The opportunity to play as both friend AND foe in video games is not a new one, but when such a concept is wrapped around a big favourite such as Spider-Man, it's bound to generate more than its fair share of attention. With its obviously cinema-sized production values, Spidey's latest outing sets out to trump it's movie based predecessor in bringing the paper-based inspiration to life.
Based on the Ultimate Spider-Man comic series, you're given the opportunity to play not only as Peter Parker's masked alter ego Spider-Man, but also occasionally as (one of his) nemesis Venom. And the presentation is immaculate from the off; the introduction and cut scenes do the printed legacy of Ultimate Spider-Man incredible justice and feature what is very impressive voice talent.
Into the gameplay and aside from the occasional nagging reminder that he really ought to be doing something constructive, Spidey is free to roam Manhatten as he pleases - GTA style. Until boredom sets in of course - which, considering the arena isn't fully unlocked from the start is fairly rapid. Relief is offered in the way of various missions but seems to only come in two flavours; either a fight or some kind of chase.
Unfortunately fighting is awkward at best. Imminent danger, whilst forewarned by the 'spider-sense' jaggies around our hero's head, can only really be avoided by a jump. And aside from the constant bounding you've only really got a punch and a kick to defend yourself with. Which leaves the chasing, and part of the excitement of such a franchise is surely the opportunity to sling your way through the city's skyscrapers. But when broken down to what is simply a fairly easily timed button press, it becomes pretty unsatisfactory. Cornering, essential to winning any chase, is unwieldy and launching into a wall crawl from a web sling is very much a hit and miss affair.
As for Venom, there's no slinging around Manhattan (just very, very big leaps), though he can eat its citizens; a completely repulsive ability for me as a player, but unfortunately as the venom suit needs feeding it's a necessity. Venom can also lift cars (and obviously toss them, as you would). Playing as the alternative Venom is an underwhelming experience at best and little fun.
It's not all bad, and whilst as previously mentioned the resulting action will invariably end in either a fight or a chase, the stories wrapped up around each mission-based encounters are good and lively. It's just such a shame that combatting the problems seems so mechanical and despite Spidey's slinky demeanor, not at all organic.
The realisation that there's a great deal of repetitive gameplay here sets in all too quickly with samey fight sequences and perpetual chasing. And though it's very pretty to look at for a while, the novelty of a four colour comic style world loses it's charm very quickly when - outside of cut scenes - there's little substance to bring it truly alive on screen. As a result what's left is neither amazing, spectacular and unfortunately anything but the ultimate.
WHAM! Rating: |
6 out of 10 |
ESRB Rating: |
T (Teen) |
Official Web Site: |
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