Spider-Man 2: The Movie Game is by far the best super-hero game ever!
In the sequel to its predecessor, Spider-Man 2 gives the player the opportunity to actually live the life of a super-hero, with the abilities to interact with people and objects. The layout for the game is very similar to that of the Grand Theft Auto series, so you can do what you want, when you want, and how you want to -- an experience that Spider-Man: The Movie Game lacked. Being more open-ended, you have a choice of which assigned mission you would like to do first in special layouts called 'chapters'. Accomplishing each mission grants you Hero Points (the modern currency for all tight-wearing heroes), which you can use to buy special combos or locomotion upgrades. Accomplishing each mission makes you one step closer to entering the next chapter.
In this game, locomotion and combat tactics are completely advanced. Instead of sticking to the clouds, Spider-Man's web connects to any building that it is pointed to, allowing Spider-Man to swing and gain momentum for the next thread. You can swing the corner of a building to make a turn, or swing from a skyscraper to gain tremendous speed.
If you don't want to swing around, then you can do what was well-needed in the previous game: Sprinting. This makes you move far faster than a run and can help you reach a destination far faster than wall-crawling. Aside from wall-crawling, you can also sprint on the walls (called Wall-Sprinting) or Hyper Crawl (a far faster mode of wall-crawling). Instead of the annoying Zip-Line technique, you can charge up your jump for a Hyper Spring. This leap uses Spidey's strength to leap tremendous distances, allowing you to leap from building to building.
Combat has changed with new combos and dodging enhancements. New combos can sometimes be accomplished by executing a four-button combo or by executing a three-button combo and rapidly pressing an extra button. The Spider-Sense is now triggered whenever Spidey is about to be attacked, and precise timing will allow Spidey to dodge the attack with ease and execute a counter-attack. If you are having trouble, Spidey can also enter into Spider-Reflexes Mode -- a special combat mode that allows Spidey to move far faster than his enemies for a limited time. This mode can change the way Spidey attacks and can sometimes allow Spidey to execute special combos. Fortunately, you have unlimited -- yet harmless -- webbing that can give you an advantage over well-armed foes or over a group of enemies.
Classic characters have entered into the game and some are making a come-back. The mighty Rhino robs a bank; the previously captured Shocker escapes; the master of illusion Mysterio causes havoc by causing an apparent alien take-over; and Doc Ock threatens the lives of your friends and family.
Also, the well-known Black Cat makes her premiere in this game as an ally for some of your many missions, especially those involving the Shocker. As usual, the game will eventually go along with the movie, but the game still possesses its open-ended layout.
In fact, combating these foes is also completely different. Instead of blindly pummeling the foe in the previous game, Spidey's villains have many tricks up their sleeves that may turn the tide on Spidey. Some will unfortunately get away, but you will be prepared for them next time.
This game actually possesses more of the legendary Spider-Man comedy than its predecessor. Many of them are wisecracks against his enemies, while others are self-criticizing. Either way, you may just belly-laugh at most of his funny moments.
Overall: well-built game-play; tremendous amount of opportunities to 'do whatever a spider can'; includes classic Spidey villains and allies; terrific graphics and special effects; excels in providing both direct and tactical combat; and amazing movies.
Rating: 10 out of 10. Highly recommended.
