Joystiq impressions: Spider-Man: Friend or Foe

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.
Gallery: Spider-Man: Friend or Foe
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.










Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Andon @ Jul 13th 2007 4:32PM
I appreciated the Eddie Izzard reference.
sheppy @ Jul 13th 2007 4:38PM
We're gonna run out of cake at this rate.
Andon @ Jul 13th 2007 4:43PM
"Well we're outta' cake! We only had three bits, and we didn't expect such a rush!"
Lightguy @ Jul 13th 2007 6:53PM
"Death please. NO WAIT, CAKE!"
Exo @ Jul 13th 2007 4:39PM
Spidys voice sounds like its from the same voice actor as ratchet.
could be wrong cause there isnt many voice samples to go from from vids i have seen.
Hobone @ Jul 13th 2007 4:46PM
Psst...it's Tidus!
Exo @ Jul 13th 2007 5:08PM
Psst... yeah thats cause the guy that did tidus's voice also does ratchets voice
Crono @ Jul 13th 2007 4:44PM
"But I really wanted cake!"
"Oh all right... you're lucky I'm church of england"
max stubbs @ Jul 13th 2007 4:52PM
So my choices are or death?
Sedeas @ Jul 13th 2007 5:17PM
Wow. A full set of Kudos for the Izzard line. Joystiq, you now have my full allegiance.
Ska Oreo @ Jul 13th 2007 6:52PM
I like the graphic style though I know some prick is gonna bust in here and say: "OMG those graphics are teh suck. FAIL!!!"
baby sea tuna @ Jul 17th 2007 10:28AM
I'm pretty sure you did just that.
Dave Silva @ Jul 13th 2007 9:46PM
Iron Fist is currently undergoing a revival in the comics. He's got his own series, and he's involved in/ with The New Avengers. He recently resurfaced as Daredevil before and during the Civil War event, -and- he's helped out the new Heroes for Hire.
Danny Rand/Iron Fist and Luke Cage/Power Man DESERVE their own game.
Ghen @ Jul 14th 2007 12:00AM
I played Spiderman 3. Be GLAD it ain't that stuck up POS Tobey Maguire. He apparently forgot that acting is his job when it came time for movie shoots and game voiceovers last year.
Sean @ Jul 14th 2007 2:14AM
It's just X-Men Legends with Spider-Man!
cookie @ Jul 15th 2007 10:57AM
Well I'll have the chicken then please.
KrazyTheKlown @ Jul 20th 2007 4:24PM
Yes Thsi Game Looks Very Gay And Retarded I Will Probrably Get It And See How It IS But If Its How I Think It Is Is Gonna Be Then I Will Just Sell To Gamestop Or Somthing To Me It Just Seens Dumb And Not Very Well Thought Out