Spider-Man: Edge of Time

If you've ever delved into the world of Spider-Man games, you will be well aware that they are very hit or miss. Marvel as an organization generally has a pretty poor track record transforming their franchises into playable games. Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions was one of those rare occasions where a decent game was produced. Naturally, they've commissioned a spiritual successor in Spider-Man: Edge of Time.

The game itself does not follow too much from the previous narrative or feature the same characters. It does attempt to build on the gameplay and mechanics that made Shattered Dimensions so successful. Could Marvel do the impossible and deliver two decent Spider-Man games in a row? Let's find out.

Living on the Edge of Time

So what's happening on the Edge of Time? This Spider-Man game takes a dive into a futuristic narrative where not one - but two Spider-Men serve as the protagonists. One Spider-Man from the future of 2099 is a playable character and a Spider-Man one in the present. The scene is set one present Spider-Man - Peter Parker is killed by Anti-Venom. Only to be revived in an alternate timeline where futuristic Spider-Man Miguel O'Hara comes back investigating the evil ambitions of antagonist Walker Sloan. Did you follow all that? No? Well, buckle-in - the game doesn't make it any easier to follow. In stark contrast to Shattered Dimensions - Spider-Man: Edge of Time gets very little right in the narrative, gameplay, and overall entertainment. Gone are the intriguing characters, the varied mechanics, and an easy-to-follow story.

The pretty looking environments and well-rendered models serve as assets to climb, grapple, swing, and do all the things a Spider-Man does. Both combat and obstacles become monotonous very quickly, however. Enemies are the same, puzzles don't vary too much, and you'll find yourself free-falling more than Tom Petty. The futuristic setting could lead to a potentially strong output - but the issue is the confusing storyline really challenges gameplay execution without it becoming muddled. The simple approach of smash and grab was undertaken to be safe.

What's Done Can Be Undone

What Shattered Dimensions got right has seemingly been undone in Spider-Man: Edge of Time. What we have is a lot of focus on good looking visuals and seamless animations. But does not present anything enticing or rewarding in terms of gameplay.

The whole 6 to 7-hour campaign will be spent just slugging through enemies and facing some very uninspired boss fights with the same set of skills.

Pros

• Good looking models and environments
• The voice acting is a fantastic element of engagement

Cons

• Confusing storyline
• Monotonous gameplay
• Combat and puzzles never change much