For fans of web-slinging action games, the past few years have given plenty of choices for play experiences. Even if they’ve almost all come from developer Beenox, and ranged from spectacular and refreshing to run-of-the-mill and forgettable. Peter Parker is set to challenge past titles with The Amazing Spider-Man, a tie-in game to the film of the same name. Extensive details or footage is still scarce, but the newest trailer gives players a better idea of what to expect.
It’s easy to look down on the vast catalogue of superhero tie-in games as the profit-driven enterprises that many have proven to be. But with Marvel taking more control over their cherished properties, and a rebooted Spider-Man film franchise on the horizon, The Amazing Spider-Man could be a chance to prove that the times are changing. We’re not expecting another Arkham City, but something better than Edge of Time isn’t too much to ask.
The game’s announcement trailer showed how the story would be worked into the overall plot of the film, but only brief glimpses were shown of the game itself. The new trailer doesn’t exactly show any combat moves or traversal abilities, but does provide a longer look into the presumed free-roaming open world and animations. Check it out now:
At this point a bit of skepticism is healthy when it comes to Spidey vehicles, since Beenox and Activision have proven their ability to trick fans into thinking their games will be better than they ever try to be. With only vague allusions to the new ‘Web Rush’ combat mechanic that will be changing the existing formula, the developers have yet to convince gamers that their game will be as new as the feature film.
From the first impression, The Amazing Spider-Man seems to have far more in common with previous Beenox games than the much grittier film. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it does raise questions as to how faithful a tie-in this project really is. The nighttime setting and far more adult tone of the movie’s Superbowl trailer certainly doesn’t mesh with the stark white environments (not to mention the hulking robotic enemies) of this trailer.
The developers still have plenty of time to show more of the game, so we’ll reserve judgement. What are your feelings about this trailer? Do you consider this game a movie tie-in, or just the next Spider-Man game from Beenox?
The Amazing Spider-Man releases June 26, 2012, for Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, 3DS and DS.
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