Total Carnage - Super Nintendo (Good, Loose)

Game Description

Total Carnage, developed by Black Pearl Software and published by Malibu Games in 1993, is a wild, over-the-top run-and-gun game that brings the chaotic spirit of the arcade directly to the Super Nintendo. As Captain Carnage and Major Mayhem, players are dropped into explosive missions against hordes of enemies, mutant monsters, and a deranged dictator bent on global domination. With nonstop shooting and tongue-in-cheek humor, the game delivers a blend of action and satire that stands apart from traditional SNES adventures.

Built as a spiritual successor to Midway’s classic Smash TV, Total Carnage pushes players to blast their way through waves of enemies, rescue civilians, and survive screen-filling bosses while dodging an endless barrage of bullets and explosions. The game’s top-down run-and-gun style captures the intensity of the arcade original, offering a relentless test of reflexes and endurance. It’s loud, fast, and unapologetically chaotic.

While not as refined as some of its SNES peers, Total Carnage has developed a cult following thanks to its outrageous style, comedic tone, and sheer intensity. The game represents one of the more unusual entries in the Super Nintendo’s action lineup—an offbeat game that thrives on excess and offers a unique slice of early ’90s arcade-inspired design.

Gameplay Features

• Top-down run-and-gun gameplay inspired by Midway’s Smash TV
• Play as Captain Carnage and Major Mayhem in a fight against mutant forces
• Rescue hostages while mowing down waves of enemy soldiers and creatures
• Face massive bosses that fill the screen with bullets, explosions, and chaos
• Dark humor and satirical story elements add to the over-the-top presentation
• A cult-favorite SNES title that captures arcade-style excess on cartridge

Historical Trivia or Fun Fact

Total Carnage was originally released in arcades by Midway in 1992, with the SNES version arriving the following year. Designed by Eugene Jarvis, the creator of Smash TV and Robotron: 2084, the game carried on his legacy of frantic twin-stick shooting action. Although the SNES port couldn’t fully replicate the arcade’s dual-joystick controls, it preserved the spirit of relentless action and satirical flair.

The game has since become a quirky collectible, appreciated for its outrageous enemies, exaggerated violence, and tongue-in-cheek tone. Its connection to Midway’s arcade heritage and its unique brand of humor have secured it a spot in retro gaming discussions. For collectors, owning Total Carnage on the SNES means holding a piece of offbeat arcade history in physical form—an explosive oddity that stands out in any Super Nintendo collection.