Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions Review

By Christian Donlan Published 8 September, 2010

Spidey-hi!

Version tested: PlayStation 3

Despite its multiverse-spanning conceit, Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions lacks the one thing you might be expecting from it: genuine variety. While Beenox has trawled the back-room long boxes of its local comics shop to gather four different takes on Marvel's chirpy webslinger, the entwined campaigns, with one notable exception, tend to play very similarly.

What balances the package out is that they all play pretty well. This isn't the Arkham Asylum of Spider-Man capers, then – it isn't that special game that, out of nowhere, suddenly creates the perfect interactive expression of a classic superhero – but it's a thoughtful and inventive use of the license all the same. Spidey's videogame outings have been on a downswing since the days of Spider-Man 2, and while it's hard to shake the feeling that the character works better in an open world than in a linear, story-based affair, this is still the best of his adventures for some time.

The plot has a pleasant silver-age thinness to it. Spidey has accidentally shattered an ancient tablet that binds various dimensions together. Now, with the help of three other-world versions of himself, he must gather the fragments back together before, you know, something terrible happens.

This simple idea allows Beenox to cherry-pick the best Spider-Man offshoots from the last decade or so and use them to add a bit of dynamism to a lengthy campaign filled with ceaseless web-flinging and pummelling. Arguably more importantly, it also lets the designers string together a range of brilliant supervillain cameos along the way.

Each of the Spider-Men gets a trio of levels spread across a three-act campaign before they're off to the surprisingly meaty end-game. These levels, rather than being merely capped by a boss battle, are actually threaded around prolonged encounters with some of Marvel's most iconic baddies. With supervillain skirmishes popping up three or four times across the course of each chunk of adventure, the developers have found a way to bring a cinematic shape to the endless battering of minions.

Chances are your favourite villain will make an appearance. It's great to see the Vulture again.

It helps that Beenox has a keen eye for set-pieces, and highlights here include: a dizzying pursuit of the Goblin through a creaking, Depression-era Coney Island rip-off complete with a brain-churning house of illusions; a Deadpool reality TV show set on board a deep sea oil rig, interrupted by a cameo appearance from a capsizing ocean liner; and a breathless wild west sojourn as the Sandman takes you on a literal whirlwind tour of a clapped-out mining town, complete with unwelcome cave-ins.

The webslinger himself struggles to match this kind of invention. Of his four incarnations, only one really stands out as a pace-changer, with Spider-Man Noir sending Peter Parker back to the 1930s as a leather-clad vigilante who takes out over-powered enemies with a gymnastic spin on sneaking, rather than ordinary fist-fights. While the sepia visuals and no-fuss stealth make for a distinct presentation, the meat of the Noir campaign is a pared-back spin on a handful of Arkham Asylum's best ideas, however – namely, bone-jarring one-button takedowns and a focus on managing your extreme vulnerability as you swing from one patch of darkness to the next, toying with foes before picking them off.

The remaining variations are more basic straight-up brawlers, each one seeing Spider-Man's abilities enhanced in a particular manner. Ultimate has a nice Rage mode, doubling your attack ferocity for as long as you can keep the meter filling up by smacking baddies around, while 2099 has a rather dull slow-mo mechanic, which is offset by some dazzling, sci-fi art deco landscapes and surprisingly forceful combat. The Amazing Spider-Man is the campaign that holds the whole thing together, and is also the one that offers most ordinary hero of the bunch: the vanilla Spider-Man, with the fewest gimmicks. That said, he comes with some of the most inventive levels to navigate, so it's hard to complain too much.

Combat is deeper than it initially seems. You can mash your way through it, but it's far more satisfying if you make use of the juggles and grabs, and pull off the occasional show-stopping web-spring attack that launches you half-way across a room on a collision course with somebody's face.

Traversal, however, is slightly more problematic. This is an intensely linear game and most of the time, in cramped environments, the engine does a pretty good job of allowing you to blast from one automatic perch-point to the next with the press of a trigger. On the rare occasions that things open out, though, the controller can struggle to distinguish between a single tap meaning, "Hello, I would to zip stylishly to that highlighted ledge, please," and a longer squeeze, indicating, "Howdy, may I web-swing into a non-stick wall in a manner that suggests I have scoliosis and then fall inelegantly to my death?"

Inevitably, levels tend to outstay their welcome. In between the set-pieces, Beenox juggles only three different ideas, for the most part: beat everyone up before the door opens, rescue some civilians, and get over a largish gap. It's all enlivened by a wonderful punning script, however, and the presence of a smart series of optional challenges tucked into each environment. These regular asides – kill ten of these, break eight of those – help keep the adventure moving when the invention runs out, and they also serve to fill the shelves of a well-stocked unlock shop where you can buy moves, perks and extra costumes.

Its best ideas may be borrowed, and it tends to repeat itself fairly regularly, but Beenox's latest is still a generous and witty button-basher. Shattered Dimensions isn't going to be cropping up on any Game of the Year lists, I'm guessing, but it's nice to see Spidey's caretakers finally showing a bit of ambition. Any true believers left out there can file this one under "pleasant surprise".

7 / 10

Spider-man: Shattered Dimensions is out from 10th September for DS, PC, PS3, Wii and Xbox 360.

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Picture of Christian.

About Christian Donlan

Chris Donlan writes about games for Eurogamer and some magazines. His heroes include Eugene Jarvis, Errol Morris, and Linus Van Pelt.

Read more articles from Christian by visiting the Christian Donlan archive page.

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Comments (44) Latest comment 1 year ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • elvenscroll #1 1 year ago

    Nice. Now for shopto to actually send it...

  • Yuroko #2 1 year ago

    Here's the obligatory so this is better than Mafia 2 comment.

  • brseg #3 1 year ago

    Sounds like a bit too much button-mashing for me. And, 'cramped environments', I'll pass.

  • PoundHound #4 1 year ago

    I wasn't even remotely interested in this until a couple of days ago when I heard it was linear. I'm popping out to the shops as soon as i type this to get it. I'm actually quite looking forward to it.
    Edited by 1 at 08/09/10 @ 13:12

  • schnide #5 1 year ago

    Jokes about scoliosis? Can we look forward to the next review which features a joke about multiple sclerosis in future if perhaps a character stops responding? Hilarious stuff!

    I suffered very mildy from scoliosis as a teenager and it's fine now, so I'm not personally heartbroken by the reference but this just doesn't seem like it's something to make fun of for people who genuinely have a massive curvature of their spine.

    Otherwise, a good review.

  • Silent-Hal #6 1 year ago

    Better than I was expecting really. Honestly it'll feel strange to play a new Spider-Man game that isn't open world.

  • MiniAmin #7 1 year ago

    This is an intensely linear game and most of the time, in cramped environments,

    This is a shame. Much of the joy of the sandbox Spiderman games was how fun it was to simply swing around the city.

  • bad09 #8 1 year ago

    I'm confused is this on PC or not? A lot of places seem to think it is but I can't see any hard proof?

    EDIT - ooh scratch that the GFW logo is now on the official site. Sweet I quite fancy some spidey action, missed Web Of Shadows. When's it out though?
    Edited by 1 at 08/09/10 @ 13:23

  • Vitor #9 1 year ago

    @bad 09

    That's because it's an activision joint - it was near impossible to find a retail release of Transformers and various other PC versions of multiplatform games for me and this looks to be attempting to sustain that tradition. Same thing happened with Split/Second, despite that being Disney published - no wonder everyone claims PC gaming is dying when it's near impossible to find PC copies of games on shelves, not for lack of demand, but for lack of publisher interest apparently.

  • Omroth #10 1 year ago

    Oh no, you're not allowed to make a joke about anything which causes any human pain!

    ...

    Oh wait, there's nothing we can joke about.

  • reelbigkris #11 1 year ago

    Have not yet read the review but this remidns me of the newest animated turtles movie (not been aired in the UK yet). Look at this trailer!

    <a href="http://www .youtube.com/watch?v=64K4nNctCHk
    ">http://www .youtube.com/watch?v=64K4nNctCHk
    </a>

    Edit: I really would like to play a Demo for this, I'm concerned because this is not a free roam game. If spiderman 1 and spiderman: friends or foe have reminded me... Spidey needs to have some space! Is there any news on a demo coming out then?
    Edited by 1 at 08/09/10 @ 13:36

  • bad09 #12 1 year ago

    @ Vitor

    Yeah can't find it anywhere???

    Acti are stupid sods, did a deal with D2D on having Blur and Transformers before Steam to, who the hell wants to pay more for shoddy D2D???

  • Haloboy #13 1 year ago

    Ah right. I thought the PC version had been shattered into an unreleased platform dimension. Looks like I was wrong, yay!

  • ryandsimmons #14 1 year ago

    "Oh no, you're not allowed to make a joke about anything which causes any human pain!

    ...

    Oh wait, there's nothing we can joke about. "

    Theres a slight middle that you have excluded there.

    I'm debating whether I should make a joke about you missing it.

  • muscleblade #15 1 year ago

    I really want this but with Reach around the corner i must wait.

    The linearity is a plus for me.
    Edited by 1 at 08/09/10 @ 13:47

  • drumbaby #16 1 year ago

    I'm sure my oldest son will think this is the best thing ever, whatever the reviews. Nice it scored quite highly though!

  • Zebula77 #17 1 year ago

    Will definitely be picking this up somewhere down the line, but not full price. I love Spidey, but I'm still waiting for something to eclipse Spider-Man 2, which I loved to death. :)

  • sonicyoda #18 1 year ago

    It's a purchase. Spidey just pushes all the right buttons for me.

  • Haloboy #19 1 year ago

    Web of Shadows was great I thought. When I was beavering away playing Prototype my 12 year old son felt rather left out due to all the graphic violence. And so I bought Shadows and we played through it together as it's quite close to being a sort of Prototype for youngsters if you will.

    I know I have to buy Dimensions though, it having Deadpool in it is just the icing on the cake. Yessieree.

  • hello_fi #20 1 year ago

    I suffered very mildy from scoliosis as a teenager and it's fine now, so I'm not personally heartbroken by the reference but this just doesn't seem like it's something to make fun of for people who genuinely have a massive curvature of their spine.

    Tough times. Did you have to wear a humongous metal back brace? Did the doctor who gave you the back brace call it the "Chick Magnet"? Did he say "The name's ironic of course, no girl wants a piece of that!"?

  • sonicyoda #21 1 year ago

    @Haloboy!

    You like Fuel and Spider-Man?!? I'm glad you added me as a friend :)

  • GeeMacca #22 1 year ago

    Can't wait! My copy was sent this morning so hopefully be playing tomorrow!

  • FreakyZoid #23 1 year ago

    Who's it developed by? I don't think you mentioned.

  • Nightbite #24 1 year ago

    This is excellent, and a marked improvement over the last 2 games - I was worried it was going level-based at first, especially when all the previews gave the impression the levels are either in train yards or a jungle (they aren't). The combat looks slick, the graphics are great and the use of lots of clever references to the different comic lines. However, there isnt anything particularly original here. I will say one thing that will convince any spidey fan though - 3 additional costumes to unlock, per dimension - thats right, 16 costumes in the whole game - that beats even the PSOne game where you could go "Cosmic Spidey"

  • schnide #25 1 year ago

    @hello_fi

    Ha ha ha! No I didn't, I had to have a electrode machine attached to my back for most of the day to relieve the pain from it.

    Fortunately after seeing a private specialist and then a chiropractor I'm able to forget fifteen years later that it ever happened, but I was more thinking of the people who weren't so lucky and live every day in constant pain and disfigurement.

  • levitate #26 1 year ago

    I think I'll pass on this. The game backlog is big as it is already without me cluttering it with spidey goo.

  • darc #27 1 year ago

    Strictly single-player?

  • viper_h #28 1 year ago

    @Muscleblade LOL you said reacharound.

  • CaptainQuint #29 1 year ago

    Once again, my subscription to LOVEFiLM is extended by another month, in the nick of time.

  • thepiedpiper #30 1 year ago

    not much sandbox stuff in this game? sounds to me like it should probably get marked down for that!

  • Gearskin #31 1 year ago

    Glad I ordered this now. Looking forward to it

  • Jonathan_Fakenham #32 1 year ago

    This years Arkham Asylum will be Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, I'm hoping.. I sorta had my eye on this though, but meh, perhaps when it's cheap..

  • Gearskin #33 1 year ago

    @Thought_Criminal

    If the result is a better game then what's the problem.

  • PoundHound #34 1 year ago

    Well, I played for around 2.5 - 3 hours tonight. I have to say, I think the scores I've seen so far are a little generous. For me there are two issues so far, which are not major, but certainly irksome - terrible camara while wall climbing, and an unpredictable swing mechanic. I'm not pulling my hair out yet, but as the game goes on I can see myself seriously flipping out.

    On the plus side, there's lots to do - loads of challanges and collectables, and it seems that there may well be plenty of replay value. I already want to do the first two missions again, but also feel the need to push on through the game.

    Fun but flawed.

  • p00ntang #35 1 year ago

    Web of Shadows was great to just swing around the city and get the collectibles. More fun than the story anyhow..

  • guernican #36 1 year ago

    "not major, but certainly irksome - terrible camara while wall climbing,"

    I know. And he can't commentate for toffee either.

  • muscleblade #37 1 year ago

    @Haloboy!

    You have a 12 year old son? Your name should be Haloman!

  • Skandalle #38 1 year ago

    Worth a shout! Think this will cure my hunger for being a super hero til Arkham2.

  • ruslan74 #39 1 year ago

    Worth a couple of days to invest into this I guess before any of the serious games arrive from next week onwards.

  • Nithron #40 1 year ago

    I never really noticed before, but Spidey 2099 looks kinda like he stole his mask from a mexican wrestler

  • CrispyXUK64 #41 1 year ago

    Rated 16? lol

  • Whitster #42 1 year ago

    @ Hello_Fi

    I gave you a + for the American Dad reference even if no-one else did.

    I wish they'd been a bit more inventive than using the Amazing and Ultimate universes as they are quite similar in setting and abilities, they should have kept with the differing time periods of Noir and 2099 and used the 1602 Petra Parqah version.

    Also Spidey 2099 based his costume on a Day of the Dead outfit as he is actually Mexican by heritage.
    Edited by 1 at 10/09/10 @ 13:00

  • Nithron #43 1 year ago

    Haha well, crap. Don't I feel stupid?

  • byakuya83 #44 1 year ago

    christian, this is a very accurate and fair assessment. having just finished it i agree with all that's been said. it's worth noting that 2099 features free-fall sections although these are quite forgettable, apart from the infuriating final showdown. the visuals and overall presentation really do stand out in terms of quality.