The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (Video Game Review)

Activision and Beenox's newest release has us once again stepping into the shoes of Peter Parker and indulging his superhero complex in The Amazing Spider-Man 2. Children are in awe while young girls scream as Spider-Man swings onto the scene in an entirely new adventure. Now, are you ready to step into this third-person adventure in an electrifying new story?

There is something particularly intriguing about Spider-Man, outside of his tight latex and impressive web-slinging capabilities, that draws you into the story unlike that of any other superhero. Spider-Man is the people's hero and a beacon of hope for everything that is wrong in humanity. We live in a world were many people find it difficult to stand up against the problems endured in today's world and that is why everyone loves the story of a hero. The Amazing-Spider Man 2 tells an impressive story of a man who struggles with his inner self but still manages to become the man he needs to be. Peter Parker is someone that we can relate to due to the amount of depth and realism applied to his character that stems from his troubled childhood and past.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 builds on the movies and the beloved comics while forming an entirely new adventure for long-time fans to enjoy. Players will find that it is easy to jump into the game, even if you hadn't played the previous title, because you start the story from the beginning and work your way up. The first thing gamers will be asked to do in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is to choose their difficulty level from three choices: Human, Hero and Super Hero. If this is your first time jumping into Spider-Man title then you may want to pick "Human," but if you are somewhat familiar with the last title and feel brave, then up the challenge with a harder difficulty. Just remember that you will face off against some pretty tough bosses throughout your time in the city, such as the evil Carnage, and will need to be ready for a fight!

The action starts right away in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, as you make your way out of the convenience store that was just robbed, and head down the busy city streets to catch the subway. The detailed environments full of beautifully colored animations and sound effects really draw you into the game's intricate storyline. It is truly amazing the amount of detail that went into every aspect of the game from the screeching brakes on a car pulling up to the red-light to the distinct conversations of nearby pedestrians. In the first 90 seconds of the game, players witness Uncle Ben's death, and a comic book recap of how Spidey came to be. The game then flash-forwards two years later and you are still looking for Uncle Ben's killer. While this may seem repetitive for some players, it was a much needed addition to the game, since it allows individuals new to the series to easily pick it up.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2's gameplay is centered around all of Spidey's capabilities which are his signature move, web slinging, spidey sense and combo moves. As you progress through the game, there are many chances to upgrade your abilities and improve your character's suit through leveling up. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 features simple combat carried out by pressing a combination of buttons to take down foes, which can become extremely repetitive, but thankfully the upgrades in the The Amazing Spider-Man 2 slowly add more depth to this throughout gameplay. Players will get to enjoy new abilities, like dodge and roll, that add a great deal more excitement to the missions that lay ahead. However, watch how fast you swing through the city, because the game's wonky camera has some difficulty keeping up.

Peter Parker has a larger role in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, as his photojournalist persona, while utilizing his talents to uncover the evil that lurks around the streets of Manhattan. If you are unsure rather to play The Amazing Spider-Man 2 game before seeing the movie due to spoilers, then don't fret, because the game features its own unique story outside of the film. One of the best aspects of the game is its all-star cast which will have Spidey meeting up with such characters as Kingpin, Kraven the Hunter, Black Cat, Green Goblin, Electro and even Stan Lee throughout your adventures in New York City. The game contains over 14 main story missions, 12 combat challenges and tons of other side-missions which add a great deal of replayability to The Amazing Spider-Man 2.



In the end, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 delivers a fun and exhilarating experience through the eyes of your friendly neighborhood hero. The game has saw an overhaul in the graphics and gameplay alongside a powerfully character-driven narrative that delivers an overall satisfying experience. The game world is more open then ever before and players will enjoy breathtaking visuals as they make their way across the city to explore new locations. Gamers will find it easy to enjoy all of the great features that The Amazing Spider-Man 2  has to offer despite the occasional repetitiveness and wonky camera angles. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is a good game and well worth the money. So what are you waiting for? Let your spidey sense lead the way and make sure to pick up The Amazing Spider-Man 2 today!

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is now available on the PS4 and via download on Xbox One for $59.99 suggested retail price (SRP), on the PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U for $49.99 (SRP), and Windows PC for $39.99 (SRP). Gamers can also pick up the title on 3DS (developed by High Voltage) for $29.99 (SRP). Don't forget to look for The Amazing Spider-Man 2 in retail stores on the Xbox One early this month. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is rated T for Teen by the ESRB. For more information on the game, check out the official The Amazing Spider-Man 2 website.

Game Features:

• Single Player
• Greatly Enhanced Manhattan Cityscape
• All-out Arachnid Action
• All-new Spidey Story
• DLC Support
• Trophy/Achievement Support

Game Information:
Developer: Beenox
Publisher: Activision
Platforms: Xbox 360 (reviewed), Xbox One, PS3, PS4, Wii U, 3DS, & PC
Release Date: April 29, 2014

Score: 8 out of 10