- Release Date: 1992
- Genre: Action
- Style: Side-Scrolling Platform
Game Description
The evil crime bossSpider-Man for the Game Gear is a loose adaptation of the Genesis game. Spider-Man punches, kicks, and jumps his way through a series of levels, dealing out punishment to goons and eventually defeating classic enemies like Dr. Octopus, the Lizard, and eventually
But web cartridges don't come for free. Spider-Man carries around a camera with which he can take photos of enemies and scenes. Photos of regular goons are worth a few dollars, while photos of crime bosses are worth a lot more. The money earned can be used to buy new web cartridges.
~ Kyle Knight, All Game Guide
Roots & Influences
Spider-Man for the Game Gear is an adaptation of the Genesis' Spider-Man.~ Kyle Knight, All Game Guide
Review: Overall
Spider-Man for the Game Gear is based loosely on the Genesis version -- the basic ideas from the Genesis game are mostly intact, and the stages are still somewhat recognizable. But everything else has been redone to account for the Game Gear's strengths and weaknesses. Combined with the game's premise, the new graphics and level designs make for an enjoyable, if somewhat unorthodox, action-gaming experience.The controls have been redesigned to fit the Game Gear's two-button layout, and as a result, levels have been changed accordingly. Gone is the climb-anywhere feel of the original game; instead, the portable version is a much more traditional walk-and-punch affair, with some web-slinging and wall-sticking thrown in. It may not feel as Spider-Manish as the Genesis version, but it works out well given the limitations of a portable.
The graphics and sound are decent for a Game Gear adaptation of a Genesis game. Color usage is only fair, and the characters are a little indistinct and lacking in detail. But the graphics are clean and crisp overall, keeping the small Game Gear screen free of clutter. Sound effects are decent, with some odd sounding effects for punching and web slinging.
Even though the game is action-oriented and has a linear level progression, there are some free-form elements that set Spider-Man apart. If you take too much damage and don't think you can make it to the end of the level, you can go home and heal up. But since the game has to be beaten within a certain time limit, going home eats away from your clock. Blow through your stock of web cartridges too quickly and you may have to spend some time taking photos, running home to cash them in, then returning to take more shots. The timer does give you some leeway to screw up, but the levels and bosses get comparatively difficult toward the end. Each game hour you blow doing something that doesn't involve beating up on bosses is an hour gone from the endgame, when you might need to heal up.
Overall, Spider-Man is a fairly solid platformer that benefits from having some innovative elements. It's a no-brainer for Spider-Man fans, and other gamers will enjoy the somewhat nontraditional approach it takes.
~ Kyle Knight, All Game Guide
Review: Enjoyment
An innovative and enjoyable take on the traditional action model, with a gradually increasing difficulty curve.~ Kyle Knight, All Game Guide
Review: Graphics
Clean graphics that complement the Game Gear's screen but unfortunately have no other remarkable traits.~ Kyle Knight, All Game Guide
Review: Sound
Decent sounds, with an interesting web-hooting effect.~ Kyle Knight, All Game Guide
Review: Replay Value
Even though there's no randomization, the ability to take pictures and return home makes for more replay variety replay than other games in the genre.~ Kyle Knight, All Game Guide
Review: Documentation
Average documentation.~ Kyle Knight, All Game Guide
