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Spider-Man Shattered Dimensions
Xbox 360, PS3, Wii
Spider-Man, as so many other comic
characters had has his fare share of hits and misses. When developers
introduced free roaming, it was a spectacular addition. When developers
went ahead and introduced a story line not based on a movie and more
like one of our webbed wonders comics, it was amazing. Keeping with the
original story line and bringing it up several notches developers Beenox
brings one of Spider-Man’s best adventures yet to the gaming world.
Spider-Man Shattered Dimensions brings to light no less than four
different heroes all on the same theme, Spider-Man. Each of these
Spider-Men live in unique worlds and Beenox gives each one a different
look and feel, to capture the uniqueness of each characters world.
With a story line that seems like it is right out of our heroes’ comic
book adventure, it is a story with some impact that should keep any fan
playing just to see what happens next.
The webbed wonder has some of his old tricks here, web swinging, spider
sense dodging, and spectacular combos, but we do get to have something
fresh thrown at us. It’s good old-fashioned first person butt kicking at
its best. Yes, friends you heard it. First person beat up the bad guy
action. Let me tell you, there is nothing more satisfying than clocking
Kraven in the kisser just to shut him up in the middle of one of his
ranting monologues.
Web swinging was no problem for me, though some of the wall crawling
seemed a bit twitchy, I did get the hang of it. As with any game there
can be a danger of repetitiveness and that of course does happen, but
not so much that you get bored with the action or activities of being
Spider-Man
Most of the free roaming gone, not to fear true believers; there is
enough web-swinging taking placed even in this linier gaming world. The
linier game play in no way hinders this spectacular adventure. The story
is of the standard comic book fare. Just suspend your disbelief and
enjoy. Imagine a world where there are heroes and villains and almost
anything is possible.
Each dimension has its own unique look and feel as I noted. From a dark
world of shadows and light, we get the Spider-Man Noir, which I am
thrilled to see the developers make use of. An alternate world set in
the 1930’s. We are also able to play in the world of Spider-Man 2099 a
future world run by mega corporations. Then of course, the world of
Amazing Spider-Man with its bright cel shaded art. We also get to play
as black suited Spider-Man again.
What is great about the game and the story line especially is that there
are awesome villains and none of them seem like a throw away add on to
the game. The levels leading up to boss battles are well designed,
giving Spider-Man the chance to use his unique abilities. Story line
writer Dan Slott really brings a story that is perhaps one of the best
in any Spider-Man game yet.
The whole adventure starts with Spider-Man stopping our first villain,
Mysterio from stealing an object called The Tablet of Order and Chaos.
In the battle, the tablet is shattered and the pieces fly in all
directions, including shattering through to other dimensions. These
tablet pieces gives any one who posses it, incredible powers. With the
very fabric of several dimensions, hanging in the balance. Our heroes
must find the pieces and save several worlds.
Voice acting here is spot on spectacular. All characters come off
believable and sound like they are living in the moment. This voice cast
has the likes of, Neil Patrick Harris (Amazing Spider-Man), Josh Keaton
(Ultimate Spider-Man), Christopher Daniel Barnes (Noir Spider-Man) and
Dan Gilvezan (Spider-Man 2099). From the grittiness of Noir Spider-Man
to the snappy patter and verbal fencing of the Amazing Spider-Man world,
the gaming industry should have awards for voice acting…if they do
already these guys should be nominated right away.
If that was not enough, there are enough upgrades and enhancements keep
things fresh. Some upgrades will only effect one or two characters and
the screen shows a picture of who they effect. Others affect all of the
Spider-Man characters across the dimensions. Overall, many things are
not just tied to combat in the game. There are different sequences,
items to find, all of which allow the player to unlock bonus items like
alternate spidey suits, character bios, and conceptual game art. During
game play as you find items called spider essence, you get points in
order to upgrade and purchase new moves. Alternatively, complete
different challenges, or defeat enemies to gain essence.
Have fun, play games
Edwin Millheim |
