There are three huge factors that separate Ultimate Spider-Man right off the top. Firstly is a revolutionary new graphics technique known as 3D Comic Inkling Technology. Secondly, you’re no longer Peter Parker the adult who works as a photographer for the Daily Bugle but Peter Parker, a high school student who is a web-designer for the Bugle. Thirdly, Spider-Man isn’t the only character you’ll be playing as. Now you get to play as one of the most nefarious villains of the Spider-Man universe, Venom.
Meet your new main character
Similar to cel-shading, the as 3D Comic Inkling Technology gives the same cartoony feel but manages to specifically retain a comic book feel. The game will probably be as close as you’ll ever get to playing a comic. If the vibrant colours, vivid details and expansive areas aren’t enough, the in-game cut-scences have been boxed to look like a comic (not unlike the Hulk movie from 2003). The effect looks much better what applied with actual comic art and it comes complete with accompanying worded sound effects and a definitive style. The evocative effect isn’t confined to cut-scenes, as with the more colourful and vibrant graphics make for much more pleasant viewing that the comparatively dull 3D graphics from the previous games.
The game has been treated to an entirely original story that picks up directly where the comic books finished. It seems that this has given the developers a lot of freedom to play with the Spider-Man and even Marvel universe with a myriad of characters taking roles and making cameos as well as a healthy dose of humour and innuendo. During our session, we encountered Johnny Storm (Fantastic Four) and Wolverine (X-men).
Venom is full of power
We were given the opportunity to fly through the tutorials, a few levels and a couple of bosses with both Spidey and Venom. Spidey looked to control very similarly to his previous selves though it seems that the developers have really nailed the web-slinging controls on the head for this game. Getting around the place is virtually seamless, in an almost acrobatic sense. On the other hand, Vemon felt more like a brute. The controls were similar, though instead of web-slinging, Venom has an incredibly high jump. We got great kicks out of just leaping up and coming back down making huge potholes and crushing cars. Still, it felt rough and even a bit sluggish at times.
The fighting system has been slightly upgraded. While it feels a little loose, overall the combat seemed functional enough to get you through the game. Spidey is again endowed with much more fluid movements attacks, with attacks spread between a punch, kick and a grab, as well as a few combos on the way. Venom however, is much more powerful. He has his attacks spread through grapples and tentacle swipes and can be quite the wrecking ball against ordinary enemies. Venom also has the need to absorb energy, as his health bar constantly drops. This is done by tapping the L button and absorbing the nearest citizen. The games impressive presentation hasn’t detracted from the damage model, with big cartoon explosions and lasting cracks, potholes and wreckages. This is something that Venom and the bosses take full advantage of.
Spidey preparing to lay some smack-down
We had the opportunity to take on a couple of bosses during our foray. As Spidey we took on Rhino and Johnny Storm (in a race) and as Venom we took on Wolverine and Beetle. The race was a fairly standard we-sling through several large checkpoints. The Wolverine battle was standard, though you could toss objects at him. As Spidey, the actual boss battles were a mix of a puzzle to expose the boss’s weakness followed by some patience and some beatdown. You were given clues through small comic-like box-ins. Venom was up against the faster and smarter Beetle so the main thing was to get in close and land as many hits as possible while still staying alive. Despite the overall easy premise set down, the boss battle seemed a little skewed in the enemies favour as it was much easier for them to hurt you. Maybe this will change in the final build.
A small yet significant feature is an awareness meter. It is there to make sure you get to where you need to go on time. The camera through out was fairly obedient while you were on the move but struggled a little when you were directly facing a building or had little horizon in front of you. On top of this, Ultimate Spider-Man retains the open-ended style as conceived through the previous movie titles. Apart from the main story, there looks to be a bit to do outside of it, whether it be completing side missions or just swinging around/wrecking havoc.
Screenshots that actually do justice, a pleasent surprise
Our overall impression is that while the game’s non-unique features such as combat may feel a little on the loose side, the unique features such as the web-slinging and now the excellent graphics style and playing as Venom will pull the game through. Now that the constraints of the movie have been lifted, Ultimate Spider-Man looks to take advantage of the whole Marvel universe, the whole good and evil aspect mixed with an open-ended setting in order to deliver what could be the most definitive comic-to-game experience ever.
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