The Best Spider-Man Games That Are Not Open-World

Key Takeaways

Spider-Man games that are not open-world, like
Edge of Time
, offer unique stories and interesting gameplay mechanics.
Friend or Foe
introduces a lighthearted concept where Spider-Man teams up with friends and foes to save the world.
Shattered Dimensions
provides a fresh multiverse experience with different Spider-Man versions and captivating gameplay.

As a child of the ’90s, I can vividly remember the countless hours I spent playing Spider-Man games on various consoles. The nostalgia that these games evoke is almost palpable, and each title holds a special place in my heart.

The rights to Spider-Man, a well-known superhero character, are vast, encompassing comics, films, video games, and other forms of media. Since the end of the 90s, he has been featured in numerous video games that have seen significant advancements over time in areas such as graphics, narrative, gameplay mechanics, and overall game world design. Developers have consistently delivered exceptional new titles for fans who are always eager for more adventures starring Marvel’s top hero.

One of the most welcome additions to the Spider-Man gaming universe is the open-world mechanic, which allows players to free-roam and explore Manhattan without constraints. That said, as wonderful as open-world Spider-Man games are, there are also non-open-world titles that stand out. Here are the best Spider-Man games that are not open-world.

5 Spider-Man: Edge Of Time

Two Heroes From Different Timelines Must Fight To Save Them Both

Shocking reveal surrounding the main antagonist.
The game presents an interesting intertwined timeline concept.

In “Spider-Man: Edge of Time,” Peter Parker’s Spider-Man and Miguel O’Hara’s Spider-Man 2099 team up to prevent a catastrophic event that threatens to wipe out their timelines, including everything they hold dear. Throughout the story, they encounter numerous challenges as Alchemax scientist Walker Sloan tries to alter history by sending obstacles their way.

Although this game doesn’t offer an open-world setting, it presents a captivating narrative idea and intriguing time-travel feature where actions from one timeline can influence others. The interplay between the two versions of Spider-Man portrayed by Parker and O’Hara is fascinating and harmonizes well with the game’s design. Despite receiving mixed responses initially, it remains a strong choice compared to other Spider-Man open-world games.

4 Spider-Man: Friend Or Foe

A Lighthearted Take That Features Collaboration Between Spider-Man’s Friends And Enemies

Lighthearted game concept suitable for anyone over 10 years of age.
Spider-Man teams up with both friends and foes to defeat a greater threat.

Spider-Man: Friend or Foe offers one of the most intriguing ideas in the spectrum of the superhero’s gaming universe. A meteor, which first introduced Venom to Earth, splits into five pieces, and these fragments create dangerous beings called P.H.A.N.T.O.M.S., posing a threat to humanity. With Nick Fury by his side, Spider-Man embarks on a mission to gather allies, both friends and enemies (as suggested by the game’s title), to combat this alien peril.

In a nutshell, some people might argue that the game “Spider-Man: Friend or Foe” seems more like a humorous production than a traditional superhero storyline, but this is exactly what makes it so enjoyable. The game manages to strike a balance between offering enough action to keep things intriguing, while also allowing moments of humor to shine through. It’s worth noting that this specific title is rated for players aged 10 and above, which underscores the playful, lighter atmosphere it conveys.

3 Spider-Man (1995)

A Timeless Classic From A Simpler Time

Publisher(s): Acclaim Entertainment, LJN
Release Date: February 13, 1995
Developer(s): Acclaim Entertainment
Genre: Platformer, Adventure
Players can relive their favorite moments from the 1994 animated series.
Classic villains, like Doc Ock, make an appearance.

The SNES boasted an impressive library of fantastic games that shaped the gaming experiences of countless gamers today, among which were titles like “Super Mario World”, “Donkey Kong Country”, “Super Metroid”, and undeniably, “Spider-Man”. This particular game was inspired by the 1994 animated TV series, “Spider-Man: The Animated Series”. Players get to reenact many of the show’s episodes. Iconic adversaries such as Doctor Octopus, Green Goblin, and Venom make their presence felt, compelling Spider-Man to battle them in order to advance through the narrative.

As a web-slinging superhero myself, I’ve got to say that, despite the relatively basic storyline due to the constraints of my old-school SNES console, it’s still an action-packed blast swinging through New York and saving the city once more from the wicked clutches of villainy.

2 Spider-Man 2: Enter Electro

A PS1 Classic With Beat ‘Em Up Game Mechanics

The Best Spider-Man Games That Are Not Open-World

The game features a linear progression system that works well with the concept.
Spider-Man faces other enemies besides Electro as players advance through the story.

Spider-Man 2: The Arrival of Electro is a follow-up game for PlayStation 1, centered around everyone’s favorite web-slinger, Spider-Man. In this installment, our friendly neighborhood hero must confront the menacing Electro, who seeks to exploit an enigmatic artifact known as the Bio-Nexus for immense power. If successful, Electro will become omnipotent, becoming a villain beyond comparison, setting himself up as the world’s most formidable adversary.

As Spider-Man races against the clock to thwart Electro, he’ll encounter several other foes along the way: Shocker, Lizard, Sandman, and Hammerhead. Each adversary offers a unique and engaging hurdle for players to conquer. Unlike some games that offer open-world exploration, this one adopts a traditional, sequential level progression system.

1 Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions

A Multiverse Experience Centered Around The Web-Slinging Hero

A multidimensional concept that makes for an enticing and refreshing story.
Players get to experience fighting as different versions of Spider-Man.

In the game called “Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions”, players assume the roles of various incarnations of Spider-Man, each residing in a distinct dimension and boasting unique powers and appearances. As the story unfolds, these Spidey versions must collect scattered fragments from their respective dimensions, surmount challenges, and vanquish foes tailored to their specific realms.

Experiencing a game that blends multiple aspects and adversaries offers a delightful change, enhanced further by high-energy missions and seamless battle mechanics, which effectively replaces the need for an open world. Notably, Shattered Dimensions resonates strongly with current trends following the acclaim of the Spider-verse films.

2024-09-08 06:04