This 2008 title offers a 2D side-scrolling perspective with 3D graphics, bringing a familiar Spider-Man narrative to the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable platforms. The core experience centers on a city under siege by a parasitic alien symbiote, a piece of Venom's influence that begins to infect the citizens of New York. Players step into the iconic red and blue suit, tasked with a mission to reclaim the city from this growing threat.

As a port, this version adapts the core gameplay and story elements of its contemporary console counterparts for its specific platforms. The value proposition lies in experiencing a classic beat 'em up style of gameplay with a beloved superhero, presented in a format accessible on older hardware.

What is the core gameplay loop?

The gameplay is rooted in the hack and slash and beat 'em up genres. Players will engage in combat, utilizing Spider-Man's signature web-slinging abilities and martial arts prowess to defeat waves of enemies. A key mechanic allows players to switch between Spider-Man's red and black suits at any time. Each suit possesses its own distinct move set and unique abilities, offering a tactical layer to combat encounters and allowing for varied approaches to overcoming challenges.

What is the story and setting?

The game is set in New York City, which finds itself in peril. A splinter of the Venom symbiote has begun to spread, turning ordinary citizens into monstrous threats. The atmosphere is one of urgency and urban chaos as Spider-Man races against time to contain the outbreak and protect the populace. The narrative follows a path similar to the seventh-generation console versions of the game, focusing on Spider-Man's efforts to combat this escalating crisis.

What are the unique features of this edition?

The defining feature of this specific edition is its presentation and gameplay style. It translates the action into a 2D side-scrolling format, a departure from the 3D environments of other versions. This perspective shift emphasizes the beat 'em up mechanics, focusing on fluid combat and traversal within a side-view world. The ability to seamlessly switch between the red and black suits during gameplay is central to the combat system, providing players with distinct offensive and defensive options that can be employed strategically to overcome different enemy types and situations.

Are there any additional content or expansions?

This specific release does not include any downloadable content (DLC), expansions, remakes, or remasters. The experience is self-contained within the base game as released.

What platforms is this game available on?

This title was released for the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable.

When was this game released?

The release date for this game was October 21, 2008.