The basic premise is that Spidey has to defeat, and then convert -- via some sort of Scientology-level brainwashing that occurs offscreen -- his foes in order to have them team up with him to defeat a worldwide threat. Which means you can crack Sandman over the head a few times, and then he'll be a playable character soon afterwards. So if you've been itching to play as Doc Ock or The Green Goblin, here's your chance.
Don't forget the "Friend" side of things either, because Spidey will be teaming up with some of them as well. In the levels they showed us, Spidey was web-slinging alongside the kung-fu-tastic Iron Fist, who looked seriously cool. We can't remember the last time Iron Fist was a major player in the comic book world, but he looks awesome in this game. His over the top kung-fu kicks and punches got some chuckles. There are over 13 sidekicks in all, most of whom we didn't get to see, so you can mix and match on your own.
Since it's friend or foe, two-player action (both vs. and co-op) make this fun for duos. A friend can hop in or out of your game at any time, and you can pummel each other through a variety of head-to-head maps as well. When playing together, you can pull off combos with your partner ... which means you and Venom might find yourselves in a bear hug, spinning around, kicking enemies in the face. Man, times they are a changin'.
The game has a very cartoon-quality to the graphics, and looks like something you might see in the "Marvel Adventures Spider-Man" title. The voice acting was great, and whoever they got to voice Spider-Man (it ain't Tobey Maguire, that's for sure) really nailed the voice. Spidey sounds like a teenager again, and his voice cracks and warbles while he drops corny dialogue during fistfights.
It was simple, but pure Spider-Man fun that fans of the comics and the movies, and heck, possibly even the breakfast cereal will enjoy.
