Games Database
GBA
Adventure
| Also for: | PC, PS2, Xbox, GameCube | ||
| Viewed: | 3D Third-person, floating camera | Genre: | Adventure Platform Beat 'Em Up |
| Arcade origin: | No | ||
| Developer: | Treyarch | Soft. Co.: | Activision |
| Publishers: | Activision
(GB) |
Released: | 7 Jun 2002
(GB) |
| Ratings: | 11+ | ||
| No Accessories: | No Accessories | ||
Video
Summary
Of the five versions produced, Spider-man’s Game Boy Advance incarnation is Activision’s only 2D attempt at recreating Marvel’s legendary human-spider hybrid. But that’s not to say it’s the least competent and here’s why...
As with all Spider-man games, the GBA version’s plot follows that of the original Marvel comic book in that, bitten by a genetically modified spider, high school student Peter Parker is suddenly empowered with super-human abilities, including Spider-Sense, web-slinging and a penchant for crawling up walls. In the game, players assume the role of the hero himself as he campaigns to thwart the plans of the evil criminal mastermind the Green Goblin and his myriad cohorts.
In all its 16-bit glory, chunky graphics and pixelated reproductions of the big-screen equivalent, Spider-man on GBA does offer a memorable playing experience. Many will opt for a smoother, sleeker, 3D representation over old school visuals on first glance, but Spider-man’s appeal as a mobile game is enticing, and some will even prefer its retro playing style.
A side-on scrolling affair, players are presented with two distinct playing areas. The free-roaming environments allow Spider-man to explore and uncover every section of a level at will and even retrace his footsteps in search of missing treasures or previously inaccessible goodies.
Other levels are more traditional, more linear. Following a set path, you must simply defeat the hoards of minions that block your path with a quick blob of arachnid goodness or a more familiar kick or punch.
Each level is populated with a set number of virtual collectibles, such as spider coins and health packs, and you will be scored on your collecting achievements at the end of each level. If you manage to fulfil certain criteria you will be rewarded with armour power ups, strength power ups and many other desirable bonuses.
Spider-man for GBA offers a traditional playing experience that, while dated, is especially appealing thanks to the accompanying mobile hardware. Great if you’re out and about.
As with all Spider-man games, the GBA version’s plot follows that of the original Marvel comic book in that, bitten by a genetically modified spider, high school student Peter Parker is suddenly empowered with super-human abilities, including Spider-Sense, web-slinging and a penchant for crawling up walls. In the game, players assume the role of the hero himself as he campaigns to thwart the plans of the evil criminal mastermind the Green Goblin and his myriad cohorts.
In all its 16-bit glory, chunky graphics and pixelated reproductions of the big-screen equivalent, Spider-man on GBA does offer a memorable playing experience. Many will opt for a smoother, sleeker, 3D representation over old school visuals on first glance, but Spider-man’s appeal as a mobile game is enticing, and some will even prefer its retro playing style.
A side-on scrolling affair, players are presented with two distinct playing areas. The free-roaming environments allow Spider-man to explore and uncover every section of a level at will and even retrace his footsteps in search of missing treasures or previously inaccessible goodies.
Other levels are more traditional, more linear. Following a set path, you must simply defeat the hoards of minions that block your path with a quick blob of arachnid goodness or a more familiar kick or punch.
Each level is populated with a set number of virtual collectibles, such as spider coins and health packs, and you will be scored on your collecting achievements at the end of each level. If you manage to fulfil certain criteria you will be rewarded with armour power ups, strength power ups and many other desirable bonuses.
Spider-man for GBA offers a traditional playing experience that, while dated, is especially appealing thanks to the accompanying mobile hardware. Great if you’re out and about.
