Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions | Review

Activision threw us another title for review, this time it's in the form of a Beenox-developed new Spidey title.  Beenox has mainly been responsible for Windows/Mac ports, and a few original titles, most recently, the Activision Franchise, Guitar Hero: Smash Hits.  Tasked with reinventing the aging super-hero franchise, they've changed up the formula enough to prove this isn't just your usual friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.  In fact, this isn't even you friendly same-world Spider-Man, as Shattered Dimensions follows 4 different Spidey incarnations, in a parallel-universe bending storyline as they try to contain the power of the broken Tablet of Order and Chaos.

Madame Webb, acts as your "mission control", as she brings all 4 Spider-Men together to fulfill the destiny of tracking down the pieces of the just broken Tablet of Order and Chaos (Thanks Mysterio).  Control Amazing Spider-Man, Spider-Man Noir, Ultimate Spider-Man, and lastly, Spider-Man 2099 in parallel universes all driven by the same goal.

Each universe pulled directly from the different comics of the same name have unique game-play elements to them.  The Amazing Spider-Man is very run-of-the mill (though the clever comments from Spidey, are voiced by one Neil Patrick Harris, so that's always a plus).  Spider-Man Noir takes a more stealth approach, as you navigate "Solid Snake-style" (or even more topical, Batman AA-style) through each level, taking out baddies one at a time in the shadows.  Very cool stuff here.  Next up is Spider-Man 2099, in which you spend the majority of the levels "free-falling" as one level feels like one long boss-battle.  Lastly is Ultimate Spider-Man, who uses the power of the mysterious black suit, that adds a unique element of gameplay with tendrils available to shoot out all around him.

As you take on each dimensions levels (each dimension has 4 acts) you'll unlock challenge points, (like mini Achievements), that will allow you to bank and buy upgrades, both of the offensive and defensive variety.  Focus on challenges to really build up your skill set to help you through the later, more difficult levels.

Many of your favorite villains are here in full-effect!  From Hobgoblin, Deadpool, Doc Oc, Sand man, Carnage, and on and on.  Fans of the series will find a lot to love here.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed myself playing, and Mashbuttons gives Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions an 8 out of 10.

Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions is available now for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii