Gaming Target - Game Boy: Spider-Man: Mysterio's Menace

Written by Kyle Williams on August 14, 2001

First Impressions: I still think I'd make a better Spider-Man than Toby McGuire.

Activision has quite the little gem in their Spider-Man franchise. The Playstation title that they published last year is the best comic book inspired video game in years and next summer's high profile motion picture has the potential to turn anything "Spider" into gold. Considering that they have already established the web crawler on the Game Boy Color, it is no surprise that they are bringing him to the next generation Nintendo handheld system, Game Boy Advance.

Spider-Man: Mysterio's Menace pits your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man against the master of special effects, Mysterio. When this title hits shelves this fall, you will be able to take Spider-Man onto the streets of New York City to battle your way through Mysterio's goons. At your disposal are all of the classic action moves (punches, kicks, and uppercuts) as well as some of Spider-Man's personal trademarks (capture webbing, wall crawling, and a web shield).

In addition to being able to throw out every type of attack under the sun, you will be able to acquire several different types of power-ups to help you reach the master of illusion. Expect to find the usual assortment of health and strength enhancements as well as several different upgrades to your web fluid. You will not just be able to upgrade your offense either. In a nice twist, you will be able to find several different Spider-Suits, each of which will have their own enhancements (you will even be able to get your hands on the alien symbiote that eventually spawned Spider-Man's greatest villain, Venom).

It is already looking like Mysterio's Menace is going to continue Activision's track record of great comic book to video game translations. The title is already tapping into what the GBA has to offer graphically, and is capturing the look of the comic book right down to the vibrant colors of Spider-Man's costume. The game is shaping up to include more of the same great play that has made the past outings so successful. It is about time that we can count on someone to consistently bring us quality-licensed video games.