Spider-Man: Web of Shadows

"Action is his reward."

Activision's Spider-Man Web of Shadows is a fast paced entertaining game. While it may not be Amazing or Spectacular the game certainly puts you in the skin tight booties of your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. A few minor flaws drop this game down a few notches, but overall you're left with a very satisfying experience for hardcore Spidey fans or casual gamers alike. And…Here…We…Go

Story: 8/10

So Web of Shadows puts you smack dab in the middle of a symbiote invasion in New York City, think Cloverfield meets Dawn of the Dead. Essentially in a battle with Venom Spidey gets his good ole symbiotic black suit back, thus leading to a chain of events concluding in a Symbotic Invasion of NYC. Now while the basic plot, can at times feel quite campy and or cheesy the actual execution of it more then makes up for that. Activision does a great job making you feel trapped and isolated as the world begins to crumble before your eyes. Personal narrations and intriguing cut scenes really add depth and emotion to the games story.

Graphics: 7/10

WoS graphic system isn't really anything to die for. That said it definitely is no slouch either. The Marvel Universe version of New York City is recreated beautifully. The Baxter Building, Stark Tower, Fisk Enterprises, Oscorp, and the Daily Bugle make you feel right at home in the MU. Some minor annoyances in the cities graphics are the reflections of the buildings, for some reason they always reflect the sun, even during the night.

Character Models also seem to be relatively on point. Luke Cage, Moon Knight, and Wolverine all look just as you'd expect them too, not to mention smoking hot renders of the Black Widow, Black Cat, and MJ. The only minor flaw in character models would have to be Spidey's Black Suit which at times can look more purple then black.

Sound: 8/10

The sound in WoS is definitely one of it's strong points. Car horns and pedestrian banter really augment the feel of New York City. The game's original score is also highly enjoyable and the Moonlight Sonata intro is nothing short of incredible.

The Voice Acting in the game are all top notch. Wolverine and Luke Cage sound absolutely perfect. Moon Knight sounds a little off to me but that can forgiven. Though it takes some getting used to Spider-Man's voice sounds really just as it should, while most other characters also sound very realistic.


Control: 8/10

The controls in Web of Shadows are very simple and easy to use. Swinging through New York City is still as fun as always. The combat system is where the game truly excels. While button-mashing may detract a few points, overall it is the best combat system in a Spider-Man game to date. Throughout the game you can purchase and learn tons of very useful combos and moves. You can also simultaneously switch between the classic red & blues and the black symbiotic suit at the press of a button. Both Suits also have their own unique combo systems which can be utilized at the right time. There is no doubt that Web of Shadows makes you feel more like Spidey then any previous attempts.

Gameplay: 9/10

When it comes down to it, the real make or break category for any video game is its gameplay. Fortunately WoS doesn't disappoint. The upgraded combat system and the ability to swing freely throughout New York City alone make this an enjoyable game, but it still has much more to offer. Web of Shadows introduces a new system in which the story and outcome of the game can be affected by your in game decisions. Choosing to fight in the classic or black suit affects your outcome as well. The boss battles in the game are also always extremely fun, each having its own unique features that really give you a good feel for the character you're battling. Minor flaws present themselves throughout the game as sometimes your webs cling to nothing but air which tens to feel a little silly. Also despite vast achievements in the new combat system it still at times can feel like little more than mindless button mashing. However as I previously mentioned despite the games flaws, all of its positive features combine to create a very enjoyable & realistic experience as your favorite wall crawling, loud mouth, web slinging Superhero.


In conclusion I found Web of Shadows to be a very satisfying and fun game. It possesses its fair share of flaws, but in the end presents you with a realistic and enjoyable experience as your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. I highly recommend it to any avid comic fans. I also believe that the game merits at least a rental from casual gamers as well.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 10/29/08

Game Release: Spider-Man: Web of Shadows (US, 10/21/08)