Spider-Man is regarded as one of Marvel's premiere superheroes. The character has stayed relevant ever since his 1962 debut and has been handled by many writers and artists over the years. Not only that, but the character has appeared in a variety of media, including films and a stage show. However, some of Spider-Man's most accessible media appearances happened in the gaming industry. While some of the hero's games are quite amazing, others fall flat.
Which are the best Spider-Man games that made the Web-Slinger soar high? Which games made fans cry? The best games will be judged based on the highest scores possible, while the bad games will focus on the worst versions according to Metacritic.
An honorable mention goes to the Spider-Man 2 movie game, which was influential to many web-swinging titles that came after it. Prepare for some surprises.
10 Best: Spider-Man: Mysterio's Menace (GBA) – 84%
One of the best Spider-Man games is also one of the few that is on a portable system. Spider-Man: Mysterio's Menace acts as a follow-up to the classic Spider-Man game and its sequel, Spider-Man 2: Enter Electro, from the early 2000s. Mysterio's Menace takes place just a few months after Enter Electro.
The gameplay consists of a series of stages, seven in total, with each one featuring a boss at the end. The game is able to utilize all of Spider-Man's unique capabilities on a small screen in a way that was generally favorable to fans and critics alike.
9 Worst: Spider-Man: Web Of Shadows (PC) - 52%
Spider-Man: Web Of Shadows is an interesting game. Being one of the darker titles that the wallcrawler is a part of, players are able to control Spider-Man in two different types of gameplay. One where he is in his classic suit and the other in his symbiote suit.
However, the PC version of the game didn't receive as well of a critical reception as Web of Shadows' other versions. With some arguing that the port was sloppy technically on top of being a dull game overall.
8 Best: Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales (PS5) – 85%
The most recent Spider-Man entry to date, Miles Morales is also a rare example of a game that doesn't have Peter Parker as the main character. Instead, the reins are handled by his partner and successor, Miles Morales.
Featuring all of the gameplay from Marvel's Spider-Man, while also improving on some aspects, players get to experience Miles Morales under the lens of its young titular Web-Swinger. The game was overall liked by critics.
7 Worst: Spider-Man: Edge Of Time (DS & 3DS) – 50%
The title that came after Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions, Spider-Man: Edge Of Time was a disappointing game for many Marvel fans and critics alike. However, although the console versions of the game were fairly dull and the story was short, they weren't as bad as the portable versions.
For the 3DS iteration, the criticisms lie towards the poor level designs and awful gameplay. While the DS version was criticized for its simplistic design and terrible story.
6 Best: Ultimate Spider-Man: Total Mayhem (iOS) – 85%
Ultimate Spider-Man: Total Mayhem is the only mobile game to make the cut and with good reason. Containing over twenty combos for the character, players are able to control the Amazing Spider-Man as he goes through platforming and quick-time events.
The speed and vibrancy of Total Mayhem helped win over many critics. The game's addicting nature really helped catapult it into one of the best titles the character has ever been in.
5 Worst: Spider-Man 3 (PS2) - 50%
Similar to how Spider-Man 3 the movie wasn't as well-received as the previous film, its game is nowhere near as good as its critically acclaimed brother. Spider-Man 3 was heavily criticized for its poor game textures and bland models.
Not only that, but the game's story was also quite bland with uninteresting mission structures and poor sound quality. Overall, an incredibly boring experience for both critics and fans alike.
4 Best: Marvel's Spider-Man (PS4) – 87%
One of the most recent Spider-Man games to come out is also regarded by many as one of the most quintessential experiences. Marvel's Spider-Man takes everything that fans know and love about the character and revamps him in a way that is perfect for the modern-day.
With refined controls, strong graphics, cool suits, and an absolutely gripping story, this is a Spider-Man game that made many fans clamor for more. Such as new villains.
3 Worst: The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (Xbox One) – 46%
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is a movie-adaptation game that generally follows a different plot from the film. Taking place two years after the ending of the initial game, Spider-Man has to deal with numerous villains from his comic rogues' gallery as he web-swings all across the city.
The game was heavily criticized for its story and graphics, as it had a lot of issues such as ugly textures and poor lighting. Meanwhile, the gameplay and presentation left audiences heavily disappointed due to everything feeling rushed. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 was the last game before Insomniac took over.
2 Best: Spider-Man (PS1) – 87%
Spider-Man for the PS1 is a game that is utterly legendary amongst the fanbase. Alongside great games like Spider-Man 2, the PS1's Spider-Man is often claimed by some to be one of the best games the character has ever been in.
As the player controls Spidey across multiple levels, Spider-Man attempts to figure out who framed him and slandered his good name. All of this while foiling a symbiote plot. This game influenced many future Spider-Man games to come and spawned multiple sequels.
1 Worst: Spider-Man 2 (PC) - 42%
Spider-Man 2 for the consoles is often regarded as one of the hero's greatest games. Not only that but it tends to also be regarded as one of the best superhero games period, influencing future titles like Marvel's Spider-Man.
This is why it is so fascinating that Spider-Man 2 for the PC is so critically panned. Unlike the revolutionary gameplay of its more successive brother, the PC version of Spider-Man 2 is riddled with awful controls and has some of the dullest gameplay out of all of the Spider-Man games.