Are you interested in swinging around New York City, using all of your spider abilities to defeat villains? Then, you should definitely check out our list of the top 10 Spider-Man games.
In the ’90s, Spider-Man games were first introduced on consoles and they have since undergone major advancements. Some are based on the Spider-Man movies, while others showcase unique narratives with the greatest superhero of all time.
Although each of these titles has a unique storyline, there is one common thread among them (other than featuring Spidey’s name on the cover): they all expertly combine thrilling action and captivating storytelling.
Nevertheless, it is important to be truthful: some games stand out above the others. Keeping this in mind, we present our top choices for the greatest Spider-Man games ever created.
The Best Spider-Man Games Ranked
Spider-Man and Venom: Maximum Carnage (1994)
Spider-Man and Venom Maximum Carnage is a 2D beat em’ up style game
Maximum Carnage is the perfect game for fans of 2D side-scrollers and Spider-Man. It stays true to its source material, the comic of the same name, where the villainous symbiote Carnage wreaks havoc in New York City.
Our thoughts: Maximum Carnage offers a challenging gameplay experience that will push your skills to the limit, but once you conquer it, the enjoyment is unparalleled. The game also boasts impressive comic-style cinematics taken directly from the Maximum Carnage comics. It’s worth noting that you can play as both Spider-Man and Venom, and as you progress, you can unlock additional Marvel characters to play with.
9. Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions
Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions lets you play as four different versions of the superhero.
Summary: Included in this list is Shattered Dimensions, a unique addition that allows players to control four different versions of their beloved superhero. The main antagonist is Mysterio, who initiates the chaos by breaking a mystical tablet, causing chaos throughout the multiverse. It is up to the Spider-Men to restore order and save the day.
The primary appeal of Shattered Dimensions lies in its variety of playable versions of Spider-Man, such as the Amazing Spider-Man, Spider-Man Noir, Spider-Man 2099, and Ultimate Spider-Man. Each of these iterations offers unique abilities, gameplay styles, and levels, ensuring the game remains engaging and enjoyable despite its linear structure.
Despite its frustrating camera movement and short length, Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions still manages to offer a unique story and enjoyable gameplay, making it a worthwhile experience despite its placement lower on the list.
8. Spider-Man (2000)
Spider-Man 2000 is the first 3D game made in the franchise
About the plot: In Spider-Man (2000), the city of Manhattan is engulfed in toxic gas, and the responsibility falls on the Wallcrawler to come to the rescue. As he fights against notorious foes such as Venom, Dr. Octopus, Mysterio, and Rhino, he uncovers a more sinister plan at play.
Despite being almost 25 years old, Spider-Man remains an impressive 3D game featuring our beloved superhero. Its compelling storytelling and well-designed combat mechanics make it just as enjoyable to play today. While the swinging mechanics may not be as advanced as modern games, there is still a thrill in soaring above the New York skyline. However, the most unforgettable aspect of this game is the final boss battle against a symbiotic version of Dr. Octavius, which left a lasting impression on players for generations.
Spider-Man: The Movie (2002)
Spider-Man: The movie is based on the Hollywood blockbuster
What the story is about: Spider-Man: The Movie is adapted from the popular Hollywood film of the same title, featuring Tobey Maguire and William Dafoe. However, the creators also added their own twist to the plot by introducing other antagonists such as Kraven and the Scorpion.
Our thoughts: Spider-Man: The Movie is a game that presents a delightful challenge while also providing an enjoyable experience. It is most likely remembered for its remarkably difficult boss battles and exceptional voice acting, as both Maguire and Dafoe reprised their roles. Despite its relatively short story mode, one of the standout features of Spider-Man: The Movie is the ability to play as Green Goblin after completing the main campaign. Nothing beats the thrill of causing chaos in New York City while riding on a Goblin Glider.
6. Movie Title: Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Spider-Man 2: The movie is one of the best games in the franchise
Synopsis: Similar to the previous film on the list, Spider-Man 2 is loosely adapted from the popular Hollywood blockbuster of the same title. However, it also introduces new antagonists such as Rhino and Mysterio, who were not featured in Raimi’s version.
Our opinion: Spider-Man 2 set a high standard of excellence and continues to be the measuring stick for other games featuring the Wallcrawler. Released back in the day, it established a new level of quality for movie tie-ins and is arguably one of Treyarch and Activision’s most impressive games.
Despite being 20 years old, Spider-Man 2’s open world and graphics continue to leave viewers in awe. This is largely due to the impressive character models that have stood the test of time. However, the game’s true standout feature remains its groundbreaking web-swinging mechanism, which for the first time required players to attach their webs to buildings rather than relying on invisible structures in the air.
5. Ultimate Spider-Man (2005)
Ultimate Spider-Man is even better than Spider-Man 2
Overview: Derived from the Ultimate Spider-Man comics, the plot of Ultimate Spider-Man picks up three months after Venom’s initial appearance and chronicles Spider-Man’s efforts to thwart the symbiote’s destructive rampage through New York City.
If you believe that Spider-Man 2 was the best Spider-Man game, you may be amazed to discover that Treyarch surpassed themselves with Ultimate Spider-Man. This game allows you to alternate between playing as the Web-Head and Venom, giving you the opportunity to either protect the city as a web-slinging hero or wreak havoc as a symbiote-possessed creature.
Despite its age, Ultimate Spider-Man still boasts impressive visuals, making you feel like you’re in complete control of your favorite comic book characters while playing.
4. Spider-Man: Web of Shadows
Spider-Man: Web of Shadows is one of the darkest games in the franchise
Summary: In Web of Shadows, Spider-Man is faced with a daunting task of protecting Manhattan from a symbiote invasion. Throughout the game, players must make moral choices that will ultimately determine the outcome of the story, whether they choose to embrace the power of the symbiote or reject it. As one of the darkest Spider-Man games, the stakes are high and the consequences are real.
Ahead of its time and featuring impressive combat and web-swinging mechanics, Web of Shadows is a surprisingly challenging game with tough boss battles that will test your quick reflexes.
One of the standout features of Web of Shadows is the option to seamlessly switch between Spider-Man’s classic suit and the powerful Venom symbiote, altering his abilities. Additionally, other popular Marvel characters also receive a symbiote transformation that players must face depending on their decisions throughout the game. Another enjoyable aspect is the inclusion of wall combat, adding a fresh element to battles. However, the only downside is the clunky camera.
3. Marvel’s Spider-Man (2018)
Marvel’s Spider-Man is a giant leap in the franchise
Synopsis: Marvel’s Spider-Man presents a fresh narrative that brings the iconic Web-Slinger into the present while preserving the fundamental aspects of our beloved friendly neighborhood hero. The game follows the experienced Spidey as he fights to protect New York from an enigmatic new villain known as Mister Negative, but a greater threat looms on the horizon.
Our opinion: This particular title takes Spider-Man to a whole new level and could be considered one of the best games ever made, potentially starting the greatest superhero series in gaming history (Apologies to Batman Arkham fans).
The open world in Marvel’s Spider-Man is highly interactive and offers a variety of enjoyable side missions, such as battling thieves and aiding locals in the neighborhood. The web-swinging mechanics are top-notch, utilizing new physics that allow for effortless traversal across Manhattan. Additionally, players have access to a plethora of customization options, including various costumes with special abilities to unlock. However, the true brilliance of this game lies in its captivating story and heart-wrenching finale.
2. Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales (2020)
Spider-Man Miles Morales creates a unique identity for the new protagonist
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales continues to showcase Insomniac’s mastery. Taking place after the events of Marvel’s Spider-Man, this installment follows Miles, the new Spider-Man, while Peter Parker is away with MJ. However, what initially seems like a simple week of fighting crime becomes more complicated when the Tinkerer enters the picture.
The game earns its high ranking due to the skillful handling of Miles’s journey by the developers. It centers on Miles’s growth as an individual, breaking free from Peter’s influence and embracing his own identity. This bold and impressive approach is especially noteworthy given the success of the first game. Although the main storyline is relatively brief, it is incredibly impactful, and the addition of New Game+ provides ample opportunity for replayability. Furthermore, Insomniac has perfected the mechanics from the previous game, solidifying this as one of the smoothest and most impressive Spider-Man titles to date.
1. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (2023)
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is one of the best superhero games of all time
Synopsis: The highly anticipated sequel, Marvel Spider-Man 2, sees Peter Parker facing his greatest challenges yet when Kraven the Hunter arrives in town. With his life in chaos, Peter resorts to a risky solution by using the symbiote to gain the strength needed to defeat the powerful enemy. However, the consequences of the black suit’s power may prove to be too much for Peter to handle.
Our opinion: Building upon the success of the 2018 version, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 amplifies all of its positive aspects. The game features a significantly larger world, a new movement technique that allows players to soar through Manhattan, and a more intricate and emotionally engaging storyline.
This Spider-Man story is darker than Insomniac’s first game, but rest assured it will hold your attention until the very end. In my opinion, this is the greatest Spider-Man game to date and potentially one of the top superhero titles you’ll experience. Insomniac deserves praise for the balanced focus on both Miles and Peter, each with their own unique abilities and narratives, ensuring a seamless transition between the two heroes without any frustration.
Additionally, we have a comprehensive guide on how to properly view all of the Marvel movies in chronological order. Furthermore, we have delved into the reasons why the upcoming Spider-Man film must feature Venom, but not the character of Eddie Brock.
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