Spider-Man 3 is undoubtedly the most anticipated property of 2007, not only the cinematic incarnation but also the spin off game. It also marks the series first appearance on next-gen consoles. The 360 version of Spider-Man is exactly as you would expect. It’s just like the previous games only bigger and more detailed, but just as fun.
The storyline closely follows the film, but adds a number of elements the run alongside. Instead of facing just the villains from the film, you find yourself up against The Scorpion, The Lizard, Mad Bomber and Kraven, as well as an assortment of petty crooks and crooked cops. The missions featuring these characters run in conjunction with the plot of the film.
For a licensed game, the mission structure is unusually non-liner. Missions go in a set order, which you must beat to unlock others, but you can complete unlocked missions in any order you so wish. The variety of missions on offer is vast. You can go from all out boss fights to chasing down muggers., and sometimes both at one time.
The most noticeable change to gameplay is the use of real time cut scenes. They require you to press buttons at specific times to progress. This feels quiet similar to the button sequences in God of War.
The combat system is basically identical to that in Spiderman 2. You perform special moves by holding down the right trigger and pressing one of the face buttons. Individual attacks are accomplished by pressing the face buttons on their own. The only real addition to the combat system is the Black Suit, which you gain about half way through the game. This drastically increases your strength as well as changing Spidey’s general attitude.
The camera in the game has been a massive problem since the first. In the subsequent games its only gotten worse. In this game it is extremely buggy in tight quarters, leading to frustrating situations where you it rarely focuses on the action. Climbing walls can be a massively difficult venture due to this at times.
Spider-Man 3 is a fun title, and one of the most enjoyable licenses yet. Even though the camera is poor the rest of the game more than compensates for this. In closing it’s a very enjoyable game which fans and casual gamers will enjoy.
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