Y or L Button - Switch to first person view. Each character has 3 types of weapons to fight with. A standard weapon, their fists, and some kind of weapon that is thrown, such as knives or grenades. These are limited however, so take note. Depending on the character, the special attack may be executed differently.
Some characters can only do their special moves when they are using their fists as their weapon.
Other special moves are two part deals, with an additional button press required to do the move. Y button - Evasion roll. Use this roll to avoid quick one hit attacks or to get out of the way of some of the enemy bullets. Extremely useful maneuver. In Spawn, staying in one place for more than a quick second can get you killed in a hurry.