Hello, Spidey faithful, it’s time for another thrilling adventure, wherein our hero will battle all the bad guys, but receive no credit for his actions.

This is Spiderman 2: Enter Electro, a new release from Vicarious Visions, Marvel and Activision for the PlayStation console. This game picks up where the original Spiderman action game (for multi platforms) left off. Spiderman foiled the plans of Doc Octopus to make Spidey’s fair city a symbiote haven.

Dr. Watts has completed a new device that would give any individual unspeakable power. It is a Bio-Nexus device and the villain, Electro, has his mind-set, in addition to his awesome electrical power, on stealing and controlling the device. Not only would it give him the power to control the city, but may, perhaps, enable him to take over the world.

However, in his way stands the one and only Spiderman. His web-slinging capabilities give him more than a fighting chance of succeeding. But he will need, not only his incredible super powers, but his brain.

Ok, maybe not. This is a linear game – there is only one route to follow. But along the way, Spidey will encounter a variety of henchmen, other super villains, and some super hero help.

For example, his initial contact is Beast (of X-Men fame), who will guide Spiderman and game players through the rudimentary aspects of the game.

Using polygonal figures and a simulated 3-D environment, Spiderman 2 is a challenging arcade-style game. Yep, there are plenty of bad guys to beat up, but Spidey’s faithful compass will keep players on the right track. Along the way, players will have to learn how to use the Web-slingers special abilities to quell fires, sling from building to building, handle the bad guys and solve some puzzles.

The polygonal figures are on a par with the PC game, and the city is as nicely rendered. The action sequences, as well as Spidey’s movements are a little stiff, but done nicely nonetheless. The sound features Stan Lee’s narration, Spidey’s little ongoing commentary and nice vocal characterizations. The sound effects are equally well done.

Controls will take a bit of getting used to. There are a variety of controls elements to get used to, and it will take some players up to 15 minutes to get comfortable with them.

Spiderman 2 is a terrific arcade-adventure game, perfectly suited to the PlayStation format. The only drawback is the level-completion save format – much like its PC counterpart. You must complete a level in order to save the game. If you don’t complete it, you begin from the start of that level all over again – which will include the narration sequences and any cutscenes. That can get tiresome.

This game is rated for Everyone.

Install: N/A
This game only requires one memory block.

Gameplay: 7.5
The game moves along well, but the save function is a bit of a drawback.

Graphics: 8
The polygonal figures and action sequences are well rendered.

Sound: 8
Stan Lee’ narration, and Spidey’s, as well as other action heroes, vocal characterizations are nice. The action effects are rather typical.

Difficulty: 8
This game takes some time to get a handle on the controls. There are four difficulty levels, kid mode through hard, to suit most playing abilities.

Concept: 7.5
This may be an arcade-style action game, but it is nicely built into a continuing storyline.

Multiplayer: N/A

Overall: 7.8
There are some drawbacks, but overall, this game is well done and a nice arcade-style game. The introduction of new villains, and old favorites is very well done. Players who are fans of Spiderman, fans of the genre, will probably enjoy it a lot.