Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions

(Activision for Xbox 360)
By Mike Delano

Variety is the name of the game in the new Spidey game. Just check out the cover: Four different versions of the superhero lifted from the comics, ranging from Peter Parker’s most iconic incarnations to some real obscurities (2099, Noir?!). It’s a clever way to freshen up a figure that has gotten a real workout in the video game world recently, starring or featuring in tons of games over the past few years alone. The focus on variety extends to every aspect of Shattered Dimensions: As you set out to restore the pieces of a mystical tablet, you’ll encounter stealth sections, multi-tiered boss battles, third-person brawling, platforming, and even first-person segments wherein you pummel your enemies up close and personal. Starkly different art styles and voice acting in each of the four dimensions adds to the schizophrenia, but somehow it all works very well. The game has a colorful and light-hearted tone to match its potpourri, and it seems like the developers were more interested in making a fun videogame than crafting the definitive Spider-Man game, or establishing a bold new direction for future installments of the franchise. And that’s just good Spider sense.
(www.activision.com)