Activision’s latest invention Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions is an excellent concept that takes its premise from four derivations of Spider-Man in the expanded Marvel Universe.  Taking the Amazing Spider-Man full of the web-slinging flair and acrobatics that we all know and love and introducing him to Spider-Man 2099 set in the future and geared more towards split-second speed and free-falling action; Spider-Man Noir set in the 20s geared towards stealth and take-downs; and the Ultimate Symbiote Spider-Man that people can’t seem to get enough of who resides in an “alternate present,” is the most vicious fighter and is the most proficient when out-numbered.  The variety of play-styles makes big promises and delivers for the most part.  The four different styles flow seamlessly, offer authentic moments of fun and the learning-curve is short.  I particularly enjoyed the Noir Universe with its dark and – at times – downright disturbing feel and the Ultimate Universe had probably the most memorable villains in the game.  However, that is where the enjoyment ends and the frustration begins.  I have never disagreed so greatly with a Game Informer review, but where they whined briefly about the control mechanics, I indignantly bemoan the horribly broken system this game employs.  The target system, broken.  The camera, broken.  Too often did I find myself wasting combos on thin air leaving myself open to punishment.  Another sad, sad aspect of this game is the story.  I agree with GI when they criticize the game’s plot.  At first I did not mind – dare I say I enjoyed – the nonchalant plot but after the first few minutes I found it grating and overtly campy.  That, in addition to Madame Web’s incessant nagging (especially during boss fights) made for a frustrating experience.  I did, however, get a lot of enjoyment from the many quips and witty banter between Sipdey and his various nemeses.  Experience Points are dubbed "spider essence" and are doled out like candy for defeating enemies, breaking objects but mostly for completing a number of very specific tasks (like stay off the ground for so long, or defeat x number of enemies with a single charge attack).  The entire upgrade system is organized around these tasks which are collectively called the "Web of Destiny," players can only purchase the next tier of upgrades by completing a certain number of these tasks.  This is an interesting concept that added some level of challenge to the overall experience, but in some instances only added confusion and aggravation.  The game falls short in many ways but don't get me wrong it is in no way a hopeless endeavor, the game was not ALL bad.  I did get enough enjoyment out of the game to finish it, and the ending is vaguely worth the frustration.  The graphics were quite extra-ordinary and offer cell-shading at its best, the level designes were varied enough to make it interesting but there is no getting over the fact that the whole game is one big chase.  People who have never heard of Spider-Man Noir or 2099 will enjoy the introduction; but ultimately I might not recommend this game to anyone who was a die-hard fan of the expanded Marvel Universe (at least not without a disclaimer), as the game takes a number of liberties from Noir and 2099 for the sake of delivering a more cohesive experience.

Having said that, should Activision decide to make a sequel there is a lot of potential for them to work with.  I would definitely like to see a sequel that reworks the entire game from the ground-up.  An open-world format would be very interesting, I think.  The four spideys can exist on the same area in space but when switching between one-or-the other you would be able to see the environment morph into which ever Universe the desired Spidey inhabits.  All in all, this game has it in the concept department but falls incredibly short in delivery.  Can Activision press R2 fast enough to bounce back with a decent sequel?  Only Madame Web would know for sure, but be careful about asking her because once you get her going she does not shut up... 

YES THANK YOU I KNOW THAT I'M SUPPOSED TO THROW THE DEBRIS AT SANDMAN'S FACE...  WHAT'S THAT?  HIT MYSTERIO'S MYSTICAL ORBS?!  GEE WHAT GREAT ADVICE!!!  SHUT UP!!!