Video games and comic books were my genesis, so it's easy for me to say that Spider-Man is one of my favorite superheroes of all time (Batman being the other but that's another discussion for another time). And with that being said, Spider-Man: Edge of Time is the latest game by Activision-owned developer Beenox. The story, as well as dialogue, is written by the very talented, comic book writer, Peter David (X-Factor, Incredible Hulk, Young Justice and Fallen Angel amongst others) so the story of Edge of Time is very fitting of a Marvel Comic.

The game begins with Peter Parker/Spider-man battling Anti-Venom (Eddie Brock, the former and first Venom) who suddenly kills him. Rewinding back to the starting of the event, in the year 2099. Miguel O'Hara/Spider-Man 2099 investigates the Alchemax scientist Walker Sloan. While spying on him, Miguel discovers Sloan's planning to travel back in time and found Alchemax in the past years before it was originally established. Miguel arrives just as Sloan enters his Gateway, but jumps through the portal too late to stop him. Trapped between the timeline, Miguel sees visions of the original Spider-man being killed by Anti-Venom as history alters around him.

gameplay

This is the second Spider-Man produced by Beenox (the first, Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions). Edge of Time is very similar to the gameplay in Shattered Dimensions, upgrades are available for both Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2099. Upgrades are bought with XP, which can be earned by completing mini-challenges such as defeating 30 enemies in two minutes. Including the traditional Spider-Sense, each Spider-Man has their own exclusive new ability. Spider-Man—Peter Parker—for example, features a “hyper-sense” mode, which allows him to move quickly, pulverizing enemies while dodging attacks. On the flip side, Spider-Man 2099 can create a fake simulation of himself to divert an enemy, to either attack without them noticing or moving to another area, unharmed.

The gameplay of Edge of Time also features a new “cause-and-effect” system where one Spider-Man's actions will affect the other and vice versa. For example, early in the campaign Spider-Man/Peter Parker must race against a clock to prevent a prototype robot from being constructed that in the future is causing Spider-Man 2099 a world of trouble. There are other instances where both Parker and O'Hara must work in conjunction with one another to change both present and future and it's points like this where the story dovetails perfectly into the gameplay. Rubber banding between two different Spider-Men creates a unique gameplay dynamic that forces one to be very versatile. One moment you're the Amazing Spider-Man web-slinging through hallways littered with armed guards. The next, your flung into the year 2099, where that era's Spider-Man is plummeting down a elevator shaft in pursuit of a runaway elevator.

The boss battles are also highly imaginative and differ from Shattered Dimensions due to Beenox doing away with the First-Person Point-of-View. From the first fight with a hulked up Anti-Venom that is equal parts terrorizing and menacing, to a very entertaining and slightly frustrating final fight that requires both Parker and O'Hara working in together, Edge of Time offers uniqueness that hinges on Spider-Man (either Parker or 2099) being a bouncing ball of kinetic fury. It is evident that the game developers have perfected Spider-Man's movements; however even with all the offensive moves that at your disposal there will be quite a few times where like Wolverine slipping into Berserker Rage, that you will revert to arcade cabinet, Street Fighter II, button mashing. This may be the par for this particular genre of game but button mashing is problematic in regards to accidentally opening a door as well as the all important: cramped thumbs.

graphics

Much like art in a comic, either servicing the story or making it unreadable, so too are the graphics of games. Edge of Time's graphics are at their peak when speaking on the cut-scene animation, for example, Anti-Venom;s menacing nature is increased by the very nature in which his eyes and mouth glow a haunting crimson. Visuals such as the former as well as the way light shimmers off of Spider-Man 2099's suit make this game worth investing your time. However, I wish the courtesy was extended to the interior of the buildings you're in. The best way to explain it is that the game's interiors look generic. There will be dozens of hallways and corridors that you will pass through and after a while none of them matter, not a one is memorable.

sound

Beenox's understanding of Spider-Man goes beyond storytelling elements and gameplay as the sound track of Edge of Time harkens to the sound and fury that one would read in one of Spider-Man's monthly titles. From the hallmark—THWIP—as Spider-Man spins his web to Peter Parker's witty banter in costume, as a comic fan, hardcore, neither or both will find themselves happily distracted by verbal interaction between the Spider-Men. Although, as much as I enjoyed the voice acting performances, Peter Parker and Miguel O'Hara's voices are eerily similar to the point of some confusion in a few places during the game.

replay value

With a comic book worthy story, varied gameplay and a challenge mode that lets you replay set pieces from the single-player campaign, Spider-Man: Edge of Time is a creditable successor to Shattered Dimensions and a game with decent Easter Eggs, amusing dialogue and unique alternative costumes, Spider-Man: Edge of Time has enough to warrant second play consideration.

bottom line

Regardless, if you're a fan of Spider-Man dating back to when Norman Osborn originally threw Gwen Stacy off the bridge, or as recently as Emo Parker dancing through the streets of New York City, you will be doing yourself a disservice by missing out on this game.

Review by: M. Quann Boyd
Posted: 12/05/2011

Gameplay:	8.0
Graphics:	8.0
Sound:	8.5
Replay Value:	8.0
Bottom Line:	8.0