fantasy

There are rare occasions where a game closely follows the film and expands. With 'Enter the Matrix' we went behind the films which was cool, but nevertheless, there were scenes and characters we died to try. In the original 'Spider-man' game, we were close as well, with missions much like the film, but they almost went astray...they also teased you. Opening up an entire city for you, just to wander in certain areas... Why? Why? Why?

The answer is, 'Spider-man 2.'

This game is easily one of the better games to have come out this year, the past few years, for a film, and for awhile. I love it. You can go anywhere, do anything, and still feel like it's a Spider-man game. Honestly, I'm disappointed in the reviews here on Amazon.com because frankly, this game is exceptional.

The graphics aren't top notch, but they're still amazing. I mean, the transitions for day and night are flawless and the building outlines are a modern comic...it's nice. The physics and movement so hit the nail on the head, you just become so addicted. The ads say, 'TAKE NEW YORK FOR A SPIN.' Let's just say I wouldn't sue them for false advertising. New York is easily seen and the graphics are prime to bring this to life. I must admit some characters could have been better, but the CGI cut scenes are some of the best work, to date.

Controls. You feel them very fast. A reent review compared the swinging system for beginners, to the way Peter Parker first learned his moves...they're not far off. You start off and you really are amazed at what you can do and how you can pull it off. The swinging system is so profound, original, and realistic...it's almost worth the game. The physics system really propels you as well, making you go faster, climbs walls with ease, and even run up them! Needless to say, there's nothing to complain about here, and if you do...try Easy Swinging.

Story and Characters are all there. I hate Mysterio, always have. The levels he's in are indeed lame and annoying, but once past they're fine. The levels with Shocker and Black Cat are so much fun and you really capture the spirit and free will of Spiderman. Not to mention, Black Cat is very well acted with a great story and dialogue written in that fits well with the film's story. MJ is fine, although a bit under the weather as far as graphics at times. Doc Ock is a blast, although there should have been more levels and a bit more challenging if you ask me. Either way, everything is great and the storyline is woven perfectly.

The game takes you anywhere, from Greenwich to Gramercy, they even have a WTC memorial at night in the Financial District. Along with notable places like NY Public Library or Statue of Liberty, there are film locales too such as Oscorp, Osborne Mansion, Parker's apartment, MJ's, etc. Even the campus! From delivering pizzas to making MJ's play, you really do feel the stressful life of Spider-man as random crimes or people call to your help. The game is overwhelming and I found this far more interesting than the repetitive Grand Theft Auto series, only because, when in GTA can you swing to high buildings or traverse NYC on a train or car?

Either way, this is a great game and will leave you challenged and having fun for hours, days, and nights. I recommend it, not only to Spider-man fans, but to anyone that wants a good game.

Spider-Man 2 has to be the best super hero video game to date. When I first read about the previews in Gamepro I told myself I'm going to have to get this. I don't buy many games when they first come out because of the $49.99 price. Most of the time I wait untill there released in The Greatest Hits line up for $19.99 because it really hurts the wallet. The one thing that really interested me the most about buying the game is the depth of it. You can explore the city, stop street crime, deliver pizza, save people, test your spider skills, and go on missions when your ready. For me the game feels like more of a bunch of comic book storylines then a movie. Which is very cool. Each chapter in the game seems like another issue of a Spider-Man comic. Plus there's quite a bit of charcters in the game. A bunch that are not in the movie. One of the best so far is fish bowel head himself, Mysterio. The game has a good storylime behind him. Plus you run into Rhino, Shocker, and of course the big villian for the movie Doc Ock. And you have some encounters with The Black Cat as Spidey tries to figure out if she's friend or foe. I haven't come close to beating the game yet. I'm around 20% completed. But it's alot of fun and annoying at times. I'm still learning on the fighting combos but have the web swinging almost under control. If you want a good super-hero game this one's worth checking out.

I didn't like this game at ALL. I rented it just now, and it sucks!! It's to short. So don't waste your money on it!!