Spider-Man has always been a beloved superhero, and his video games have been no exception. Over the years, we’ve seen numerous Spider-Man games hit the shelves, each offering its own unique take on the web-slinging hero. Today, I’ll be sharing my personal ranking of each game, from the worst to the best, and discussing why each game landed where it did.
14 – Spider-Man (2000)
Spider-Man (2000) is widely regarded as a compelling title for several reasons. It introduced innovative gameplay mechanics for its time, combining open-level exploration with engaging storytelling. The inclusion of iconic villains like Venom and Scorpion provided challenging encounters and added depth to the narrative. While the graphics may not hold up to today’s standards, they were impressive for their time and ultimately led to a sequel. This game may be dated, but it still deserves recognition.
13 – Spider-Man 2: Enter Electro (2001)
Spider-Man 2: Enter Electro served as a fantastic sequel to its predecessor. In this game, Spider-Man battles the electrically-powered villain Electro. While it may look similar to the previous game, it takes a step forward by allowing players to touch the ground in many city streets. Additionally, the inclusion of the X-Men’s Danger Room for training purposes adds a blocky but entertaining element. Overall, this game builds upon its predecessor and offers an enjoyable experience.
12 – Spider-Man (2002)
Spider-Man (2002) is based on the blockbuster movie featuring Tobey Maguire, and it feels more like a remake of the original Spider-Man game rather than a significant advancement. Players can relive key moments from the film, including a significant amount of sneaking and a battle against the Green Goblin. Unfortunately, the fighting mechanics are glitchy, and the sneaking often feels broken with no clear direction. While it may deviate slightly from the movie, this game still falls into the typical movie tie-in category.
11 – The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 faced numerous challenges. The main story campaign is just 10 hours long, the web-swinging mechanics are still lackluster, and the gameplay becomes repetitive. Players primarily go from point A to point B, fighting bad guys without much depth. While there are new gadgets and moves, the only improvement over the original Spider-Man game is its graphics. Without the graphical upgrade, this game would not stand out from its predecessor.
10 – The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
The Amazing Spider-Man is a divisive game that fails to live up to the standard set by the Tobey Maguire games. The removal of the beloved swinging mechanics from Spider-Man 2 was a significant disappointment for fans. Instead, the webs now stick to clouds, which received negative feedback. Additionally, featuring a Spider-Man that isn’t Tobey Maguire alienated some fans. Despite attempting to improve with side missions and multiplayer, this game falls into the category of a generic movie tie-in game.
9 – Spider-Man 3 (2007)
Spider-Man 3 had its moments but ultimately fell short. The combat mechanics changed from acrobatic and smooth to a more typical pattern of hard and soft hits. Small crimes were replaced by gang territory side missions, and the black suit did not live up to its potential. While it made Spider-Man stronger, the suit often felt like a cosmetic change rather than a significant gameplay element. Out of the good Spider-Man games, this one ranks as the weakest.
8 – Spider-Man: Edge of Time (2011)
Spider-Man: Edge of Time received positive reception but unfortunately didn’t see a sequel due to the demands of tie-in games for the Amazing Spider-Man movies. The game features two different Spider-Mans from different eras, working together to prevent a dystopian future. While the storyline is complex and interconnected, the gameplay doesn’t offer groundbreaking elements. Despite this, the game maintains Spider-Man’s beloved web-swinging mechanics. Ultimately, it falls short compared to the exceptional Web of Shadows.
7 – Spider-Man: Friend or Foe (2007)
During the era of movie tie-in games, Spider-Man: Friend or Foe served as a fresh and much-needed breath of air. The game features a brand-new story where players team up with Marvel heroes and villains for a light-hearted, action-packed adventure. With an alien threat as the central focus, players engage in a straightforward and engaging narrative. While not a standout game, it offers an enjoyable way to experience the Spider-Man universe outside of the movies.
6 – Spider-Man: Web of Shadows (2008)
Spider-Man: Web of Shadows, released in 2008, stands out as the game that revitalized Spider-Man games. In this game, Spider-Man tackles a city overrun by symbiotes, with the player taking on the role of the hero. What sets this game apart is the ability to switch between the classic red and blue suit and the black symbiote suit. Each suit offers a unique playstyle, and the choices players make throughout the game impact the story’s outcome. This game truly captures the essence of Spider-Man.
5 – Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions (2010)
Spider-Man games were not receiving much attention during the time of Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions, causing many players to overlook this title. The game revolves around a crisis involving mystical artifacts, leading to rifts in space-time and the merging of different Spider-Man realities. Players encounter iconic villains specific to each dimension and interact with various versions of Spider-Man. This game stands out due to its exploration of four different dimensions, each featuring a unique Spider-Man with their own abilities and gameplay styles.
4 – Ultimate Spider-Man (2005)
Ultimate Spider-Man, released in 2005, is highly regarded for its faithful adaptation of the Marvel Comics series. The game excels with its captivating storyline and striking comic book art style, fully immersing players in the world of Spider-Man. While it maintains the web-swinging mechanics from previous games, it offers a different feel that some players may find less controlled and more wild. Additionally, the ability to play as both Spider-Man and Venom, each with distinct abilities and gameplay styles, further enhances the experience.
3 – Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Spider-Man 2, released in 2004, laid the foundation for all subsequent Spider-Man games on major consoles. The game introduced an open-world design that allowed players to freely explore New York City and experience the thrill of web-swinging. Following the plot of the movie closely, players could fully immerse themselves in Peter Parker’s dual life as a superhero and an ordinary citizen. This game set the bar for future Spider-Man games and remains one of the best in the series.