Summary
TheSpider-Manintellectual propertyis huge, covering comic books, movies, video games, and more. Ever since the late 90s, this superhero has appeared in many video games that, over the years, have improved in terms of graphics, story, game mechanics, and overall world design. To date, developers have done an incredible job at crafting new titles for gamers who can’t get enough of Marvel’s leading man.
One of the most welcome additions to theSpider-Mangaming universe is the open-world mechanic, which allows players to free-roam andexplore Manhattan without constraints. That said, as wonderful as open-worldSpider-Mangames are, there are also non-open-world titles that stand out. Here arethe bestSpider-Mangames that are not open-world.
Spider-Man: Edge of Timefeatures a story where Peter Parker’s Spider-Man and Miguel O’Hara’s Spider-Man 2099 must join forces to stop a disastrous event from destroying their timelines and everything they’ve ever loved. Together, they will have to face many obstacles and overcome all the difficulties that Alchemax scientist Walker Sloan sends their way in his effort to rewrite history.
While the game isn’t open-world, it hasa very interesting story conceptand time-travel mechanic that suggests actions from one timeline can affect others. The interactions between Parker’s and O’Hara’s Spider-Men are very interesting and complement the game’s design very well. While the game received mixed reviews during its time in the sun, it’s still a solid alternative to otherSpider-Manopen-world games.
Spider-Man: Friend or Foepresents what is arguably, one of the most interesting concepts of the superhero’s entire gaming pantheon.When the meteor that originally brought Venom to Earthsplits into five shards, crazed, dangerous creatures known as P.H.A.N.T.O.M.S. put the entire world population at risk. With the help of Nick Fury, Spider-Man will have to set off on a journey to recruit both friends and foes (hence the game’s name) to fight against the extraterrestrial menace.
Some would say the game often feels more like a comedy than a superhero title, but that’s what makes it so fun.Spider-Man: Friend or Foewalks that thin line between having enough action to be interesting, and letting its guard down now and then for some humor to come through. While mostSpider-Mangames are suitable for most ages, this particular title is rated for everyone over 10 years old, which further reinforces the lighthearted tone that it presents.
3Spider-Man (1995)
A Timeless Classic From A Simpler Time
The SNES had a lot of great games that marked the childhoods of many veteran gamers, includingSuper Mario World,Donkey Kong Country,Super Metroid, and, of course,Spider-Man. Based on the 1994 animated TV series,Spider-Man: The Animated Series, this title lets players relive many of the show’s episodes.Classic villains like Doctor Octopus, Green Goblin, and Venom make appearances, forcing Spider-Man to fight them to progress through the story.
While the narrative is a little simple due to theSNES’s limitations, the game still manages to deliver a very fun and exciting experience as Spider-Man saves New York yet again from the clutches of evil.
Spider-Man 2: Enter Electrois the direct sequel to the PS1 game named afterthe web-slinging superhero. In this title, Spider-Man will have to face the villainous Electro, who’s set on harnessing the unmatched power of a mysterious device referred to as the Bio-Nexus. Should Electro succeed, he’ll obtain godlike powers, rendering him unstoppable, and making him the greatest villain the world has ever seen.
In his race against time to stop Electro, Spider-Man will also have to face other enemies, such as the Shocker, the Lizard, Sandman, and Hammerhead. Each one poses a different and entertaining challenge for players to overcome. The game doesn’t feature any open-world mechanics and instead opts for a classic, linear progression system.
When the Tablet of Order and Chaos is shattered, it scatters several fragments across different dimensions suspended in time and space. Each dimension holds a different version of thecharismatic Spider-Man, each with unique abilities and designs. ThroughoutSpider-Man:Shattered Dimensions, players will have to take the on role of each of these heroes to recover the fragments in their own dimension while overcoming obstacles and defeating dimension-specific villains.
A concept incorporating different dimensions and enemies makes for a refreshing experience, which, when combined with action-packed missions and fluid combat mechanics, eliminates the necessity of an open world.Shattered Dimensionsfeels especially relevant now with the success of theSpider-versemovies.
