Spider-Man 3
By Chris Jozefowicz,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Free-swinging adventure tangled up in dull action.
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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
- Available online?: Not available online
- Publisher: Activision
- Release date: May 3, 2007
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Topics: Superheroes
- ESRB rating: T for Animated blood, mild language, violence
- Last updated: November 4, 2015
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