Spider-Man 3 might have missed the PSP for the initial launch barrage, but it manages to fit surprisingly well in the palms of your hands thanks to the DS release. By taking the action of its bigger brother systems and shrinking it into a tiny cartridge, the game is an interesting mix of old school sensibilities and new technology. Thankfully, and completely unlike the Wii version, the results are remarkably good.

Do Everything a Stylus Can

Spider-Man 2 hit the DS close to the system’s launch, and while it looked great, the game suffered from an overly difficult learning curve and haphazard use of the touch screen. This time around, the stylus is a vital part of the controls. The action takes place in the top screen, but you control Spidey’s attacks and web-slinging with the stylus.

Using the stylus to attack is instantly accessible. You slash on the screen in a variety of directions to unleash an array of cool looking attacks. Double tapping shoots a web, and you can combine moves for an impressive number of combos that combine and aerial attacks with throws and webs.

The problem with this complete reliance on the touch screen, however, has to do with navigating the levels. Jumping by pressing up on the D-pad is easy enough, but learning to shoot a swing line accurately to get past hazards can be a real exercise in frustration. On the upside, the levels are easier to navigate this time around as well, thanks to spider-sense that gives you an idea where to go next.

3D 2D…

Like the other versions of the game, there’s plenty to do. There are around 20 missions, with a horde of additional races and mini-challenges as well. You’ll face off against a variety of villains from both the comics and the movies of course. The Lizard, Venom, Sandman, and more await you, in addition to a seemingly endless line of goons.

The game looks great too. The landscapes are detailed and vary quite a bit. Although the gameplay is strictly 2D, the graphics are 3D, and levels tend to twist and turn enough that they feel spacious. The audio is pretty good as well, with decent voice acting and a dramatic soundtrack to power the comic book action. Rounding the package out are several two-player competitions, which is a nice, if extraneous extra.

Swinging Action

It’s somewhat ironic that the DS version of Spider-Man 3 manages to be one of the best. Far better than the Wii iteration, this is an engaging and good looking action game with classic gameplay and innovative controls. For Spidey fans on the go, it’s good stuff.

Article by: Jason D'Aprile
Video produced by: Jonathan Solin