Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The core gameplay loop of Spider-Man revolves around fluid traversal and acrobatic combat that never feels stale. Swinging through Manhattan’s skyline is an absolute joy, with Newtonian physics lending an authentic weight to each web shot. The momentum-based mechanics reward players who learn to time their swings and releases perfectly, allowing for exhilarating high-speed chases and tight turnarounds between towering skyscrapers.

Combat strikes a satisfying balance between accessibility and depth. A combination of aerial web strikes, ground counters, and environmental takedowns keeps fights dynamic, whether you’re facing a handful of street thugs or one of Spidey’s iconic rogues gallery. The introduction of gadgets like the web bomb, zip line, and impact web throw in crowd-control options that encourage creative strategies rather than button-mashing.

Side activities and collectibles enrich the 24-hour bomb hunt scenario without overwhelming it. Photo assignments for J. Jonah Jameson force you to explore every nook and cranny of the city, while random crime alerts, research stations, and hidden secrets provide meaningful downtime between main story beats. This pacing ensures you never feel stuck, and there’s always a reason to swing off in a new direction.

Graphics

Visually, Spider-Man sets a high bar for open-world action-adventure titles. Character models are detailed and expressive, capturing the youthful agility of Peter Parker in contrast to the imposing bulk of villains like The Kingpin or a mechanized Dr. Octopus. Facial animations during cutscenes convey genuine emotion, grounding even the more outlandish comic-book elements in relatable performances.

The city of New York comes alive through dynamic day-night cycles and realistic weather effects. Rain streaks down on metal surfaces, reflections shimmer in puddles, and the sun’s glare off towers can temporarily blind you mid-swing, adding both beauty and challenge to traversal. The lighting team deserves special praise for crafting moody, cinematic backdrops during pivotal story moments.

Environmental detail is equally impressive. From neon-lit Times Square to graffiti-tagged back alleys, each district feels distinct. The seamless draw distance ensures your aerial view is never marred by popping textures, and frame rates remain stable even when you’re weaving between dozens of enemies in an explosive boss encounter.

Story

Spider-Man’s narrative is a ticking-clock thriller centered on The Kingpin’s most audacious scheme yet: blaming Spider-Man for a bomb planted somewhere in the city, set to detonate in 24 hours. This premise injects every mission with urgency, as you race against time to clear your name and save millions of lives. The stakes have never felt higher for our wall-crawling hero.

As you investigate, photojournalism segments for the ever-skeptical J. Jonah Jameson and the NYPD offer a clever gameplay twist while reinforcing the plot. Capturing convincing evidence to exonerate Spider-Man provides a welcome diversion from the main investigation and showcases Peter Parker’s resourcefulness. It’s a narrative device that grounds the superheroics in real-world consequences.

Along the way, familiar adversaries spring from the shadows. You’ll go toe-to-toe with Electro’s lightning bolts, outwit The Lizard’s feral ferocity, and weather the shifting sands of The Sandman’s onslaught. Venom’s personal vendetta ramps up the emotional intensity before the final showdown with The Kingpin himself. Each villain encounter is woven seamlessly into the 24-hour timeline, ensuring every beat feels integral to the overall arc.

Overall Experience

From the moment you launch into your first web swing, Spider-Man delivers a thrilling sandbox playground that captures the heart of the beloved superhero. The fusion of high-speed traversal, engaging combat, and cinematic storytelling makes for an experience that appeals to both series veterans and newcomers. There’s a satisfying sense of growth as you unlock new suits, gadgets, and abilities, all while inching closer to unmasking the truth behind Fisk’s deadly plot.

The pacing is expertly handled, with main missions, side activities, and photo challenges striking just the right balance. You never feel sidetracked, but if you need a breather from the intense bomb-hunt narrative, the city offers countless distractions. Whether you’re rescuing civilians, taking down underground fight clubs, or snapping the perfect skyline shot, there’s always something to fill the 24-hour countdown.

Ultimately, Spider-Man stands out as one of the most polished and enjoyable superhero games to date. Its triumphant combination of mechanics, visuals, and storytelling will leave you perched on the edge of your seat—quite literally, as you swing between rooftops. If you’ve ever dreamed of donning the suit and defending New York from a web of conspiracy, this is the game that turns that dream into reality.

Retro Replay Score

7.3/10