#5) The Amazing Spider-Man 2

Ok, listen… I know what you’re all thinking right now, but just hear me out, yeah? Pitchforks down yet? Good, let’s get on with it then. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is a controversial game, to say the least. There’s a reason it’s at the bottom of the list, afterall. But, there’s also a reason it’s on the list at all. Here is why I think it makes the list. This game is criminally underrated and was a blast to play, even to a few of those around me that I’ve asked.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 video game is a unique twist on the movie of the same name. It takes place after the first Amazing Spider-Man game, which set up the separated universe. I personally enjoy the background the previous game sets up and what the second one uses from it, though most don’t like how it was executed. Faces like Wilson Fisk(The Kingpin), Kraven The Hunter, A super serum enhanced Black-Cat, and many more appear as lead up allies/enemies until the unexpected final boss of the game. Electro and Green Goblin aren’t the main focus here this time, making for a much more diverse story that actually includes the vicious carnage this time around.

The only real downfall with this game is it’s use of the hero/menace system that forces you to constantly do side missions while swinging around. I’d suggest playing on hard mode to get the best feel of combat, keeping it high paced and moderately difficult. The stealth mechanics and collectible features are on point and leave you looking for russian spy hideouts after every mission once you unlock them. The swinging is also one of the most enjoyably built systems when it comes to in-game mechanics. You’ll want to just swing the majority of the time you spend playing this game, web-zipping and wall running into long or quick swings. You can even slingshot yourself through the air if you level up high enough.

#4) Ultimate Spider-Man

The Ultimate Spider-Man video game was a hit classic. Released in september of 2005, it hasn’t aged as gracefully as many other Spider-Man installments, but it still easily earns it’s place on this list. Loosely based on the comic of the same name, Ultimate Spider-Man had a few problems settling where it wanted to tell it’s story in game. It mainly centers around the symbiote suit being made by Peter’s and Eddie Brock’s parents in order to cure all illnesses, but the suit ended up with the urge and ability to eat away at the host. Peter had of course closely bonded with it before trying to destroy it upon realizing it’s true nature, which Eddie wasn’t too happy about, saving it and becoming Venom. Eddie Brock and Peter Parker are childhood friends in this rendition, with both of their parents dying in the same plane crash as well, just to top off the similarities. The story from there however, gets too fuzzy to get into…

One of the biggest things that stand out in this game is it’s comic book style graphics. Models are cell shaded to ensure the best looks possible from the time, and they do an alright job at lasting through time. The other thing most people remember about this game is the ability to play as both spider-Man AND Venom(Also Carnage, but only at the end.). From super jumps and throwing cars, to eating people and having just overall way more fun combat available, Venom was always a blast to play as. Where the Spider-Man missions lacked(mostly just being chase and then beat-em ups with no special fighting abilities), Venom allowed you much more freedom in how you played. Throwing people or objects, jumping to slam around, there’s many more things to do and so many more ways to do them.

Overall, despite the lessened combat mechanics of Spider-Man himself, there was still plenty of other small stuff that helped this game make the list. With small details like your webs attaching to buildings, Side-quests that fuel the main story, and even bonus bank robberies that feature several B-List villains from the Spider-Man series, it would be a shame not to include this gem here.

#3) Marvel’s Spider-Man (PS4/PS5)

Here it is, the one most of you probably came here for. Marvel’s Spider-Man Playstation exclusive. The game where the only real bad thing about it, is the fact you can’t play it on anything else. With spectacular graphics and sound design that make you feel like you were really there, a unique story crafted just for the game itself that grasp you like no other has before, this game is pretty much perfect.

Using new and improved swinging physics that allow you to never get caught up on a building, being able to swing from countless new angles and avoid building tops or alleyways in a split second, you’ll feel unstoppable. The combat system in this game blends with the already quick paced movement of Spider-Man, allowing you to web objects at enemies, swing around them for attacks, and so much more. The possibilities are limitless with what you can use among your Spider-Gadgets, webs, and super powered acrobatics to take down or fling enemies. Be careful though, there isn’t any counter button here, just a dodge ability. Time your attacks right, because you can easily get caught off guard in this game. The camera angles are also a bit wonky, so make sure to watch your back closely.

Among the gadgets you can find and unlock, there are also a plethora of incredible suits that you can wear, all with a specialized rechargeable suit power that you can use in battle. From tons of mechanical suits, to other Spidey-People’s costumes(such as The Scarlet Spider, Spider-Punk, 2099, etc.), to countless comic and movie/tv show renditions of your favorite webhead. Of course, there’s still the other side of Spider-Man. What’s under the mask. Peter Parker. And this game acknowledges that, with an in depth and finely crafted story involving a new, more peter/spidey oriented side, you’ll be wrapped in this story for weeks. Unfortunately, sometimes a little too wrapped up. With cinematics that just take too long, you’ll be wishing for a bit more action here and there.

#2) Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions

Ah, the first rendition of a video game involving the Spider-Verse. Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions is a game where you play through a series of levels as one of 4 different Spider-Men from across time and space, including; Spider-Man Noir, Spider-Man 2099, Ultimate Spider-Man, And our favorite original webhead. With no free roam, this game may seem like a turn off at first, but I can assure you that it does not lack in great content despite less web swinging capabilities.

Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions starts with mysterio breaking into the Empire State University and stealing an ancient tablet. Spidey hot on his trail, trying to stop him before he does whatever he’s planning, the tablet breaks in the battle between the two of them. With Spidey accidentally punching the tablet into pieces, time and space is fractured and the infamous “madame web” must intervene. Taking a Spider-Man from 4 different realities to save the multiverse, each character has their own levels and enemies, involving themes around who they are, and with how the game mechanics of each level work. With stealth missions for Noir that make you really feel like a Spider creeping through the shadows, 2099 that send you soaring through neon skylines, the classic tropes and enemies of original Spidey, and the incredible power you feel playing as Ultimate Spider-Man, this game truly captures the diverse feel of each character.

Each Spidey has their own set of moves and abilities, basing off of who they are and what they have at their disposal. Ultimate by far has the most fun move set, using long range sweeping attacks that knock out every surrounding enemy, slamming and pulling them in with your tendrils, and even a rage meter that allows you to do EVEN more damage to everything around you. 2099 focuses on acrobatic combat, and Noir is more fluid and stealth, of course classic has a lot of webbing moves that pull stones from the ground or slam him into enemies himself. The levels are gritty to overall comedic and high paced depending on which Spidey you’re playing as. It’s probably one of the most streamlined Spider-Man stories, which is what make it one of the best there is in my opinion. It’s not messy or confusing, it captivates you and gets to the point. Its’s even executed rather well, despite the unfortunate lack of the Spider-Men interacting together in gameplay.

Bonus!) The Amazing Spider-Lair

Before we get into our top game, I figured this was worth an honorable mention. The Amazing Spider-Lair is a VR Spider-Man game available through VRchat, Featuring the most realistic web physics to date, an enormous city with tons to do, and large scale multiplayer capabilities.

This game is truly an experience that I suggest any VR user to give a shot. Unfortunately not available on PSVR 1, but playable on any other platform. I have a separate article covering the majority of this game’s features on my main page that you can check out for the full depth analysis of it. Here, we’ll just go over it quickly as to stay on theme. Spider-Lair’s main features include a fully functioning web swinging system that uses rubber band like mechanics, making for a more realistic feel. Your webs don’t just pull you in like a grappling hook here, which can take some getting used to, but once you get it down it becomes the most fluid movement a VR Spider-Man game can offer. Pull yourself in for web zips while moving backwards, swing and pull yourself around buildings, slingshot out of alleyways. The possibilities are endless.

Other than just swinging around this amazing city, there are also a bunch of minigames to be found around the map. With racing buggies that spawn full tracks, a floor is lava(pizza) game where you swing through rings before the crust rises, several party games in the main spawn building(working arcade machines, pool table, connect 4) and even a spray-painting mechanic that allows you to make art in game just as you would in real life with it’s vast customization features. There’s so much to do here that you can even find working vehicles to chase or ride, like a helicopter or 3 different trains. The Spider-Lair also includes a unique customization feature where you can change your web color, sound, and hide the webshooter altogether. Or you can just change the time of day. You can also find a wall of Spider-Man avatars that include tons of familiar and obscure suits to wear as you swing around the city. Overall, The Amazing Spider-Lair is definitely worth checking out.

#1) Spider-Man: The Movie Game (2002)

Back when the 2002 Live-Action Spider-Man movie came out, the video game rendition of Spider-Man hit the markets not long after. Running on the same engine as the Spider-Man 2000 game, it was a revamped upgrade in comparison. Yielding new combat features and much more, here’s why it made top of the list.

Starting at the beginning, literally, Spider-Man was one of the very first superhero video games to play through the backstory of the character as deeply as it was done here. Getting introduced to the initial backstory via cutscene, you pick up right as peter parker starts his hunt for ben’s killer. Before he even knew the meaning of what great power comes great responsibility was. Unfortunately the execution is a bit spacey, with some characters only loosely being involved and some backstories being put together behind the scenes too much. Voice lines are also a tad clunky from time to time, almost lazy sounding. Overall though, there’s so much content here that it’s easily excused. with tons of bonus content like extra suits, bonus minigames, extra unlockable cutscenes, and the best of all…

Playable Green Goblin! That’s right, the feature that makes this game easily the absolute best Spider-Man game out there. with a redone story where you play as Harry Osborne trying to discover the secrets of his father through the technology he left behind, of course over the same levels as the Spider-Man version. Featuring an all new set of moves, a usable glider and so much more, you can see a video example below to get a full grasp of what I’m talking about. Other than that, the game has great music for each level that really immerse you into the cinematic vibe of the game. It’s also the first Spider-Man game with full sandbox free roam, where you can swing, run, jump, and zip through the city helping innocent folks. Only thing I have to say to watch out for in this game are the overly long Oscorp lab missions. Just don’t say I didn't warn you…

references for photos are personal or go to: https://www.imdb.com/

Link to Spider-Lair youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6h4JHq53wl7ceFoEzZyaqQ

Top 5 BEST Spider-Man Video Games Ever Released.