Ultimate Spider-Man

"More Hype Then Game"

Ultimate Spider-Man is the game based on the ultimate comics, which were started back in 2000. Ultimate Spider-Man was one of the most hyped comic book based game this year, followed by X-men Legends 2. Does it live up to the hype?

Game-Play:

7.5/10

There are many things to talk about, lets start with the swinging mechanism. Sadly, the swinging in ultimate spider-man is NOT as fun as it was in Spider-Man 2. You don't have any swing mode options this time and the default mode is not very enjoyable. You don't have much control of your webbing any more. Plus, lack of sky scrappers in this game makes swinging somewhat more difficult. However, all is not lost and after an hour's practice, you get the hang of it. Next up is the combat; the combat in this game is not as varied as it was in Spider-Man 2. You have very few combos up your sleeve plus you can take down most normal enemies using the same button pattern. The boss fights and chase sequences of this game are very challenging and enjoyable. The most hyped thing about this game was the ability to play as Venom. The game does not disappoint, as the Venom levels are the most fun parts of the game. Venom controls are completely different from Spider-Man. While spider-man uses his agility and web shooters to move around, Venom relies on pure strength, leaping from one building to another cover huge distances. Plus, the game also features a very cool feeding system. Since the venom suit is feeding on Eddie, you have to absorb energy from human hosts every now and then in order to keep your health up. Fortunately, feeding is not only easy but also fun. Sadly, the combat sequences of Venom don't offer much variety and is basically button mashing sequences. The city events are pretty similar to that of Spider-Man 2 and they get boring after a while because stopping a robbery and stopping a mugging is one and the same thing. The game-play could have used more tuning.

Graphics:

8/10

The game features cell-shaded graphics to give a comical look to the game. The developers succeed to a large extent as the cut-scenes and city looks very good. However, lack of sky scrappers and low detail hamper the experience somewhat.

Audio:

8/10

The game features great audio. The sound effects of webbing coming out of the web shooters and Venom's growling are very well done. Same goes for most other sound effects. The voice acting of this game is it's best part. All the characters have been expertly handled and the dialogue features many trademark one-liners.

Story:

9/10

Ultimate Spider-Man features a very original story that was specially created for this game. The father's of Peter and Eddie were working on a suit that not only cured cancer but also enhanced the strength and other abilities of the person wearing it. Unfortunately, the company owner sees the suit more of a weapon then a cure and arranges for both scientists to be killed in a "plane crash". Years later their sons (once friends) meet again and see their inheritance, the Venom suit. This leads to a series of events in which the Venom suit is first worn by Peter and then Eddie after which the suit completely takes control over Eddie. The story revolves around finding the truth behind their father's death and making a cure for Eddie.

Replay Value:

6/10

The game features very little replay value. Sure you can play as Venom after completing the game but it becomes boring after an hour or so.

Buy/Rent

I would strongly suggest you to rent the game first before you buy it.

Overall:

7.7/10

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 10/12/05