Unveiling the Hidden Gem: The Ultimate Spider-Man Games You Never Knew Existed

Highlights

Spider-Man has had many forgotten video game titles across different platforms, such as the side-scrolling platformer on SNES and the side-scrolling beat 'em up on Game Boy.

Several overlooked titles, such as The Amazing Spider-Man on Game Boy and Spider-Man: Mysterio's Menace on Game Boy Advance, demonstrated remarkable gameplay and animation for their respective platforms.

Although overshadowed by its ground-breaking sequel, the original Spider-Man game on PS2 was a popular choice at the time, allowing players to swing through a 3D-rendered New York City.

With the forthcoming release of Marvel's Spider-Man 2, following the immense success of its predecessor, the popularity of the web-slinging hero's video game stock has reached new heights. The Spider-Man franchise and character have always been a natural fit for the world of video games, with the ability to swing through sprawling cities, solve mysteries like a detective, and take down villains in exhilarating and inventive ways – all of which make for a compelling video game adaptation.

Throughout the decades, Peter Parker's adventures have been faithfully portrayed in various video games across different platforms and genres. However, there are a few Spider-Man games that may have slipped from gamers' memories.

7 Spider-Man – SNES

Based on the 90s animated series, Spider-Man on the Super Nintendo is a side-scrolling platformer that brings the animated series to life. However, it is often overlooked in favor of harder-to-find Spider-Man titles on the platform, such as Maximum Carnage and Separation Anxiety. In this final game from LJN and Activision with the Spider-Man license, Dr. Octopus and Green Goblin team up to seek revenge on Spider-Man and attack the city. While there are better side-scrolling platformers available on the SNES, the level design and animation in this game effectively capture the essence of the animated series. Therefore, for fans of the franchise and especially those of the TV series, this may be the ideal SNES title.

6 The Amazing Spider-Man – Game Boy

The Amazing Spider-Man on Game Boy, released in 1990 by the unexpected collaboration between LJN and Rare, is a remarkable game. It offers immersive environments with intricate building structures to climb and challenging alleys to fight your way through. As a side-scrolling beat 'em up, it is undoubtedly one of the finest examples of its genre on Game Boy. The main objective is to rescue the kidnapped Mary Jane, while confronting formidable foes like Mysterio, Rhino, Dr. Octopus, and Venom.

Although the game received mixed reviews, with some praising it highly and others expressing more reserved opinions, it undeniably showcases the impressive capabilities of the Game Boy. The level of detail in capturing various New York settings is astonishing, adding to the overall enjoyable experience of the beat 'em up gameplay.

5 Spider-Man: Mysterio’s Menace – Game Boy Advance

Spider-Man: Mysterio’s Menace takes the classic side-scrolling format of 4th generation consoles and adapts it for the GBA. This platformer offers improved depth, fluidity, and animation quality compared to previous 2D Spider-Man games. One standout feature is the GBA's ability to enhance Spider-Man's web-swinging, providing a sense of travel similar to his 3D open-world adventures.

Developed by Activision, this game is relatively short, taking around 2 or 3 hours to complete. However, its impressive animation, fast-paced gameplay, and array of familiar bosses make it a fantastic but often overlooked addition to the Spider-Man franchise.

4 Spider-Man – PS2

Spider-Man on the 6th generation of consoles was a hugely successful game during its time, although it often gets overshadowed by its groundbreaking sequel. It was a tie-in to the first Spider-Man movie directed by Sam Raimi and not only followed the film's storyline but also introduced additional villains from the franchise. One of the most impressive aspects of the game is its voice cast, which matches the actors from the movie and enhances the overall immersion. The gameplay is reminiscent of the PS1 title, featuring stage-based 3D beat 'em up mechanics, but it also introduces the ability to swing around a 3D-rendered New York City like never before.

While its sequel completely revolutionized not only Spider-Man games but also the world of open-world games in 3D, returning to this initial entry will reveal that it is still a fantastic Spider-Man game with a lot to offer.

3 Spider-Man 2: The Sinister Six – Game Boy Color

Neversoft gained recognition at the start of the new millennium with the release of the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series. In between the first game and its popular sequel, Neversoft achieved critical success with their PlayStation game, Spider-Man. Interestingly, this game spawned three sequels on different platforms, beginning with Spider-Man 2: The Sinister Six on the Game Boy Color. Drawing inspiration from older platforms, the gameplay of this side-scrolling platformer includes six stages, leading up to a final boss battle against Dr. Octopus.

Embracing the Game Boy Color's vibrant color palette, this Spider-Man game offers a visually appealing and animated experience, complete with comic book onomatopoeia appearing during combat. Although this often overlooked game lacks originality, it poses a significant challenge and showcases impressive cutscenes throughout.

2 Spider-Man 2: Enter Electro – PS1

Neversoft revolutionized the gaming world by introducing the first-ever 3D version of Spider-Man, which quickly became an iconic experience cherished by players for years to come. Building upon its success, Neversoft released a fully immersive and captivating sequel, Spider-Man 2: Enter Electro, only a year later. In present-day terms, this release would be categorised as DLC (downloadable content). Enter Electro maintains the same dynamic combat mechanics and linear gameplay that made its predecessor so beloved, without introducing significant innovations. Perhaps, the reason Enter Electro is less discussed than its original counterpart is because it can be seen as a clear instance of "more of the same".

The plot centers around Spider-Man's mission to thwart Electro as he orchestrates a series of heists throughout the bustling streets of New York City. Unfortunately, neither the soundtrack nor the cutscenes can hold a candle to the excellence of their predecessor, giving the impression of a rushed production aiming to capitalize on the success of the original game.

1 The Amazing Spider-Man Vs. Kingpin – Sega CD

Released in 1993, The Amazing Spider-Man vs. Kingpin benefited from the enhanced CD-ROM technology of the Sega CD. Serving as an ultimate version of the previous Genesis title, this side-scrolling platformer pits Spider-Man against the villainous Kingpin, who poses a threat of detonating a nuclear bomb in a mere 24 hours. While the Genesis version is highly regarded, the Sega CD upgrade did not receive as much praise due to its limited availability.

Notably, the upgrades in this Sega CD edition are substantial. Players can enjoy faster gameplay, additional combat moves for Spider-Man, and a high-quality soundtrack. However, what truly stands out and is sure to captivate gamers are the fully voice-acted and animated cutscenes that perfectly capture the essence of the comic books.