Spider-Man 3 (Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo DS, PSP, PlayStation 2, Windows, Game Boy Advance)

SPIDER-MAN 3 follows the famous wall-crawler through the skyscraper canyons of a sprawling virtual Manhattan. While there is some overlap with the movie -- fans will see Sandman and the new Green Goblin, and recognize the voices of many of the big-screen actors -- movie moments are just small episodes in a larger adventure that includes more crime fighting and supervillains. Much of a player's time in Spider-Man 3 will be spent swinging on webs through the concrete jungle. Spidey's graceful moves, which become more elaborate as players unlock special abilities, are the game's highlight.

The vertigo-inducing visuals and controls may take a little while to master, but once gamers get the hang of it, they will be rewarded with the sense of freedom that comes from being able to leap off of 40-story buildings and run along walls. Unfortunately, when it comes to Spider-Man's crime-fighting activities, much of the grace is lost. Players will find themselves button-mashing their way through dozens of repetitive gang fights scattered around the city.

Gamers shouldn't expect slick graphics to make up for the so-so action: Although the cityscape can look beautiful at night or when the sun glints off windows, the wide-open streets are underpopulated and sterile. Although the game offers players a beefy 14-hour-plus adventure, there is little new to see after the first four hours or so. Players will surely enjoy swinging gracefully though the large city, but even Spider-Man fans might want to try renting the game before buying.