Shows potential but falls short like the movie

There's two reason why I bought this game:

1) I'm a huge Spiderman fan
2) It was real cheap since it's been out for a while

This game was made to coincide the release of the Spiderman 3 movie. Like most video game/movie tie ins, the developers were forced to rush the game in order to make their release date. This shows everywhere in the game. The fighting gameplay is choppy and boring. The graphics are okay, but could be much better for an Xbox 360 game. Spidey animates pretty well when web slinging and stuff. Matter of fact the web slinging is the best part of the game. The developers took the forumula that was so popular in Spiderman 2 and applied it to 3. The only thing that bugs me is that they changed the web slinging controls a bit. In Spiderman 2 you used the left trigger to sling web from your left hand and the right trigger for your right hand. In Spiderman 3 you only use the right trigger to web sling and use the joystick to point in which direction (left or right) to shoot the web. Doesn't seem like much of a change, but it doesn't "feel" as smooth as the controls in Spideyman 2. Not sure why they changed it.

One thing that really bugs me is the fact that the developers created a bunch of cheesy gangs that you have to fight in order to progress the story. Why make us fight a gang consisting of little girls with umbrellas when theres hundreds of villains from the comics they could of included?

The game is a lot like the movie in which it promises so much but falls short in questionable fashion. If you're looking for a quick Spidey fix, for about 10 bucks you can't go wrong. But in October they are coming out with a new Spiderman game sub titled Web of Shadows. The developers are taking their time with this game and making it much better.

Spider-Man 3 is a step back for the franchise

Graphics: Average 6/10
Graphics are bright and crisp, but in no way is this an XBOX 360 title game. This game looks as if you are playing the original XBOX version.

Sound: Good - 8/10
The sounds and music put you right back into the movie, and immerse you as if you were in NYC.

Gameplay: 6/10
I think that Activision missed the mark here and took a step back in the Spider-Man franchise. Elements that gained ground in Spider-Man 2 were lost in the third installment.

Replay Value – 6/10
After you finish the main game, you will be left with a few side missions – though after that, your game will gather dust.

Overall – 6.5/10
This game took the “sandbox” genre to a new level in the past, but with weak side story elements, repetitive gameplay, and visual flaws, this game lacks the power to ask for $60.00 on a next-gen console.

Spider-Man is a staple game in our house. No matter what system, when the game comes out, it is picked up to be played to its fullest. The last few installments in the franchise have improved on this licensed title, though it is not my pleasure to say that this game did the same. Spider-Man 3 by Activision captures the feel of the movie by locking in the actual voices of the actors, yet feels as if it was rushed to get a synced release with the movie. Plagued with control/camera issues, graphic problems, and under par graphic cut scenes, it is hard to believe that the previous two outings of this game were better than this release.

If you really enjoy Spider-Man, and are a big fan of swinging all over the city, then this game is for you. If you are expecting an open story “sandbox” title for your next-gen system, then I must say pass, because this game does not meet the standard of spending $60.00.

Good Game

It has to be said that Spider-Man 3 is packed with things to do. In addition to the various story-based (and peripheral) missions, there are a slew of activities that go with the game being a “sandbox” title. There are the standard races through gates spread around the world. You also have “bomb tours” that put you in a situation of finding and disabling a number of time bombs spread around the terrain for the best time (with the defusing requiring solving various controller-based puzzles to get through it). There’s also a skydiving game that has you freefalling and maneuvering to drop through a number of rings in the air, then make a landing on a colored platform for points. All of these activities track your best time and give you gold, silver or bronze medals for how well you’ve done.

They also have “combat tours,” which require you to defeat a number of gang members for your best time (if you survive). And Robbie at the Daily Bugle sends you (well, Peter Parker) off on photo missions to accomplish certain picture compositions and “scores” (based on what’s in the frame).

Developer Treyarch did a great job on the city, but also on the accompanying overhead map. With a push on the Back Button, you zoom out to a whole view of the city, with icons indicating where certain things are located and lots of adjustments (such as zoom, tilt and rotate). Additionally, hitting the bumper buttons scrolls through the various key activity icons with ease. As with Spidey 2, when you bring the map up or put it away, it smoothly zooms in and out of where you are at the time.

repetitive but very fun anyways

if you like spiderman games you will probably like this game alot- it is repetitive but fun nevertheless- spidey's controls are great, easy to master, the combat system is a button masher that relies heavily on combos of buttons such as x,x,y or x,x,x,b etc. boss combat is like god of war or viking where you perform a series of actions based on hitting the correct button that shows up on screen in time. overall a fun game- sometimes its just cool swinging around new york sightseeing

Spider-Man 3 Xbox 360

PROS:
The graphics are much better than Spider-Man 2 (PS2). You still have free roam of NYC. You have a lot of side things to do along with choosing your path in the story line. It incorporates a number of additional nemesis characters that were not in the movie. If you like Spiderman you will like this game. It is an very fun game even if you just explore the city.


CONS:
This game is definately not for children. Their is not difficulty level change, and it requires very quick reflexes and hand-eye agility. It also has some strong language. The camera angle sometimes makes it had to control the character in certain areas.