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Vicarious Visions gets another shot at a dual-screen Spider-Man game.
Spider-Man 2 for the Nintendo DS was largely considered a decent game by critics and gaming fans, though it was evident that the game was rushed to meet the Nintendo DS’s launch. It introduced fans to the Nintendo DS’s 3D abilities, though the dual-screen and touch-screen use were limited and not all that exciting. Ultimate Spider-Man fixes those two concerns.
The game’s story follows the plot of the USM comic book. It should since it was written by recurrent Ultimate-Spider Man writer: Brian Michael Bendis. Essentially, the Ultimate arch of the Spider-Man saga involves about a teenager Peter Parker as he struggles with his daily life and the responsibilities bestowed on him for being Spider-Man. This particular game involves Parker’s struggles with Venom, as he struggles with the friendship he has for the guy and the problem he has become.
Ultimate Spider-Man mirrors the Nintendo DS version of Spider-Man 2 in many ways. Instead of the free-roaming gameplay found in the console versions, the Nintendo DS version once again stays true to 2D platforming roots, albeit with a stylish 3D presentation thrown in. You’ll still control Spider-Man with the D-pad and view the action on the top screen. The levels in Ultimate Spider-Man are smaller, representative of the smaller map of the console versions, though in this case it is a welcome addition since it greatly reduces the frustration of getting lost associated with the previous game. There are some touch screen elements in Spider-Man’s adventure and these are integrated a lot better than in the previous game. They remain gimmicky though and don’t provide the same depth as those found in Venom’s missions.
The biggest addition to the Spider-Man formula is the inclusion of Venom as a playable character. Like the console versions, the Nintendo DS USM is half Spider-Man and half Venom. Venom’s levels take place on the bottom screen, making good use of its touch screen abilities. Using the touch screen, you can perform a number of moves including grabbing citizens to position them in a safe zone, and grabbing enemies to slap them around with Venom’s tentacles.
As a bonus, Vicarious Visions included a two-player battle mode using the Nintendo DS’s wireless multiplayer capabilities. Two copies of Ultimate Spider-Man are required, however.
The game’s visuals are pretty good. The toon-shaded 3D engine certainly shows off the Nintendo DS’s 3D strengths. The character models are accurate and aptly animated. The environments are pretty diverse, with plenty going on at any given time. The framerate remains at 60 FPS most of the time and provides fluid action. The story presentation is where the game really excels. The story is told through comic panels that come in from both screens, demonstrating an innovative and effective use for the dual screen nature of the DS.
The audio is equally impressive. The background music is effective and fits the action of the game well. The voice-acting is action and there is a surprising amount of it found in the game. The dialogue is excellent, just like the console versions.
Ultimate Spider-Man on the Nintendo DS is definitely recommended. Nearly every mistake found in Spider-Man 2 has been fixed for this iteration of the franchise. The game boasts fun 2D gameplay mixed with an impressive 3D presentation. The story and storytelling are awesome, perhaps the best on the Nintendo DS.
-- Edited, and some text by: Jose Liz -- Michael Taylor, PGNx Media
---- Sep 26, 2005
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