Graphics:
For a game released in the mid-90s, Spider-Man and Venom: Maximum Carnage boasts impressive visuals. The colorful, comic book-inspired environments, from the gritty streets of New York City to the sinister hideouts, are brought to life with vibrant details. The character sprites are well-drawn and instantly recognizable, capturing the essence of Spider-Man, Venom, and their adversaries. The animations are smooth, allowing for dynamic combat sequences and acrobatic web-slinging. Overall, the graphics successfully capture the essence of the Spider-Man universe and provide an immersive experience.

Gameplay:
Maximum Carnage presents a side-scrolling beat 'em up gameplay style that was popular during the era. Players assume the role of either Spider-Man or Venom, with the option for two-player cooperative play. As you progress through the game's 14 levels, you'll encounter hordes of thugs and supervillains, engaging in fast-paced brawls and using a variety of attacks, combos, and web-based moves. Each character has unique abilities and playstyles, adding depth and replay value to the game.

One of the standout features of Maximum Carnage is the ability to swing through the levels using Spider-Man's web-slinging powers. It's an exhilarating experience to traverse the levels, swinging from buildings and delivering devastating attacks from above. The game's difficulty gradually increases, ensuring a challenging experience that will keep players engaged. However, some may find the controls a bit clunky and imprecise, which can lead to frustration during intense combat situations.

Story and Atmosphere:
Maximum Carnage stays faithful to the comic book source material, drawing heavily from the "Maximum Carnage" storyline. The game introduces players to the psychotic symbiote, Carnage, as he wreaks havoc on New York City. Spider-Man and Venom join forces to stop him and his gang of superpowered criminals. The story unfolds through cutscenes, dialogues, and occasional encounters with iconic Marvel characters, offering a sense of immersion and continuity.

The game's atmospheric soundtrack deserves praise, with memorable tunes that enhance the action-packed gameplay. The sound effects also contribute to the overall experience, providing a satisfying impact to punches, web shots, and other combat maneuvers.