To this day, it's hard to believe that no AAA developer put their best foot forward for a Spider-Man game before Insomniac Studios. Even with the superhero fatigue that people are experiencing right now, Spider-Man is a timeless hero who would always be a blast to control in any video game.
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Kids jump at the chance to check out any game featuring this lovable webhead, which is why there are so many Spider-Man games that tickle the nostalgia bones of adults. Even games that admittedly have their fair share of problems are beloved by the masses, illustrating the sheer drawing power of everyone's favorite superhero.
Spider-Man
One Of The Most Nostalgic Spider-Man Games Ever Made
Spider-Man
- Released
- September 1, 2000
- ESRB
- E // Animated Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure
Before freeform swinging in an open-world environment became the norm for a Spider-Man game, 2000's Spider-Man became an easy go-to game for many kids. Swinging and combat were simple, but one thing this game nailed was paying homage to Spider-Man's rich comic book history.
Players could find legendary magazine issues scattered across each level, fight some of Spidey's most iconic villains, and save the day as this beloved hero. Even now, there's something inherently satisfying about playing this game.
Spider-Man 2
Treyarch Blew Everyone's Mind With This Title's Ahead-of-Its-Time Web-Swinging
Spider-Man 2
- Released
- June 28, 2004
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure, Open-World
Treyarch getting its hands on the Spider-Man IP was the best thing that could have happened for the franchise. The first movie adaptation was pretty average, but the same couldn't be said for the sequel, which was released on consoles.
The amazing web-swinging gameplay of Spider-Man 2 was revolutionary back in the day, to the point where swinging around New York City was a major highlight of this title. The fact that the Pizza Delivery soundtrack has become legendary in the realm of memes speaks volumes about the cultural impact this game had.
Ultimate Spider-Man
An Underrated Game Perfect For Spider-Man 2 Fans
Ultimate Spider-Man
- Released
- September 22, 2005
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T // Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure
Freed from the shackles of the movies, Treyarch developed a Spider-Man game that followed the comics in this webslinger's Ultimate run. This made Ultimate Spider-Man an amazing game that fans loved from the very moment they got their hands on it.
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The fact that players could also control Venom in this title was a much-welcome bonus. All of this combined to make Ultimate Spider-Man a great title that adults still remember fondly to this day, and more Spider-Man fans need to check out this fun cel-shaded superhero game.
Spider-Man 3
Despite The Formula Getting Stale, This Game Is Still Great, And The QTEs Are Legendary
Spider-Man 3
- Released
- May 4, 2007
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T // Alcohol Reference, Animated Blood, Mild Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Platformer, Fighting
Spider-Man 3 didn't do too much to evolve the formula established by Treyarch in previous titles, but that doesn't mean this game isn't fun to play. Boost swinging and eliminating foes from the movie, along with some original comic villains along the way, felt great.
By far, the most iconic part of Spider-Man 3 is the hilarious QTEs that look downright ridiculous when players miss a button prompt. Seeing Spider-Man faceplant after a heroic entry as a civilian sports the most bug-eyed look possible single-handedly turned this title into a beloved nostalgic romp that has more things going for it, other than its goofy cutscenes.
Spider-Man: Friend Or Foe
A Fun Beat-em-Up That Fans Had A Great Time With
Spider-Man: Friend Or Foe
- Released
- October 2, 2007
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E 10+ // Cartoon Violence
- Genre(s)
- Platformer, Adventure, Beat-Em-Up
Moving away from the freeform web-swinging of past Spider-Man games didn't seem appealing at the time, but fans soon realized that Spider-Man: Friend or Foe had more to offer with its linear structure. Teaming up with heroes and villains alike across several well-crafted levels felt great.
The fan service in this title is incredible and ensures that players will love forming unlikely teams to tackle levels. The story is also pretty riveting and makes this beat-em-up platformer far more riveting than it has any right to be.
Spider-Man: Web Of Shadows
Switching Between The Red And Black Suit In This Epic Story Felt Great
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 may have its issues, but there's no denying that this was the best open-world Spider-Man game players could get their hands on before Insomniac took the wheel. The swinging felt great, switching between Spider-Man's suits was natural, and the way New York changed as the Symbiotes took over was so brilliant that even Marvel's Spider-Man 2 struggled to show this transformation.
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Sure, the character models and story can be rather goofy, but everything else in Web of Shadows more than makes up for it. Even now, players can jump into this title and enjoy an excellent web-slinging adventure where they can either remain a hero or succumb to the influence of the Black Suit.
Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions
Explored The Multiverse Before It Was Cool
Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions
- Released
- September 7, 2010
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- t
- Genre(s)
- Action
Miles Morales may have turned the Spider-Man Multiverse into the coolest thing around, but there's actually a game that attempted this crossover before. Shattered Dimensions features four different Spider-Men with unique gameplay that makes their levels a joy to play through.
Amazing Spider-Man, Spider-Man Noir, Spider-Man 2099, and Ultimate Spider-Man all play differently and are equally great to control. Despite some minor issues, Shattered Dimensions is easily one of the better Spider-Man games around that fans can still enjoy.
Spider-Man: Edge Of Time
A Fun Beat-em-Up That Has Its Issues, But Was Still Beloved By Many
Spider-Man: Edge of Time
- Released
- October 4, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure
Edge of Time is a sequel to Shattered Dimensions that may not be as epic, but fans still remember having a great time with this title. Both Amazing Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2099 are fun to control as players beat down foes and prevent Peter Parker's death from coming to pass.
There's no denying that Edge of Time has its issues, with uninspired environments and repetitive combat being two of its biggest faults. However, Spider-Man fans will still get a kick out of playing this title as long as they can overlook some of its faults.
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