Spider-Man 3 Preview
We make like a Spider-Man in the Wii game based on the upcoming movie.
With Spider-Man 3 slinging its way to theaters in May, Activision had us down to get some exclusive hands-on time with the Wii version of the anticipated game. Although the game is taking the same approach that it's PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 cousins are in terms of using the movie plot as its base and expanding on it, developer Vicarious Visions is offering content specifically for the Wii that ranges from a unique control scheme to exclusive comic characters to altered gameplay mechanics. We had the chance to try out a sampling of levels from a work-in-progress version of the game to see if it swings.
The first two levels we tried were tutorial levels that took you through the basics of the control scheme, which uses both the Nunchuk and the Wii Remote. Getting around is pretty standard for a Wii game from Vicarious, as many elements are similar to Marvel: Ultimate Alliance. You'll use the Nunchuk to move Spidey and wave the Wii Remote to perform attacks. Quick attacks will be initiated by swinging left and right while strong attacks are triggered by an up and down motion or by pressing the A button.
If you flick the Nunchuk when Spidey's head flashes (a marker that his spider sense is kicking in), you'll be able to dodge attacks. You'll jump with the Z button and stick to walls when you hold the B button when you're near one. Holding Z and B together performs a webzip, which helps you move to a point quickly. The A button lets you interact with highlighted objects. Pushing down on the D pad lets you perform an adrenaline attack, which powers up your normal attacks. Hitting left or right on the D pad puts you in Spidey's sexy black suit (more on that in a second). Up on the D pad lets you enter photo mode and snap shots, like any good struggling photographer who happens to have superpowers does.
The plus button calls up your scrapbook, which is a rundown of what you've done in the game, and lets you access the hero menu where you can level Spidey up using hero points you earn. The minus sign calls up a city map to let you get an idea of where trouble is brewing. Finally, the 1 button lets you lock the camera onto a target. When the camera isn't locked, you'll be able to rotate it around you by tilting the Nunchuk left or right.
In addition to all that, the game puts a new twist on Spidey's webswinging by letting you physically spin his web lines. If you hold down the B button and flick the remote forward, you cast a line at the nearest building and start to swing. Releasing B will make Spidey release his web. You can choose to shoot another with the remote, or hold the Z button on the Nunchuk and flick it to send out a line from Spidey's other hand. Insane? Sort of. Do you look goofy? Yes, a little. Is it fun? Kinda. The mechanic is a little tough to get a handle on initially, especially if you want to go all pro and do the dual-hand webswinging, but it seems like it could be cool once you pick it up.
Following the controls tutorial, we had the chance to try a gang mission that showed off the massive city map and the crime system. Though all the console versions will feature gangs terrorizing the city, the Wii version of Manhattan will get one extra gang to disrupt things. Managing crime is important, as it affects how the city and its residents will evolve throughout the game. A well-protected city will thrive and look nice, while a sketchier one will be a lot more interesting (read: dangerous).
If you successfully complete missions and follow the various plotlines through the game, one of which features exclusive appearances from Shriek and Morbius from the comics, you'll earn hero points. You'll be able to spend the points in a submenu that is laid out like a spiderweb version of the Final Fantasy X sphere grid. The various points on the grid will let you power up Spidey's existing abilities, as well as earn new ones by spending hero points, letting you customize your wall crawler.
Spider-Man 3 Quick Links
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- GameSpot Score4.7poor
Check Prices: $13.75 – 20
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Spider-Man 3 Review
The Wii version of Spider-Man 3 is a depressing combination of ugly to look at and dull to play.
- May 7, 2007
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