Spider-Man 3

"From Joy to dispair, How the Spider-Man series rose and fell"

Introduction: Okay I bought this game having already played the ps2 version and felt a great sense of relief when I saw the differences in gameplay and environment. This feeling continued for the first half of the game until you realise how shallow the attraction of this game really is.

Story: 2/10 The main issue with the storyline is that the only part of the movie that seemed to make it across to the game unscathed was the entrance of new goblin. Everything else was either altered or left out. The final insult is when you realise that the alterations morph into changing the scene all together. Correct me if im wrong but movie games are meant to follow the story of.... THE MOVIE! The side missions were entertaining but In now way enough to redeem the lack of movie plot.

Gameplay: 5/10 The actual gameplay was Ok. The main issue I have with it, is that the controls felt like a step or two back from the SM2. Spider-Man reflexes have been changed so that is the only way you can block making the majority of mass fighting against gangs a matter of attempting to decipher when to press reflexes to dodge the simplest of attacks. Meanwhile you've been beaten into death three or four times. The rest of missions are broken into either button mashing or missing interesting action sequences because you have to watchout for the sudden need to hit button sequences or face redoing the whole battle.

The open ended mission structure combined with being able to explore the city in its fullest was a welcome return however when its packed with 10 mission strands (42 missions total) and...... thats about it mission wise. The random crimes return but seem to contain either chasing a car down or just battling some thugs.

Graphics: 8/10 The graphics are good and entertaining and while the faces can be freaky at times for the most part there ok. But without a substantial game behind them...

Missions: 2/10 The most infuriating part of the game is the quality of missions. The beginning they are fun and enjoyable as the game progresses they become either a matter of sheer luck or button mashing. It also suffered the problem that there are just too many missions that cause you to wonder why they have to make it so lacking in any enjoyment.

Reviewer's Score: 3/10, Originally Posted: 05/25/07