Few can forget the good-old days of 2D gaming.
But go back to the Genesis and SNES and you’ll have a hard time finding a comic
book game – certainly a Spider-Man game – that doesn’t suck. There were a few
exceptions like the Genesis-exclusive X-Men, but its difficulty was so high it’s
doubtful that there is anyone out there still playing it.
Fast-forward to this decade and the 2D quality
has greatly improved. The Game Boy Advance version of Spider-Man 3 is the
perfect example of how a superhero’s cool powers can be utilized within a
classic gameplay environment. The web-slinging mechanics were likely inspired by
the more recent 3D games, which, regardless of the overall quality, had seamless
web-slinging and swinging mechanics that were uniquely Spider-Man.
Now, in a strange turn of events, Activision has
taken a stab at bringing that beloved retro gameplay to a console known for its
3D Spider-Man efforts: PlayStation 2. That game, Spider-Man: Web of Shadows –
Amazing Allies Edition (the full title of this version), is a comic
book-inspired collection with appearances by superheroes – such as Storm and
Nightcrawler – you don’t normally see with Peter Parker. Their presence is that
of a super-power: summon their existence to unleash a special attack that’ll
send the enemy packing.
But that’s just one fraction of Web of Shadows, a
game that prides itself on matching a lost gameplay style. Set in a
two-dimensional side-scrolling world, the game is very much a part of the arcade
world. Objectives are almost entirely based on the direction that you travel;
when there appears to be nothing left to do in one particular area, hold the L1
button to find out where to go next. An arrow will appear next to Spider-Man,
indicating which part of the level needs to be explored.
If that isn’t familiar enough, try attacking the
next foe who stands in your way. Some can be bypassed – depending on the mission
goal (check your arrow), the enemies may not have to be defeated in order to
proceed. But if you want to take ‘em out, tap the square and triangle buttons
for a host of cool combo animations. If that’s not getting the job done, black
suit Spider-Man (made from the delightful life form that created Venom) has his
own set of combos to unleash, as well as other specific abilities that make the
suit worth using.
One of the most common level barriers is a wall
that needs to be blasted through. Spider-Man doesn’t use weapons (well, unless
you count his web-slinger as one), so don’t expect a rocket launcher to get the
job done. Instead, the black suit – which can be used at any time by pressing
the select button – gives Peter Parker the strength plow through walls. Of
course, he can’t destroy every wall in the game. This is PlayStation 2, a
console not quite capable of producing a fully destructible environment. So
you’ll have to watch for walls with cracks in them; if no cracks exist, you’ll
have to find another route.
Web of Shadows’ level designs are a mix of
impressiveness and disappointment. The way Spider-Man interacts with them is
great. He can climb almost any wall or ceiling. When reaching the top of an
area, he’ll automatically leap into the air. This is helpful when trying to
reach the top of a platform. Swinging is a mostly seamless mechanic that is not
only quick and fun but is also very effective. In addition to speedy level
navigation, players can swing to dive-kick into enemies, knocking them to the
ground.
In that regard, Web of Shadows is extremely well
polished. But the layout and structure of the levels – or more specifically, the
way each level is sectioned off to keep the player busy – is weak and
repetitive. Diversity is not one of the game’s strong points. If it weren’t for
the arrow system, you wouldn’t know where to go 90% of the time. That’s a
serious problem. Too many of the walls look the same. Yes, this game is
comprised of more than walls, but it doesn’t matter if it’s a full building, an
underground tunnel or a series of apartment rooms separating you and the mission
exit – the process of walking, climbing and swinging through them is the same.
Many of the level designs repeat themselves. Boss battles are cheap but easy to
overcome once you learn their attack patterns (which are fairly predictable).
So while this is far from a perfect Spider-Man
game, comic book fans – or anyone who likes arcade-style action games – will
enjoy the overall package. Not a must-buy but certainly a game that should be on
your rental list.
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Gameplay: 7.0
Retro-style side-scrolling gameplay that creates a decent throwback to the days
of arcades.
Graphics: 6.8
Acceptable but not particularly impressive. There have been many stunning
games on PS2, including a few side-scrollers like this one. But Web of Shadows’
graphics cannot compare.
Sound: 6.0
The usual selection of comic book sounds and music.
Difficulty: Easy
See button. See button mash. Mash button, mash.
Concept: 6.0
A new experience? Not at all. The 2D gameplay may be fun, but we’ve seen it
(and the power-up and upgrade system) many times before.
Overall: 7.0
Web of Shadows isn’t as immersive as some of the 3D Spider-Man titles, and
its repetitive combat and level structure could turn off some players in the
long-term. But it’s a solid rental, no question, and should definitely be played
by fans of the GBA version of Spider-Man 3.
