Summary
- Release Year: 1991
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Amiga, Amiga CD32, Arcade, Atari Jaguar, DOS, Super Nintendo Entertainment System
- Developers: Midway Games
- Publishers: Midway Games
Total Carnage: A Retro Run-and-Gun Masterpiece
Released in 1991 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Total Carnage is a side-scrolling run-and-gun shooter that quickly gained a cult following among gamers. Developed by LucasArts and published by Mindscape, Total Carnage is known for its fast-paced gameplay, over-the-top action, and unique sense of humor.
Gameplay
Total Carnage is a classic run-and-gun shooter in the vein of Contra and Metal Slug. Players control one of two muscular soldiers, Captain Carnage or Major Mayhem, as they battle their way through hordes of enemies, including mutant soldiers, cyborgs, and alien creatures. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world where the evil Orcus, the Mother of All Bosses, has taken over.
Players must blast their way through seven levels, each with its own unique setting and enemies. Along the way, they can collect a variety of power-ups, including new weapons, health, and armor. Total Carnage also features a number of secret areas and hidden weapons to discover.
Characters
Players can choose to play as either Captain Carnage or Major Mayhem. Carnage is the more powerful of the two, with a higher rate of fire and more powerful weapons. Mayhem is faster and more agile, making him better suited for dodging enemy attacks.
Both Carnage and Mayhem have a variety of weapons at their disposal, including machine guns, shotguns, flamethrowers, and rocket launchers. They can also collect special weapons, such as the spread gun, the homing missile, and the devastator.
Levels
Total Carnage features seven levels, each with its own unique setting and enemies. The levels are:
- The Baby Milk Factory
- The Meat Factory
- The Sewage Plant
- The Power Plant
- The Chemical Plant
- The Pleasure Domes
- The Orcus Chamber
The levels are filled with a variety of enemies, including mutant soldiers, cyborgs, alien creatures, and giant bosses. Players must use their weapons and power-ups to defeat the enemies and progress through the levels.
Bosses
Total Carnage features a number of challenging bosses, including:
- The Baby Milk Monster
- The Meat Monster
- The Sewage Monster
- The Power Monster
- The Chemical Monster
- The Pleasure Monster
- Orcus, the Mother of All Bosses
The bosses are all unique and require different strategies to defeat. Players must learn the bosses’ patterns and weaknesses in order to succeed.
Graphics and Sound
Total Carnage features colorful and detailed graphics for its time. The character sprites are large and well-animated, and the backgrounds are varied and interesting. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with catchy tunes that perfectly complement the action on-screen.
Reception
Total Carnage was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, over-the-top action, and unique sense of humor. Total Carnage was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
Legacy
Total Carnage is considered to be one of the best run-and-gun shooters of all time. The game has been ported to a number of platforms, including the Sega Genesis, Game Boy, and PlayStation Portable. Total Carnage has also been included in a number of retro game compilations.
The game’s unique blend of action, humor, and challenge has made it a favorite among gamers for over 30 years. Total Carnage is a true classic that is still enjoyed by gamers today.
Tips for Playing Total Carnage
- Use cover to avoid enemy fire.
- Collect power-ups to increase your firepower and health.
- Learn the bosses’ patterns and weaknesses.
- Don’t be afraid to use your special weapons.
- Have fun!
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
