Common Sense Media Review
Free-swinging adventure tangled up in dull action.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 2 parent reviews
Based on 18 kid reviews
Kids say the game offers a fun and exciting Spider-Man experience, especially with its free-roaming mechanics and the ability to swing around New York, though it has significant technical issues like glitches and difficulty spikes that frustrate players. While some appreciate the engaging storylines and enjoyable mechanics, others find it repetitive and boring, with criticisms aimed at its combat system and overall execution.
- fun gameplay
- technical issues
- repetitive combat
- free roam mechanics
- enjoyable storylines
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's It About?
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.
Is It Any Good?
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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about vigilante justice. Although Spider-Man often helps the police, sometimes he purposely keeps his missions from the police. Is violence more acceptable to players if it is directed at gang members and criminals? Families may also wish to discuss the marketing of video games tied to movies. Would gamers be as interested in a Spider-Man game if it wasn't a companion to a popular movie?
Game Details
- Platforms : Xbox 360 , PlayStation 3 , PSP , Nintendo Wii , Nintendo DS , Windows , PlayStation 2 , Game Boy Advance
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : Activision
- Release date : May 3, 2007
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Superheroes
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate