While the web swinging and new black costume are a hoot, Spider-Man 3 is not as evolved as you’d expect the first Spidey title on the next-gen systems to be.
Spider-Man 3
Publisher: Activision
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, PSP, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, PC
Rating: T — Teen
Game type: Action
*** 1/2 (out of 5)
What’s the premise?
It’s time for some high-flying action as you guide Spidey through a fully playable Manhattan stopping random crimes, battling evil villains and web swinging to your heart’s delight.
This game is most similar to…?
Spider-Man 2.
Can I let my kid/kid brother play it?
Spidey tends to get a little rough with his enemies, especially once he dons the alien black costume, so probably not.
One player or more?
It’s just you and your webshooters.
What’s missing?
For the first Spider-Man title on the next-gen systems, it’s a little graphically deficient and the gameplay seems like it hasn’t evolved much since Spider-Man 2.
The (not-so) secret to success is…?
Make them love you — really love you. Improving your cred by busting up gangs and making neighbourhoods safe will make the locals give you some Spidey-love and lead to some extra opportunities.
And in the end?
The giant New York City playground is sweet and the web swinging, especially in the new black costume, is a hoot, but this game still feels like it could have been much more impressive.
In spite of the film’s kid-friendliness, Shrek The Third involves a lot of endless clubbing.
Shrek The Third
Publisher: Activision
Platforms: Xbox 360, Wii, PlayStation 2, PSP, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, PC
Rating: E — Everybody 10+
Game type: Action
*** (out of 5)
What’s the premise?
Smash, crash and ogre bash on an adventure to find the rightful king of the land of Far, Far Away by using the combined forces of Shrek, Donkey, Puss In Boots, Princess Fiona and others.
This game is most similar to…?
God Of War II (nah, I’m just messing with you).
Can I let my kid/kid brother play it?
Strangely no. In spite of the film franchise’s kid friendliness, I wouldn’t let my young sons play this game because it’s mostly just walking and hitting people.
One player or more?
The “Castle Capture” mini-game is two-player, but other than that it’s just you controlling the Shrek gang.
What’s missing?
Some more puzzles would be nice — anything to break up the monotony of endlessly clubbing people.
The (not-so) secret to success is…?
Ummmm… aim for the head and swing for the fences? All you need to do to breeze through this one is master a few simple combos and mix in one-button tricks like making the “Cute Puss” face.
And in the end?
Shrek The Third is too rough for little kids and too easy for grown ups. I guess it’s dynamite if you’re a ’tween.
