Spider-man fans can enjoy another game with their favourite web-slinger.
So how does the combat play out? Of the four spider-men you'll be playing as, the game-play mechanics for 3 of them are very similar. These three would be the Amazing Spider-man (classic red and blue suit), Spider-man 2099, and Ultimate Spider-man (in the black suit). The variety and types of moves available to use is almost identical. The difference is how the spider-men perform these moves. 2099 is pretty hands-on, sticking to his fists and feet. Ultimate uses the black suit to lash out for some attacks, and Amazing has impressive web attacks for his stronger set of moves. They all have heavy, light, area, and grab attacks, with a variety of combos. 2099 Spider-man also has the ability to slow down time for a short period to heighten his reflexes, while Ultimate can go into a rage mode to add damage to his attacks. It all results in a good time. Spider-man looks smooth as he dodges attacks, looks cool as he delivers damage, and you can pull off some satisfying hits and combos. The only trouble with controls here is that it's not always easy for the grab feature to grab the person or thing you want. A minor issue though that doesn't impede the combat too much.
The biggest difference in the game-play is in the levels with Spider-man Noir. A 1930's spider-man, he does have a similar range of attacks but for the most part his levels are about stealth. He can't quite take the beating his counterparts can, so instead of taking his enemies head on you'll mostly perform sneaky take downs which result in webbing your opponents up in sequences that I found fun to watch. The creeping about in the shadows added a game-play element and change of pace that I enjoyed.
Boss fights play a bigger in role in this game than I've experienced in past titles. It's not about making your way through the level then fighting the boss at the end. You'll often find yourself pursing the boss for much of the level with multiple encounters along the away. With each encounter the boss will be tougher, and there will be a change to the attack pattern, although there's a consistent element to the strategy you'll use to taking them out.
To help you with all of the battles you'll find yourself in, you can purchase new moves and character upgrades with experience points you collect. These moves and upgrades are unlocked by completing challenges (sort of like mini-trophies) and finding emblems and hidden spiders. Along the way, depending on which difficulty level you're playing, you can also unlock bonuses such as character bios and 3D models.
The look of each world is one of the most well used assets to keep the game feeling fresh, and your eyes happy. The obligatory quips and banter between Spider-man and his foes is present as well. Sometimes with humourous results, sometimes with eye-rolling-cheesiness. It comes with the territory though.
It's a good time with enough that's the same, and enough that's different, to keep seasoned Spider-man-game-players satisfied. Although the general combat may get tiring for non-fans of the Marvel hero, I would recommend any fan of the web-head to check it out.