Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions : Review : Games Channel : Web Wombat

Spider-Man : Shattered Dimensions blends together four dramatically different universes from the Marvel Comics multiverse, allowing players to play as four different "Spider-Men".

The game's main focus revolves around an artifact known as the "Tablet of Order and Chaos". The artifact is shattered into pieces during a battle between Spider-Man and Mysterio, causing problems with multiple Marvel Universe realities.

Madame Web calls on four versions of Spider-Man from four different realities to assist her in bringing the realities back into balance.

There is the classic pen-and-ink-styled Amazing Spider-Man, Spider-Man Noir (a 1930s version of Spider-Man), Spider-Man 2099 and Ultimate Spider-Man the younger Spider-Man of an alternate present who is currently bonded to the Venom symbiote.

Each Spider-Man has a unique ability and a different visual style.

While the story isn't the greatest going around there was still plenty of good things that kept me entertained.

Each level has 15 challenges and those challenges unlock upgrades to your character and a s*#t load of bonus costumes.

The challenges are well constructed and don't force you to stray to far from the main game. These challenges also serve as a subtle distraction from the repetitive nature of this game.

This time around creators have scrapped the open world sand-box style of play (Spider-Man 2 and Ultimate Spider-Man) and opted for linear levels that limits player freedom and exploring, this isn't a bad thing because the levels are well-crafted and work well.

Although this does pose a problem on levels that take place indoors - meaning that there are times that the camera will adopt a mind of its own, leading to some frustrating moments where you will try to be stealth and get the jump on an enemy only to find that the camera won't focus where you want it to.

Although there is a lot of fast-paced action that more than makes up for the camera problems. There isn't anything new in terms of game play here, but, it is still fun and executed well.

Spider-Man kicks, punches, and webslings his way through wave after wave of enemies, and having the four alternate Spidey's breaks things up well thanks to each version introducing their own style of game play.

Amazing Spider-Man is set in the classic Spidey world, he uses a combination of melee and web-attacks, such as web hammers designed to combine webbing with the environment, mixing up-close and long range combat.

The Noir Spider-Man isn't as strong and relies heavily on stealth and timing to silently take down his enemies. Sticking to the shadows is his game. Noir Spidey's world is dark and sober.

Ultimate Spider-Man wears the Venom suit and can enter rage mode to unleash his might on enemies. He can also generate symbiotic spikes and tendrils which act like extensions of his own body.

And last, but not least, Spider-Man 2099. This Spidey uses acrobatics and his suit's advanced abilities in combat. I really liked his Accelerated Vision ability that slows time, this allows him to dodge missiles and bash enemies with greater ease – it's pretty sweet!

In all Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions features some excellent art design, top-notch voice acting, and plenty of cool unlockable content. Colorful, unique levels and epic boss encounters really make the gameplay both engaging and memorable.

My only negatives would be the annoying camera angles and the repetitive nature of the game play. However, in overlooking these two minor indiscretions Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions is a big step in the right direction.

A must for fans and well worth a look for casual gamers!

Game: Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions
System: Xbox 360
Developer: Beenox
Distributor: Activision

Rating: 85%

(Ratings Key/Explanation)

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