Game Info
GAME NAME: The Amazing Spider-Man
DEVELOPER(S): Beenox
PUBLISHER(S): Activision
PLATFORM(S): Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, 3DS, DS
GENRE(S): Action
RELEASE DATE(S): 29 June 2012
“With great power, comes great responsibility.” Yes, you have heard this famous quote from Spider-Man over and over again. It is a phrase as synonymous with the character as his webbing. The phrase can just as easily be linked to Beenox, the developers behind the last few Spider-Man games which were a tad…mediocre. In Spider-Man Beenox have one of the most loved superheroes of all time, one that kept the Marvel industry afloat at one point, and because of that, they have a responsibility to deliver to fans and gamers.
The story in The Amazing Spider-Man game serves as an epilogue to the soon-to-be-released movie of the same name, and to avoid any spoilers of the game and movie little detail about the story will be divulged. The basic premise is that an infection is spreading across Manhattan, transferred through genetic cross-breeds, and Old Web-Head needs to stop it while saving the fine citizens of Manhattan in the process.
Beenox have focused on a number of things within the game which work very well. The new camera angle brings players much closer to the character and for the first time in recent memory players will actually feel like they are Spider-Man. This is aided by the seamless web slinging and the fantastic environment found in Manhattan. The city itself returns for the first time in a while and the setting could not be more perfect.
Web slinging feels as natural as it should be and the sound of the wind howling in your ears when diving off buildings mixed with the sense of vertigo from the camera gives players a head rush almost every single time. New to the game and mixed with the web slinging is a web rush mechanism, which allows Spider-Man to zip off to a number of chosen positions seen on the map. Spidey is able to use his ‘spider-sense’ which slows down time and allows players to head to the best vantage point for a situation.
The combat has also been remodelled and follows a similar concept to that in the Batman: Arkham games. The combat is fluid and intuitive and seeing some of Spider-Man’s trademark moves come to life is pure bliss. Stealth takedowns and web attacks are added to the mix also which provides some of the most enjoyable combat you would want.
The action is split into various sections. The main story often sees Spidey heading indoors to take on enemies, secure information, possible cures and also rescue friends. The indoor sections are enjoyable but do take away from some of the enjoyment found from exploring the city. The main boss battles that take place outside are far more enjoyable and leave you begging for more. The game’s side missions include taking care of petty crimes such as muggings, aiding in car chases and aiding the police in taking care of criminals. The side missions add a nice break to the action, and the chance to level up makes them all worthwhile.
There are also some extra challenges which see Spidey racing around Manhattan or doing stunts as set out by none other than Bruce Campbell, as well as taking photos for news reports. Also scattered around the city are comic book pages which you can collect and get full digital comics to read.
The Amazing Spider-Man is the best Spider-Man game in recent years. It brings back everything missing from the last couple of games, and also expands on the more important aspects. Spidey’s quick humour is evident in every scenario and getting to feel as though you are the character is something that was emphasized in the game. It offers plenty of content in terms of missions, characters, cameos and more.
At the end of the day the game delivers on the fun factor. Beenox have used some of the power granted to them, although one feels as though a lot more can be done with the character and his world. If Amazing Spider-Man is the basis of what to come, then every web-head fan should be excited at the prospect of future games.
Loading ...
watched the film last night at a prerelease, i think i’ll get this to continue that story
Went to see the movie last night also. Loved it and couldn’t wait to get home and swing through Manhattan in the game again. Too much awesome!
Sweet review Jarred.
Can I swing past your spot and grab it some time?
Awesome review! I want to see this movie and then play the game
Picked it up a coupe of days ago, and hands down the best Spiderman game out there.
“There are also some extra challenges which see Spidey racing around Manhattan or doing stunts as set out by none other than Bruce Campbell” – This is the main reason to buy this game, everything else is an added extra.
I need to get going with this game. #stupidbacklog
I need to get going with this game. #stupidbacklog
The game was definately the better of the last few Spiderman games (although, Shattered Dimensions wasn’t shabby, either). But, the minus is that it’s way too easy. Other than that, web slinging through Manhattan hasn’t been this much fun since Web of Shadows.
The game was better than the movie.
I agree with Mr. Roland here, the game was truly too easy. Fun, but too easy. Patch ALL the game!
Agreed, the game is a bit too easy, but I didn’t find that it made it any less fun really. I heard a rumour (just a rumour) they may add on a game + type thing, but who knows if it will ever happen.
Great Response Coming From You Guys Woouw,That’s A First.
Can’t Wait For The Movie Already
I’m really enjoying playing this game. Follows the story of the movie quite nicely. Most fun Spiderman game I’ve played
As I said to friends in an e-mail yesterday: “Same, muchos fun. Overall I get the vibe that they made sure the controls were as intuitive and seamlessly combined (web rush to sling to landing) as they could get it so as not to detract from the “fun” aspect – instead of giving you a myriad of crap controls masked as clever combos to master they kinda take care of that for you in a way so that you can focus on just “getting on with it” if I make any sense here? Bottom line – it feels like fun, not work, which is something some games seem to be more miss than hit at these days.” That’s the most I have had to say about a game in one communication in a loooong time
PLAY IT!
Well said Choffel. The game really is just about fun. Whether it be web slinging, web rush, combo, falling off roof tops or even carrying on with missions, the fun factor is always considered.
Never played the game before but my mind is telling me to go for it. The problem is i never finished an action game by myself, i rather ask for help via google.
Cool review shall wait for it to go cheap before getting it.
Its such a good, over looked game, much better than the last couple of spider man games. Finished it 3 Days ago its just a little repetitive
compared to other spider games, is this worth it
Definitely worth it. Best Spidey game on current consoles. Much better than the last few games.