Changing its formula entirely, Spider-Man 2 is a significant improvement over the last movie-tie in game
Much like the first game, this game is related to the movie in name only for the most part as it is very loosely based on the plot of the movie. Sure, events in the movie are tied into the game with Doctor Octopus being the main villain and cut scenes that imitate scenes in the movie, but most of the game adds so much more. For instance, new characters like Black Cat and villains like Rhino, Mysterio and the return of Shocker. Toby Maguire returns to play the role of Peter Parker (aka Spiderman) of course, and he puts on a better performance this time than the last game. The story is pretty basic and if you've seen the movie, you know what happens, but it's good enough to hold your attention and the game itself is more challenging than the last at least.
The first Spider-Man game was very linear, limited and repetitive. Fortunately, the sequel changed the formula around for the better. For one thing, the combat feels much better. It's the same routine; beat up all the bad guys, but there are far more moves to master. In fact, the game rarely allows you to just punch and kick for the bad guys will often block them. Instead, you must get creative with your web, combos and air combos. The web is more useful this time around because instead of just tying them up, you can also pull them towards, spin them around, or you can tie up to 4 baddies at once, giving you much more freedom with the web this time around. Your most effective moves are your air combos, which involves you punching your enemies in the air repeatably until you hit the ground. Lastly, your new spidey sense is your best friend when in the middle of combat. A flash around Spidey's head will warn you when an enemy is about to punch or shoot you and give you enough time to either dodge the attack or counter. It takes a little getting used to because while you can dodge one person's attack, you are left wide open for someone else to attack and you have no time to react.
Unlike the original game which just gave you a certain amount of levels where the idea was mainly get from point A to point B, Spider-Man 2 allows you to go anywhere. You are placed in New York City, and most might agree that the whole play area is spot on; from Central Park, to the Empire State Building, to the Statue of Liberty. Swinging through this glorious city is a lot of fun. However, you can't swing everywhere because this time around, your web will only stick to a nearby building. To get anywhere while swinging, you have to push forward and shoot another web. You start off slow but you can buy swing upgrades as you progress through the game.
Now, what is there to do in this large world? First of all, you are shown how difficult it is to be a super hero in a crime-infested city because there is always someone asking for help. When you see a green marker on your map, that is someone asking for help and talking to them will activate a sort of mini-mission. They could have witnessed a car being stolen, a boat sinking in the river, thugs holding up an armored car, an injured citizen that needs to go to the hospital, or a man who is about to fall off a building. These missions are enough to get you busy and it's a good way to rack up points but doing the same 7 or 8 missions repeatably might get tiresome. When you want a break from those, there are also oddjobs to take like pizza delivery (get the pizza to your customers and back within a time limit), take photos for the Daily Bugle (go from point to point and take pictures within a time limit), or do a Mary Jane mission (meet her at the destination as fast as you can).
Speaking of points, you earn them by doing main missions, side missions, beating up bad guys, oddjobs or by completing race challenges scattered throughout the city. After you earn enough points, you can take them to the stores marked on your map and you can buy several combat upgrades to help you improve in fights. You start out with only a select few but you can unlock more as you progress through the main game and open up a new chapter.
The graphics are one thing I'm very mixed about. In some parts, the city looks really good for its time and the cut scenes are also impressive. On the other hand, some in game parts look even worse than the original game, especially the jagged edges which are very noticeable up close, and the characters' lips don't move at all half the time. The graphics aren't bad, but some parts look worse than the first game.
Other than the possibility of the graphics being worse, Spider-Man 2 is a huge improvement over its predecessor and proof that not all movie-licensed games are mediocre. The change of gameplay formula is a welcome addition to the Spider-Man game series and you are given a taste of how busy a super hero can be while given the freedom to swing anywhere in a large city. The main game won't last you too long but Spider-Man 2 is worth checking out for those looking for a good super hero game for their Xbox/PS2/Gamecube.