Spider-Man returns for another web-slinging adventure, but this time with a little help … from himself.
In “Shattered Dimensions,” four different incarnations of Spidey work to track down pieces of a mythical tablet that could destroy each of their universes if it falls into the wrong hands.
First up is Amazing Spider-Man, who employs his web-swinging and fighting skills to take down baddies. Next is Noir Spider-Man from the 1930s era, who stalks his prey from the shadows, preferring to use stealth attacks. Then it’s Spider-Man 2099, who uses his amazing speed to tackle the minions of the evil Alchemax Corp. Finally, Ultimate Spider-Man dons a controlled version of the Venom symbiote to become the black-suited hero, who brawls his way through evildoers.
Overall, the gameplay is just average. Unlike some of the other recent Spider-Man games, this one is strictly linear — there’s no swinging around the entirety of the Big Apple. The web swinging can be a bit tough to control at times, but thankfully there is a quick swing move that can zip you to nearby perches. Battles are kept interesting by each Spider-Man playing slightly differently while using the same controls. Also, the game throws in a first-person boxing mode during boss fights — though it feels a bit forced and out of place.
The voice acting for all of the characters is superb and what really makes the game stand out, with Neil Patrick Harris leading the way as Amazing Spider-Man. Each of the Spider-Man incarnations have tons of smart, witty quips and one-line zingers to mock the likes of Mysterio, Deadpool and the Goblin; and all of the bombastic bad guys make overblown claims that come off as ridiculous. It’s like listening to the comic book characters come to life.
Not only does the audio have a particularly comic book flair, but so do the graphics. The cel-shading, while a bit rough around the edges, becomes more fitting the more you play. Eventually it will feel like Spider-Man has jumped straight from the page to your screen.
While there is nothing special about the gameplay to make this a must-buy, it is another solid addition to the Spider-Man saga.
