; 1993-06-10), page 30
  32. Sega Zone, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 26
  33. Sega Opisaniy i sekretov, "14000 Opisaniy i sekretov" (RU; 2003-03-11), page 192
  34. Supergame, "Dezembro 1992" (BR; 1992-12-xx), page 14
  35. VideoGames & Computer Entertainment, "January 1993" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 58
  36. Video Games, "9/93" (DE; 1993-08-25), page 106
  37. Digitiser (UK) (1993-07-30)
  38. Mega Force, "Juin 1993" (FR; 1993-0x-xx), page 70
  39. 39.0 39.1 Micromanía (segunda época), "Agosto 1993" (ES; 1993-0x-xx), page 41
  40. Mean Machines Sega, "July 1993" (UK; 1993-05-25), page 82
  41. Player One, "Septembre 1993" (FR; 1993-08-xx), page 114
  42. 42.0 42.1 Sega Power, "July 1993" (UK; 1993-06-03), page 30
  43. Sega Pro, "July 1993" (UK; 1993-06-10), page 34
  44. Sega Force, "4/93" (SE; 1993-07-08), page 21
  45. Sega Force, "July 1993" (UK; 1993-05-27), page 36
  46. Video Games, "9/93" (DE; 1993-08-25), page 107
  47. Joypad, "Juin 1993" (FR; 1993-0x-xx), page 158
  48. Mega Force, "Juin 1993" (FR; 1993-0x-xx), page 114
  49. Player One, "Octobre 1993" (FR; 1993-xx-xx), page 152
  50. Power Unlimited, "Jaargang 2, Nummer 2, Februari 1994" (NL; 1994-01-26), page 43
  51. Score, "Srpen 1994" (CZ; 1994-08-01), page 60
  52. Sega Pro, "August 1993" (UK; 1993-07-08), page 65
  53. Sega Force, "5/93" (SE; 1993-08-26), page 26
  54. Sega Force, "July 1993" (UK; 1993-05-27), page 43
  55. Todo Sega, "Julio 1993" (ES; 1993-0x-xx), page 60
  56. Video Games, "8/93" (DE; 1993-07-28), page 121


Superman: The Man of Steel

Superman MD title.png

Main page | Comparisons | Maps | Hidden content | Magazine articles | Video coverage | Reception | Region coding | Technical information | Bootlegs


Sega Game Gear
Prototypes: Prototype



Superman games for Sega systems
Superman: The Man of Steel (1992) | The Death and Return of Superman (1995) | Justice League Task Force (1995)