Spider-Man 2 (DS)

Again, congrats to Adam!  So how's the game, man? What, the FedEx guy hasn't shown up yet?...

As for the rest of you, now looking to throw down some cold, hard cash—sorry, only one free Spider-Man this time—on a couple of games for your brand new DS, we bet you're wondering how Spider-Man 2 has turned out on the portable end.
Don't worry Adam, it's not like we played the game and then shoved it back in the box for you... er...

To be clear, the DS version is not a port of last summer's console game—sorry, there will be no free-form swinging throughout Manhattan. Instead, Vicarious Visions has created a new, linear adventure that borrows themes from both the console game and the movie.

The first thing you'll likely notice is the game's great looks. Spider-Man 2 is arguably the best looking launch title for the DS, and even though Spidey is stuck to a scrolling-rail, the 3D effects in both character & environment design are gorgeous. However, the implementation of the touch-screen isn't nearly as impressive, but it's certainly useful; use it to switch quickly between special moves & on-screen commands. As far as gameplay, Spider-Man 2 is a bit bland. The level design often lends itself to painstaking backtracking treks, and actual combat is pretty rough,
with a poor collision system. All in all, Spider-Man 2 is a great game if you want to show-off the graphical prowess of the DS, and it also provides a lengthy adventure with some challenging secondary goals; but for a more complete package, you may want to look elsewhere.

HINT: Pop in Spider-Man: Mysterio's Menace into the GBA port for an extra-special surprise...