Spider-Man is one of the greatest and most popular superheroes of all time. It's one of the few heroes who appeals to kids, teenagers, and adults alike, ensuring that his position in the realm of pop culture will be cemented for decades, if not centuries.
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This webslinger loves to crack quips and beat down foes, something that the vast majority of video games featuring this character nail. It's a testament to the sheer amount of love poured into these Spider-Man video games that they do justice to the webcrawler's history, leading to some clever fan service that fans are bound to appreciate.
Marvel's Spider-Man
Insomniac's First Attempt At A Spider-Man Game Was A Roaring Success Full Of Fanservice
Marvel's Spider-Man
- Released
- September 7, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Blood, Drug Reference, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action, Adventure, Open-World
Fans were salivating at the prospect of checking out a proper big-budget AAA Spider-Man game, and Insomniac Games didn't disappoint. From the very introduction that is loaded with nods to the character's rich past, Marvel's Spider-Man wowed the masses with how smooth and satisfying it feels to play.
The landmarks Peter is encouraged to take photos of are references to either his past or Marvel's history, with players being able to see everything from the Avengers Tower to Doctor Strange's Sanctum Sanctorum. These are just a few of the many ways that Spider-Man fans will love and appreciate what this title brings to the table.
Spider-Man
Finding Classic Comics And Dealing With Iconic Spider-Man Foes Is A Lot Of Fun
Spider-Man
- Released
- September 1, 2000
- ESRB
- E // Animated Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure
2000's Spider-Man is one of the best video games that fans still love to play. The nostalgia of playing this game is unmatched, and it helps that the game references Spidey's past in clever ways.
The most obvious mention is the many classic comic books players can find across each stage. Along with this, the suits that players can unlock are all extremely cool, with each outfit having a story behind it that fans are more than aware of.
Spider-Man: Friend Or Foe
A Litany Of Classic Spider-Man Allies And Villains Accompany The Webcrawler In This Adventure
Spider-Man: Friend Or Foe
- Released
- October 2, 2007
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E 10+ // Cartoon Violence
- Genre(s)
- Platformer, Adventure, Beat-Em-Up
The idea of teaming up with Spider-Man's allies is something fans expect in most ambitious superhero games featuring this webcrawler, but it's especially novel if these titles also feature unlikely alliances between Spidey and his villains.
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This is precisely what makes Spider-Man: Friend or Foe such a tantalizing game to play. Sure, it may lack the freedom fans expect from a hero that swings around, but the beat-'em-up combat and clever nods to Spider-Man's past make it far more engaging than it has any right to be.
Spider-Man: Web Of Shadows
Numerous Marvel Characters Make An Appearance In This Rip-Roaring Adventure
Spider-Man: Web of Shadows
- Released
- October 21, 2008
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Animated Blood, Drug Reference, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Violence (PC, PS3, Wii, and Xbox 360) E10+ For Everyone 10+ // Animated Blood, Cartoon Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes (PS2, PSP, DS)
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure, Beat 'Em Up
Web of Shadows was arguably the best Spider-Man game fans could enjoy before Insomniac Studios stepped into the picture. Switching between the Red and Black Suits in a story revolving around a symbiote takeover made Web of Shadows a ton of fun to play.
It helped that Spider-Man could ally with various heroes or villains based on his actions, which served as fun nods to his past. The cherry on top is when the Symbiotes take over Spider-Man's allies and villains, making for some cool boss fights against classic characters with a dark twist that really hammers in just how much of a joy this game is to play for comic book fans.
Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Miles Can Explore New York And Find Several Nods To The Franchise
Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales
- Released
- November 12, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
Miles' introduction in Insomniac's franchise was done decently well, and they made the right decision of letting players control this hero in a standalone adventure that served as an accessory to the main series. Miles' adventures are a joy to experience as he comes into his own as a Spider-Man after Peter leaves to help MJ with one of her projects.
Swinging around New York in the winter feels great in Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales, and interacting with more characters in Spider-Man's lore feels great. It may not be as loaded with fan service as the main series, but that's to be expected from what is technically a glorified expansion pack.
Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions
The Spider-Man Multiverse Is Full Of Engrossing Fan Service
Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions
- Released
- September 7, 2010
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- t
- Genre(s)
- Action
Before Sony's Spider-Verse made multi-dimensional Spider-Man stories mainstream, fans were wowed by the ambitious storytelling of Shattered Dimensions. This game's existence alone was enough fan service to feed generations, especially given how each version of Spider-Man could interact with a unique gameplay loop.
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The humor is constant, the plot is engaging, and the visuals look great. Players who want to feel like they're flipping through the pages of a playable comic book will love Shattered Dimensions and the respect it has for the Spectacular (and Ultimate) Spider-Man.
Ultimate Spider-Man
Adapting An Iconic Comic Book Storyline And Letting Players Control Venom Is A Ton Of Fun
Ultimate Spider-Man
- Released
- September 22, 2005
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T // Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure
Any game that lets players control Venom qualifies as peak fan service for many Spidey fans, which is why Treyarch's Ultimate Spider-Man is such a joy to play through. Without being shackled by the need to follow the movie's plot, this game managed to stand on its own two feet while telling a compelling story.
Controlling both Spider-Man and Venom feels great in a fun storyline that is set in the Ultimate Marvel universe. Fans familiar with these GOATed comic books will find it a no-brainer to check out one of the best Spider-Man games of all time, boasting visuals that have aged gracefully, thanks to their cel-shaded nature.
Marvel's Spider-Man 2
Makes Things Bigger And Bolder Than Its Predecessor, Including On The Fanservice Front
Marvel's Spider-Man 2
- Released
- October 20, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Blood, Drug Reference, Mild Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Action-Adventure, Superhero
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is a great sequel that expands on almost everything from the first game, with the symbiote storyline ensuring that fans can use the Dark Suit once again after getting a taste for it in games like Spider-Man 3 and Web of Shadows. If this wasn't enough fan service, then players can switch between Peter and Miles at will, with the symbiote invasion leading to some engaging moments.
A major highlight is when Mary Jane is taken over by the symbiote and becomes Scream, a unique symbiote that leads to one of the most memorable boss fights in the series. This, coupled with the many nods to Spider-Man and Marvel throughout the games, makes it clear why Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is perfect for people who want peak fan service.
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There are multiple suits for Peter Parker and Miles Morales to wear in Marvel's Spider-Man 2, but which of them ranks as the best?