Superman (1988). Play online

Summary

Superman is a Taito beat‑’em‑up that lets you soar through five distinct stages, from Metropolis to San Francisco, Las Vegas and Washington, D.C. I love how the game mixes side‑scrolling brawling with vertical flying sections and a final side‑scroll shooter that swaps kicks for heat vision. Holding punch and releasing fires a “Sonic Blast,” and scattered crystals give extra energy, instant projectiles or screen‑clearing attacks.

Two players can team up, each controlling a palette‑swapped Superman – the classic blue‑red version versus a red‑grey counterpart – with no story explanation needed beyond co‑op fun. The soundtrack cleverly borrows the iconic “Superman Main Theme” and “Can You Read My Mind” from the movies, adding nostalgic flair.

In Japan the cabinet was a top‑five table arcade in March 1989, while Western press gave mixed reviews, ranging from enthusiastic to skeptical.

Storyline

In the arcade game Superman, you step into the Man of Steel’s shoes and battle across five distinct stages. The adventure kicks off in Metropolis before the action shifts to San Francisco, then Las Vegas, and finally Washington, D.C., with a fifth, unnamed level rounding out the quest. Your mission is to stop the evil Emperor Zaas, a villain created just for this title and reminiscent of Brainiac. Each level pits you against waves of enemies and boss encounters as you strive to make the world safe again. The game’s straightforward premise—Superman versus Emperor Zaas across iconic U.S. locales—captures the classic arcade feel while delivering a unique superhero storyline.