Amazing Spider-Man 2 Review – Not So Amazing

Game Reviewed: The Amazing Spider-Man 2

Release Date: April 29th, 2014

Developer: Beenox

Publisher: Activision

Platform: [Reviewed: Xbox One], Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Wii U

Genre: Action

Rated: T for Teen

With great power comes great responsibility. It’s a code that Beenox have tackled on for several years now as the developers of the Amazing Spider-Man series, also including Shattered Dimensions and Edge of Time. With the release of The Amazing Spider-Man 2 movie, gamers equally have the chance of slinging webs once again. The only question that lies is how amazing is Amazing Spider-Man 2?

      The story of our neighborhood hero kicks off with the murder of Pete’s uncle, Ben. As the story has been foretold, not only does Peter Parker become Spider-Man cleaning the streets from evil, he hungers for the whereabouts of his uncle’s murderer.

In the Amazing Spider-Man 2 does plenty of fast forwarding introducing Spidey to a handful of his friends and foes such as Wilson Fisk, Felicia Hardy, Kraven and more. You’ll also be a bit surprised to see Stan Lee find his home and Aunt Kay throughout encourage Peter.

You read that previous line correct, parts of the Amazing Spider-Man 2 allows you to play as Peter Parker, photographer for The Daily Bugle. A few interviews and interactions here and there, as well as going home for costume changing, the man behind the mask has what could have been, memorable moments.

In the Amazing Spider-Man 2 as both Peter Parker and Spidey himself, you get a few opportunities to interrogate criminals and seek help by asking four questions. It’s a unique concept to add into the game, but from the execution of it, it’s simply pointless. If two questions could’ve allowed further clues and the other two characters rejected, the process would have been more meaningful. Instead it feels like something Beenox attempted to implement and lost it half way in.

Another feature added is the ability to be recognized by the city as a hero or a menace. As you work your way through the story, crime still floods the streets with civilians looking for a hero to call on. As Spider-Man, you have the choice of helping those in need or carrying on with the main objective. Choosing to ignore the crimes will make the city see you as a menace while saving the day will earn you much needed notoriety from Whitney Chang at the Daily Bugle.

Another intriguing concept sold short to the player due to the lack of different activities that takes place. Bomb threats, group of thugs breaking in or shooting cops, and burning buildings just to name a few loops every couple of blocks. You’d expect more objectives, especially with it being a huge portion of the open world concept tying into the replay ability.

The combat system is, for the most part, similar to the original Amazing Spider-Man, utilizing Web Sling, Web Rush and a fighting style similar to Rock Steady’s Batman series. Amazing Spider-Man 2 allows you to hang from anywhere and take out your enemies; also known as detective mode in the Batman series.

There are hidden objectives and items scattered throughout Manhattan such as audio logs, comic book pages and secret hideouts. A comic book store also exist, allowing you to view collectible figures, comic books based on the pages you collect in the city, play the Amazing Spider-Man arcade game and more.

Graphically Amazing Spider-Man 2 looks average. Playing current gen and comparing it to last-gen you’ll notice small environmental differences as well as civilians and vehicles; nothing outstandingly defining the power of Xbox One or PlayStation 4.

Amazing Spider-Man 2 has its moments, but not enough to call it “Amazing.” Beenox rehashed their key features and tried to add on what could’ve pushed the envelope, but instead created a lackluster experience with a somewhat, dull story. In the end, only fun for the moment.

The Scores

Gameplay: 3.25/5

Visuals: 3.5/5

Audio: 3.5/5

Controls: 4.25/5

Value: 3/5

Overall Rating: 3/5