Spider-Man

The Good
Despite coming out as late as 2000, Neversoft's Spider-Man is actually the first attempt to introduce the webslinger into fully 3D gaming - and it does a genuinely good job at giving you control over Spidey's powers. The web-swinging, while not exactly realistic, gives you some really nice mobility and the three web-related attacks add variety to the simple beat 'em up mechanics. The cherry on top is the wall- and ceiling-crawling, allowing you to make actual use of all three dimensions to navigate the levels, and often adding the stealth element of simply dropping on top of an unsuspecting enemy.

The overall design approach of alternating between web-swinging segments among New York's rooftops with tighter, more precisely designed interior levels does its job as well, providing the base for an interesting, varied experience.

The Bad
Unfortunately, as you proceed, the game turns out to be quite a bit more repetitive than it seemed at first, with many levels following the same design ideas, and severely lacking in enemy variety. The combat, despite the cool selection of web attacks, ultimately isn't varied enough either, feeling more like a simple beat 'em up than a genuine action-adventure experience.

Another weak point of the game is its camera system. While it technically does a good job of following the main character, his movement specifically while turning is so clunky and awkward that the camera suffers from it a lot. The first-person web aiming mode is slow and doesn't make up for a lack of regular camera controls (although, to be fair, the argument could be made that with a game this 3D-oriented controlling the camera with two buttons wouldn't have been enough, and the game had to work with analog stick-less PlayStation controllers).

The game also has a rather minor, but very noticeable fault in the graphics - while the gameplay engine, although based on Neversoft's earlier titles, looks genuinely good, the character models in the cutscenes are some of the worst the PSX has ever seen. The difference between the two, while of course not affecting how the game actually plays, can be really jarring.

The Bottom Line
Overall, Spider-Man 2000 is a decent first attempt at making a 3D Spider-Man game. It's not quite as creative as it could've been and definitely suffers from the heavily outdated hardware it was designed for, but it does deliver a pretty cool webslinger experience. 6/10

[played in emulator]

The Good
The perfect introduction of Spider-Man to the new millennium. The game shows that this was made by Spider-Man fans with its story, writing and solid performances. Plus, Stan Lee is the narrator! How cool is that? The story follows Peter Parker as he tries to find the impostor Spider-Man that stole technology from a reformed Otto Octavius during a science expo. To make matters worse, a green fog has covered New York City (leftover from the original PS1 version). In thirty-ish levels, you will fight against one of Spidey's greatest rogues such as Scorpion, Rhino and even Venom all while getting closer to the true masterminds. Graphics wise, it is an improvement over the limitations of the original Neversoft PlayStation version (Mary Jane and Black Cat).

The Bad
Controls and camera take some time getting used to (especially in boss fights and that Venom chase level). There are the occasional glitches in 2 levels of the game. Certain boss and enemy character models although getting a more detailed look thanks to the work of Treyarch on the Dreamcast port have gotten an almost campy feel (Rhino, cops/SWAT officers and the bald henchmen).

The Bottom Line
One of the finest superhero games of the twenty first century. To those who complain about FPS, I advise you to read the Spider-Man Dreamcast preview article where they interviewed the art director Christian Bušić. It will clear up that particular quirk.

The Good
I played the Nintendo version of this game first and was impressed, but not flattered. BOY did that change when I picked this up ! NOT ONLY does this version have cinematics , better sounding voice acting , and the same actors from the TV show , but it has lots of voice work from STAN THE MAN LEE ! It does not get cooler when Stan is describing the characters in the view mode with is famous humor and wisecracks.

First as always, I'll get right on the graphics. They have one edge over the other versions, in that they are sharper, and have little fuzz. This game uses the Tony Hawk game engine and I have to say this must have been some feat , or miracle of programming to turn a skateboarding game into a third person action game. The buildings, the characters, and the cutscenes all are very well done. Special mention should go to the purple monsters which move almost real goo. Something I didn't the Playstation was capable of. Spider Man himself is obviously going to be the best looking character in the game, and he is. Except that he has no web lines on suit. Not even in the cinematics!

The sound is quite good with a lot of memorable tracks, and Spidey's always humorous one liners. All the voice actors from the cartoon ( which I used to watch ) are all here. They are actually more convincing in the game than they are in the show! Stan Lee provides lots of commentary for the game. Example, when a new set of levels starts, like the basement levels he tells of the looming danger ! And, as mentioned earlier, describes the characters in the view mode. A last note note on the sound, I feel you should know my favorite line in the whole game is the following, " Leave him alone chuckles!" " Butt out web head." "Spider Man ? I ask for the police, and I get this! "

The controls are limited in their positives so I'll discuss them in the bad section.

The last positive note is there are TONS of unlock-ables. And even though some are useless, They are still too irresistible to pass up ! Unlockable comic covers made explicitly for the game, AND almost all the greatest Spider Man covers of the past are there for gawking ! Different costumes that give you special powers are also a nice touch. Your skills a little rusty ? Well check out the practice modes for training or for records. Still not satisfied? Play all your favorite levels again with the level select. Plus there is a cheat that allows you to play the game again with minor changes. Example is in one of the early levels, when you must rescue people, there is a empty room that if you step on the floor, he'll disco dance ! A little stupid, but funny ! And want to see all your favorite hero's and villains ? Take a look at the character viewer.

The Bad
THE CONTROLS ARE TOTAL CRAP ! Seriously ! They fight you so much that you'll often find that you'll fall off things only to receive instant death from the endless bottom ! And the camera isn't much help either. It always follows Spider Man true, but you'll be getting a good look at his side a lot whenever you have to turn around. It is far too slow and you have little con-troll over it ! And the aiming system, unless you are sitting still, is worthless. And some loading screens are very drab.

The Bottom Line
If you'r a diehard Spider Man fan totally get this game ! If you never read Spider Man, SHAME ON YOU ! Then go get this game ! For every other gamer, get it ! You'll love it ! And to dismiss myself properly, I leave you with a, EXCELSIOR !