Venomhas certainly made a name for himself over the decades since his debut in 1988, and this Lethal Protector becomes more famous among theMarvelcommunity with every new comic, movie, and of course, video game. Throughout the years, there have been a few games where you play as Venom, providing Marvel with even more opportunities to excite their fans.
While Venom doesn’t exactly have an expansive collection of games like Spider-Man, there are quite a few Marvel games where Venom is playable, allowing fans of the Lethal Protector to play as their favorite brain-eating black goo who certainly doesn’t like to be called a parasite.
There’s something so nostalgic and warming about theclassic retro SNES beat-em-uptitles, andSpider-Man & Venom: Maximum Carnageholds strong to that record. Not only is it an SNES title that does its own version of theMaximum Carnagestoryline from Marvel Comics, but it’s a game where Venom is one of the two playable characters, allowing players to take to the streets as Venom instead of Spider-Man.
The side-scrolling beat-em-up nature of the game can make for some fun gameplay, but Venom and Spider-Man play almost identically, yet it’s still fun to beat on never-ending waves of bad guys as Venom, especially since the sprites look so great for 1994. While some new players might suffer withSpider-Man & Venom: Maximum Carnagedue to its difficulty and spanning roster of villainous boss fights, it’s still a fun retro title to try.
Street Fighter continues to be a loved fighting game that excels within the genre it leads. When these Capcom characters combine with Marvel for theMarvel vs. Capcomseries, everyone can be ecstatic to see which of their favorite characters joins the roster. WithMarvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics, players have 7 titles to choose from in one package, and of course, Venom joins the roster a few times.
Venom features withinMarvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super HeroesandMarvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes, providing two unique fighting games within one that allows players to pick Venom astheir fighter of choice. Venom’s move set is entirely unique to his character and comic history, providing unique and powerful attacks along with a light blue color scheme that fans can’t help but adore.
Marvel: Ultimate Allianceis one of the highest-regarded Marvel games of all time, and for good reason. While Venom does feature in the original title as DLC, the spotlight belongs to the incarnation of Venom inMarvel: Ultimate Alliance 2, even if his design isn’t exactly the best in recent memory due to his barbaric hulking and slouched size and his small yellow eyes.
Gameplay-wise, Venom is a lot of fun once players actually unlock him. Venom is aided by theimproved gameplayofMarvel: Ultimate Alliance 2, and Venom’s brutal fighting style mixes elements of the raging Hulk with the finesse of Spider-Man. This makes for a 3D-styled beat-em-up where the right mash of buttons combines great power (without the need for great responsibility).
TheLEGO Marvel Superheroesgames don’t shy away from the incredible and expansive roster of Marvel heroes and villains, and the Symbiotes feature in full force forLEGO Marvel Superheroes 2. While players have their choice between a multitude of Symbiotes, it’s always Venom who steals the show, as who wouldn’t want to run and swingthrough New Yorkas a LEGO version of the Lethal Protector?
Venom’s gigantic size makes him truly menacing as he rushes and crushes through the city, but players can also shrink him down to a more classic version where he can swing around and hang from black webs. Venom is an icon, andLEGO Marvel Superheroes 2knows it and loves it.
While turn-based games likeXCOMandMarvel’s Midnight Sunsmight not be for everyone, those willing to tryMidnight Sunswill be provided with one of Marvel’s best stories, greatest-looking visuals, and fun mechanics provided toa plethora of Marvel characters. Venom may only feature as a playable character within theRedemptionDLC pack, but for Venom fans, it’s entirely worth it.
While the DLC itself doesn’t have much in terms of a riveting story, being able to access Venom for the game makes it worth it for fans of the character. The Lethal Protector brings some brutal and awesome animations and abilities to the game. While his move set might not be the most overpowered, he’s certainly one of the coolest.
Ultimate Spider-Manhas a different take on Venom, and instead of being the Lethal Protector, he’s more of a parasitic monster that needs to consume people to live. During the Venom segments ofUltimate Spider-Man, fans get to experience the ultimate power fantasy, as Venom’s punches, claws, and tendrils make him a powerhouse that can easily destroy foes and toss cars like they’re paperweights, and his move set of life-sucking and bone-crushing abilities makes fora horrifying yet awesome addition.
For those who manage to beat the story mode, players can actually unlock further content with Venom, allowing them toplay as the villain in free-roam. Venom has such a distinct playstyle in which he can leap and scale buildings with such speed that it’s fun to traverse and kill as this brutal Symbiote hunter.
WhileMarvel’s Spider-Man 2only has playersexperience the thrillsof playing as Venom for one mission, it’s easily the most memorable of content from the game. Venom’s unique animations, size, and combos prove that Insomniac Games knows how to make playing as Venom feel great and powerful, and many still cheer at the idea of Insomniac making a Venom game spin-off with Eddie Brock and the Symbiote.
Gameplay-wise, Venom might not be able to swing, or even explore the streets of New York, but rampaging through Oscorp and destroying the Oscorp guards with powerful fists, kicks, and tendrils is a mighty time worth experiencing. Seeing Venom in all the glory of a PS5 with an enormous size and unbound rage is a power fantasy of immense potential.
