Spider-Man 2: Enter: Electro

The Good
Enter: Electro is clearly not a game that Activision had any intent to treat seriously. Released as a PSX exclusive in late 2001 [sic!], based entirely on its predecessor's engine, but made by another, less prominent studio while Neversoft was busy producing Tony Hawk sequels, it was most likely meant as an easy cash grab. Considering all that, it's pretty impressive that the team at Vicarious Visions made an actual effort to give the game its own identity.

While the gameplay is virtually the same as in the 2000 game, Enter: Electro does differ in its level design. Trying to break monotony, it takes focus away from simple combat by introducing varied mini-quests, more linear chase sequences, and somewhat simplistic puzzles. They may not always work quite as intended, but they are a clear attempt at making the game its own unique thing and not just a rehash of its predecessor.

It's worth noting that some of the boss fights have pretty cool gimmicks to them, such as using special webbing to revert the Lizard's transformation or luring Sandman in front of water pipes and increasing the pressure. Then again, the execution of these ideas sometimes feels clunky and it's not always that easy to stumble upon the right solution.

The Bad
Unfortunately, the ideas the designers came up with for individual levels aren't always the best. Some of the puzzles involve bland backtracking or performing very simple yet unintuitive tasks in specific places, and despite the interesting addition of two semi-open-ended areas where you can move between rooftops and the street level, most levels actually end up being more linear and limiting than in the first game.

Enter: Electro's storyline isn't exactly its strong suit either. Electro, despite his cool design and powers, doesn't make the most competent and intimidating main villain. And while I personally like the inclusion of some of the more niche Spider-Man enemies, I cannot imagine the thought process behind choosing Hammerhead of all people as a major character and a boss. It also seems like there was a larger Beetle subplot which had to be cut, because after his reveal in a cutscene, the game does absolutely nothing with his character, wasting an interesting opportunity.

The Bottom Line
Enter: Electro seems to mostly be remembered as the game that had to have the twin WTC towers removed in a hurry before its September 2001 release, and it shouldn't come as a surprise. This sequel was clearly never meant to leave a lasting impression, and while I appreciate Vicarious Visions' attempts to make it a unique, interesting game, it ultimately fails to escape mediocrity. 5/10

[played in emulator]