The fighting mechanic in the game focuses around combos, activated by correctly pressing a number of buttons at the right time. This skill-based, yet simple system allowed us to pull off some pretty amazing moves after only a small amount of playtime. Shaba Games was not happy with just one set of moves and combos, they decided to add in another entire set of attacks by giving Spider-Man a choice of two outfits (red and black). Each of the different colored uniforms has unique advantages and disadvantages, adding a bit of strategy to a game otherwise purely action based. For example the red suit is gives Spidey more agility and finesse while the black suit powers him up and allows him to pull off some real bone-crushing attacks.
There is another aspect to the multi-colored outfits and that is one of choice; the game gives players multiple options throughout the game that will effect how the story progresses and whether or not the heroes/villains join your squad. Making the right choices could allow Wolverine to jump in and help you out when you’re in a tight spot, or Black Cat for that matter. Most of this mechanic was closed off during our play sessions but the fact that it exists in the game excites us very much.
All of the other parts that make up a fantastic game experience were shaping up nicely; the graphics were right on par with other top-class next-gen video games. Web of Shadows features all the bells and whistles that gamers have come to expect in regards to how a game should look; this isn’t some superhero knock off thrown together by a bunch of lazy developers. It always makes us nervous when a new developer is given a chance to take a well-known property (Spider-Man) and turn it into a video game. This time around though Shaba Games looks as though it just may have created a winner.
Coming into the event we have to admit that Spider-Man: Web of Shadows was not one of our more hotly anticipated games of the year, but after spending a little bit of time with it we walked away impressed. It seems as though the developers have looked at what was done wrong with previous Spidey games and fixed it. Having the ability to switch into two different costumes on the fly is something that peaked our interest in the game from the beginning, seeing it in action was even more impressive. This game has a real chance to become the best Spider-Man video game ever created, and considering the long list of failures that’s a pretty big deal.
We had a great time going hands-on with the new Spider-Man title; each and every aspect of the game is something we’re excited about and for that we have to give credit to the people over at Shaba Games. October is an insane month full of big Xbox 360 releases, so trying to convince gamers to check out one more is tough. We feel confident saying that this game should be one that you put your hands on, whether you’re a huge Marvel fan or not. Spider-Man: Web of Shadows will be released in just a couple weeks on October 21st, 2008. Stay tuned for a full detailed review of the game around that time.
