Sunday, October 9, 2005

Review- Ultimate Spider-Man

(Xbox, PS2, Gamecube; $49.99; Rated E10+; activision.com)

(four stars)

Developer Treyarch knows how to make a Spider-Man game. Afterall, they’ve developed “Spider-Man: the Movie,” and the mold-breaking “Spider-Man 2.” “Ultimate Spider-Man” follows the comic storyline of the same name- taking Peter Parker back to high school and gives him all the problems that teens face today.

The storyline picks up after the introduction of arch-nemesis Venom, and follows parallel storylines- allowing players to fill the tights of both Spidey and Venom. Multiple classic Spider-Man villains make appearances in their updated “Ultimate” character design- Rhino, Green Goblin, and Electro all pay a visit. And even Wolverine and the Human Torch make a cameo or two.

The open environment seen in “Spider-Man 2” is continued in “Ultimate,” leaving hours of time-wasting by web-slinging wherever the player feels and picking up side-missions. The story, penned by “Ultimate” author Brian Michael Bendis, is brought to life by the fantastic execution of animated panels that make the game feel like a living comic book.

Because they’re both so similar, if you’re wondering whether “Hulk: Ultimate Destruction” or “Ultimate Spider-Man” is a better purchase, simply go with your favorite hero. Both are solidly quality games and players can’t go wrong either way.

Or better yet, pick one up now and wait for the other to drop to $20 in a few months.

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