Gaming Target - Xbox: Spider-Man: The Movie

Written by Leigh Culpin on May 10, 2002

Second View: Spider-man, Spider-man, does whatever a spider canЕ except good story tellingЕ

Though certainly not perfect, Spider-Man is definitely a great game, and a lot of fun to boot. Despite being a fairly short game, there is certainly enough content to keep you playing for some time if you're willing.

The game starts off as the movie Ц you're not yet Spider-Man, but Peter Parker, and seeking revenge on his Uncle's murderer. This is where the resemblances to the movie begin, but also somewhat where they end Ц though you do fight the Green Goblin numerous times, and the cutscenes are somewhat representative of the motion picture, generally Spider-Man lacks a completely involving story line. It throws numerous Super-Villains at you, something I thought the movie was missing, but at the same time they come in somewhat rapid succession and the game ends up being little more than a level or two in between bosses of some sort. It ends up feeling slightly like some levels were designed simply as fillers at times, others like the boss was added to compliment the level instead of the other way around.

What the game lacks in story it makes up for in other aspects though Ц the graphics are generally well done, and the animations are as smooth as you'd expect from Spidey himself. The level variety is decent, thought I found the outdoor levels often more enjoyable than the indoor ones, but a couple of the indoor stealth-type missions were certainly enjoyable. The AI isn't extraordinarily smart but decent enough, with reactions you'd expect in a fighting/adventure game. The sounds are also well done, with satisfying УpwiffsФ and УpowsФ following your typical Spidey actions like web-swinging and giving out some УOld Fashion JusticeФ as the in-game tutorial says. The level design is also generally impressive, especially the shear size of some of the areas, which also tend to go back and forth from movie-related settings and brand new locales.

The cutscenes are also well done, and move what little shifting story there is along nicely. The main plot has you chasing the Goblin and saving Mary Jane as in the movie, and some memorable gaming moments are undoubtedly provided. The sense of being Spider-Man was conveyed very well in the game, and that's what really keeps it on its feet Ц it's just plain fun to be such a cool Super-Hero. You can easily web-swing, stick to walls, and use your Spider-Strength to pick up cars. As in the previous Activision Spidey games, the controls are easy to master, and the gameplay is easy to get into. You can sit down in front of the game and just play it for 10 or 20 minutes without having to worry about getting so involved that you won't be able to leave, but still have a great time doing it. However, this is the exact same thing that might keep you from wanting to actually buy the game Ц it's pretty short. You could easily beat it in a couple days on easy, and while there is replay value, it isn't necessarily enough to be a blind purchase. The game gives you УBonus PointsФ that allow you to access a new costume or two, a new training mode and a couple movies, but it's debatable if they're actually worth the time you need to put into it to get those out. The lack of multiplayer further decreases its replay-ability, but that was known from the start.