Spider-Man 2 (Not my best...)

[ElementK]

Introduction: First off, I'd just like to say that if you buy this game expecting what you saw in the console versions, then you will be completely bambozzled when you first play this. This game has almost no similarities (save for story-line) with it's console predecessors, in fact, it wasn't even developed by the same people. As long as you understand, continue on with the review.

Graphics: The graphics for this game are simply incredible for a hand-held. Nothing like this has ever been seen before on a portable system. When you see the cut-scenes between chapters, you will be simply amazed. The graphics are incredible. But not just for cut-scenes, the in-game 3D/2D hybrid graphics are just as amazing... that is, compared to previous hand-held games. When you look at these graphics in comparison with Metroid Prime Hunters, and Mario 64 DS, you can't help but feel a little gyped. Sure the graphics are fine, but they seem a little blocky and the backgrounds, while great, are not perfect, there is not a lot of texture. Aside from that, the graphics are incredible. Going straight from Pokemon to This is like going from Star Wars IV to Star Wars II. Plus, at an incredible 60 FPS, this game can move extremely fast.

8/10

Sound: The sound in this game is good, but not great. This game has a good soundtrack, especially when compared to previous hand-held games. This is one of those times when you compare the Sound to GBA or GG or N-GAGE sound and it's amazing, but compare it to the system its actually on, it's not the best. The music is ok, and the sound-effects are cool, but the most significant part is the voices. It really makes you feel like you are playing a console game when you here things like "Save Me Spider-Man" through the great surround sound speakers offered on the DS. That is probably the most redeeming feature in the sound department.

7/10

Story: This is kinda hard to say..... It is based off of a movie, so the story really isn't that crucial to the game's review, it already has a story, but I suppose I could look at the other non-movie chapters of the game. The game provides you with various challenges that go along with one simple story, get placed here, and save/kill these guys. This game (other than the main story-line) is not really plot driven. They have a couple of pictures and texts at the beginning of chapters, but they really don't do a lot for you. It is basically the same thing in different environments.

5/10

Gameplay: Here's the really important part, the gameplay. As I stated before, Spiderman 2 is a 3D/2D hybrid game. It is on a 2D scale with 3D graphics. This means that the only directions you can go are Left, Right, Up, and Down. But, the game creates a pseudo-3D environment for you by having the level turn at certain points, making it seem like you are going at angles. If you are confused here is a simple way of saying it: As you go along in the game, you play on a 2D level, but occasionally, there is an L shape in your path, so you will take a bend and the level will bend with you, so It appears that you are moving in 3D environments. This is very reminiscent of Viewtiful Joe. Enough about the paths, next we shall talk about combat. Combat is probably my least favorite part about this game. Usually in this game, you be fighting the same thing, but with a different skin. Sometimes Thugs, sometimes robots, it is always the same AI you are facing, and this can get kind of boring, but the worst part is the actualy fighting. It seems for either party, if you are caught in a combo it is extremely hard to get out of it. They will just keep punching you, waiting for you to get up, and punch you again. This gets EXTREMELY frustrating, but the good thing is, it also works for you. Special moves come in handy a lot of the time, but frankly, I usually don't have the time to mess around with them. The one other complaint I have about combat is this; when you are climbing sideways up a building and there is a man with a gun in the roof, he usually shoots you before you have time to, get up, jump, and dodge the bullets. This is so annoying especially when you have to climb a huge building (which takes forever) and he keeps knocking you down. Your only hope here is Spidey-Sense, which is too difficult and confusing to screw around with. First of all, you cant get out of it, you just have to wait, and secondly, you have about half-a-second to turn it on before something hits you. Apart from combat, this game is extremely fun, the controls work amazingly and its so fun to swing around and web zip into baddies. During the game you will also find Mini-Games which are pretty fun.

7/10

Overall: This game is a pretty damn fun game. Despite it's shortcomings, it is truly fun to play. Sadly, it doesn't last too long. The game itself is extremely short, your only hope is that you are bad at it and it takes you about a day-per-chapter. The learning curve, I have to say, is pretty large, and the time spent searching for that last thug can drive you to the edge, but this game is definitely worth a rent, and If you are looking for a fun-game and know not to expect a Zelda level game, buy it.

7/10

[Skyline]

Nice review.

yea i heard some of the things they use the touch screen for are really weird.