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The Definitive Ranking of the Best Spider-Man Video Games of All Time
December 10, 2023Spider-Man – the superhero so iconic even arachnophobes can’t resist his charm. Since 1982, our friendly neighbourhood wallcrawler has been swinging into our gaming consoles, leaving a web-shaped dent in our hearts. From pixelated struggles on the Atari 2600 to the high-def acrobatics on the latest consoles, Spider-Man’s gaming journey has been as wild as a symbiote-infested New York City. So, let’s dive into the web of nostalgia and rank the best Spider-Man video games that made J. Jonah Jameson’s moustache twitch with excitement.
Table of Contents
The Best Spider-Man Video Games of All Time
11. The Amazing Spider-Man 2: A Mixed Bag
First up is “The Amazing Spider-Man 2,” a game that, despite its flaws, manages to bring some interesting ideas to the table. Critics might say it has an uninspired level design and combat more repetitive than a Monday morning meeting, but its redeeming qualities include improved web-swinging and a morality system. It’s a commendable effort from Beenox, even if it feels like they were under tighter deadlines than a newsroom during a breaking story.
10. Spider-Man: The Video Game: A Classic Arcade Throwback
Next up, we have “Spider-Man: The Video Game,” the arcade experience that’s older than some of your dad jokes. This game is a nostalgia trip, a bit like finding your high school yearbook and realizing you had hair back then. Across 16 stages, you battle Spidey’s greatest villains, and it’s like a family reunion for the rogues’ gallery. Up to four players can join in, making it a bit like a video game version of musical chairs, but with superheroes. It’s a classic, offering a timeless experience that predates the era of complicated control schemes and day-one patches.
9. Spider-Man: Web of Shadows: Dark and Edgy
Ah, “Spider-Man: Web of Shadows,” the game that embraced the emo phase like it was going out of style – oh wait, it did. With New York drowning in symbiotes (totally relatable, right?), Spider-Man had to call on friends and foes to help before things got messier than a spaghetti dinner without napkins. It introduces tough choices, dynamic world events, and new web-striking gameplay mechanics. While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it’s a fascinating deviation from the norm.
8. Spider-Man (1991): Neversoft’s 3D Debut
Spider-Man (1991)” by Neversoft is a glimpse into the past when 3D gaming was still finding its footing. A convincing adaptation of the comic book, it’s like reliving your favourite Saturday morning cartoons. Sure, it’s primitive by today’s standards, but so is your aunt’s taste in interior design, and you still love her. Neversoft wall-crawled so that others could web-sling, and for that, we salute them. Think of it like the awkward teenage years – a bit clumsy, but it laid the groundwork for cooler things to come.
7. Spider-Man (2002): A Cinematic Retelling
Spider-Man (2002)” – the official tie-in to Sam Raimi’s cinematic masterpiece. It looked like a million bucks at the time, and Toby Maguire’s Spidey still deserves another Oscar for his performance. With stunning visuals, smooth combat, and bonus content that keeps the adventure going, it’s a high-quality retelling of the film. The game has longevity like a well-preserved wine cellar – you can swap Spider-Maguire’s film threads and experience the game with a different narrative. It’s like a director’s cut but for gamers.
6. Ultimate Spider-Man – Comic Book Pages Come to Life
“Ultimate Spider-Man” is like Spider-Man getting a makeover – a cel-shaded, animated makeover. It’s the comic book come to life, with dynamic action and a rip-roaring adventure across New York. Treyarch did a fantastic job focusing on a younger Peter Parker during his formative years. It’s like a coming-of-age story but with more web-slinging and less awkward teenage angst. Playing as Venom is a destructive delight, and the game’s fresh take on age-old concepts makes it feel like discovering your favourite comic all over again.
5. Spider-Man 2 – The Gold Standard
“Spider-Man 2” – the gold standard that all movie tie-in games aspire to be. It might be as primitive as a flip phone, but this game laid out the blueprint for what a Spider-Man game could be. The web-swinging mechanics inspired future titles, the open-world structure was groundbreaking, and every boss battle was a treat. It’s like the first time you rode a bike – a bit wobbly, but you felt like a superhero.
4. Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions – Spidey Went Multiversal
I’m pretty sure y’all are waiting for this, oh yes you are! “Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions” – the game that said, “Why have one Spider-Man when you can have four?” It’s like a multiversal buffet, with each Spider-Man having their own unique flavour. The game paved the way for the Spider-Verse, and let’s be honest, we all need a bit more Spider in our lives. It’s like a Spider-Man family reunion – diverse, a bit chaotic, but full of love.
3. Marvel’s Spider-Man (2018) – A Fresh Take on a Classic
“Marvel’s Spider-Man (2018)” is a fresh start for the web-slinger – a reboot that got everyone excited. The game reimagines the hero as a seasoned crimefighter facing new challenges. It’s like Spider-Man entering his mid-life crisis – grappling with power, responsibility, and the consequences of forgetting to take out the trash. The combat is an exhilarating blend of punches, webs, and gadgets, capturing the essence of the character.
2. Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales – The Small Hero with a Big Punch
Insomniac’s DLC-like Spider-Man game, “Miles Morales,” might be smaller, but it packs a punch. It’s like the espresso shot in your gaming latte – intense, energizing, and leaving you wanting more (Exactly how I felt playing this game, for real) – which is why I ranked it higher. Cementing Harlem’s hero as a worthy successor, the game adds an electrifying array of powers that shake up the combat like a soda bottle after too much shaking. It’s smaller but just as impressive as its predecessor – like the sequel that’s better than the original.
1. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 – Double Trouble: Because One Spider-Man Isn’t Enough
And of course, topping our list is “Marvel’s Spider-Man 2” – because when one Spider-Man isn’t enough, you throw in another. It’s like a buddy cop movie but with webs instead of guns. The sequel doubles down on the gameplay formula, enhanced systems, and a story that’ll tug at your heartstrings like a toddler with a puppy. With great PS5 power comes great responsibility, and Insomniac uses that power to deliver a technically superb and emotionally hard-hitting sequel. It confidently swings into action, making your spider senses tingle with excitement.
In a world where J. Jonah Jameson’s blood pressure soars with each swing, these games have left an indelible mark on the legacy of Spider-Man in the gaming universe. We can hardly wait to see what new Spider-Man titles are coming, and these rankings show just how popular the web-slinger is in gaming.
While games are fun, it’s highly important to note that there’s more to life than sitting countless hours playing video games – there’s a purpose and more to life; seek out that purpose more often!
