Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Spider-Man: Web of Shadows delivers a fast-paced, open-world traversal system that captures the thrill of web-slinging across Manhattan. From the moment you launch off a skyscraper, the city feels alive beneath your feet—traffic streams along avenues, pedestrians react to your presence, and the wind whistles past your ears as you vault from rooftop to rooftop. There’s no penalty for a missed swing, so you can focus on fluid movement without fear of falling to your doom.

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Combat is straightforward yet satisfying: by mashing the X button (on console) or the equivalent attack command, Spider-Man unleashes a cascade of punches, kicks, and web-based finishers. When in his red suit, you rely on spider-powered agility and sticky webs to disarm foes; switch to the black symbiote suit and gain tendril attacks that shred enemies with brutal efficiency. Both styles share core combo chains, but the visual flair and special moves make each approach feel distinct.

Underpinning every brawl is a progression system where points earned from crime-fighting unlock new combos and upgrades. You’ll find yourself experimenting—chaining roof-top takedowns into high-flying slam attacks or layering signature moves like the Web-Flight Strike. Add in dynamic side missions—rescuing trapped citizens, neutralizing symbiote nests, and facing off against gang bosses—and there’s plenty of variety to keep you swinging.

Graphics

Visually, Web of Shadows stands out with its vibrant depiction of New York City and the ever-looming threat of the symbiote infestation. Daytime scenes boast crisp textures, reflective water surfaces, and convincing crowds. At night, streetlights cast long shadows between buildings, while neon signs pulse with color—creating a cinematic playground for your acrobatic feats.

The symbiote effects are where the graphics truly shine. When darkness creeps into each borough, tendrils snake across walls and twist around lamp posts, giving the environment a twisted, otherworldly feel. Enemy models infected by the symbiote sport slick black armor with glowing red veins—an unsettling contrast to the clean lines of civilian outfits.

That said, the game isn’t without flaws. On some platforms you may notice occasional texture pop-ins and frame dips when large groups of symbiote-controlled citizens swarm you. Still, these hiccups are rare and don’t significantly detract from the overall spectacle. Even on mid-generation hardware, Web of Shadows looks impressive for its era.

Story

Web of Shadows opens with a flashback: a brutal encounter with Venom that leaves Spider-Man partially bonded to the symbiote, granting him enhanced strength at the cost of creeping aggression. This prologue sets the tone for a narrative steeped in internal conflict as Peter Parker grapples with the power and danger of the alien substance.

When the symbiote epidemic erupts across Manhattan, everyday citizens become infected and turn on one another. Spider-Man teams up with Luke Cage—who provides both muscle and mentorship—to combat the sprawling threat. Together they confront gang leaders, rescue innocents, and uncover the symbiote’s sinister origins. Along the way, you’ll encounter familiar allies and villains, each offering side missions that flesh out the world.

What elevates the story are the moral crossroads you face: should you rely on red-suit principles of restraint or embrace the black suit’s ruthless efficiency? These decisions influence character interactions, mission outcomes, and ultimately determine which of the game’s multiple endings you earn. While some plot beats feel familiar, the branching paths add genuine weight to each choice.

Overall Experience

Spider-Man: Web of Shadows succeeds in delivering the superhero fantasy fans crave. Swinging through a semi-destructible, symbiote-plagued Manhattan never grows old, and the fluid combat system keeps encounters fresh. Suit switching adds tangible gameplay variety, and the upgrade tree encourages experimentation in both styles.

Minor technical issues aside, the game’s immersive world and branching narrative create high replay value. Pursuing the pure-hearted red path offers a different feel compared to the darker black suit route, inviting players to revisit the story and explore alternative outcomes. Side missions and collectibles further extend your time in the city, rewarding exploration and thoroughness.

For anyone seeking an action-packed Spider-Man adventure without a movie tie-in, Web of Shadows stands as a compelling choice. Its blend of dynamic traversal, visceral combat, and moral dilemmas captures the essence of what makes the web-crawler one of Marvel’s most enduring heroes. Whether you’re a longtime fan or simply love open-world superhero games, this title is worth a swing.

Retro Replay Score

6.9/10