If you're like me, almost all Spider-Man titles have been more or less the same: good for some laughs, and usually enough to keep me entertained for a few days, but without enough substance to keep me interested when a new game hits.

I've felt the same way about the newest addition, Activision's Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions. Though, today, we've got the first 14 minutes of gameplay from the upcoming title - and it looks convincing enough for me to give the game another swing.

There's no question that Shattered Dimensions' artistic style is cool and edgy, and the different tones for each section will offer something out of the ordinary. The villain design alone is certainly creepy. Still, for some reason, the idea of a single game split into 4 parts made me wonder how complete the final experience would feel, and the launch trailer only reinforced those suspicions.

But, today, I may be changing my story, as the first 14 minutes of Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions have appeared on YouTube.

Needless to say, the video is a must-watch:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0KBF-Wdx98

Let's break it down -

  • Stan Lee narration= Bonus.
  • Neil Patrick Harris= Double Bonus.
  • Spot-on Spider-Man humour= Triple Bonus.

The game looks awesome. The Amazing Spider-Man universe seems to perfectly match my memories of Spider-Man 2 way back on the PS2 - which was a truly special game for Spidey fans and action game fans alike. The Ultimate universe Spider-Man is cool enough, I mean really all you need to do is show the black suit and I'm in. Spider-Man 2099? I'm already hoping this is picked up for the upcoming movie reboot. Finally, Noir Spider-Man - can you say Arkham Asylum? This one section of the game alone will be worth it, if for no other reason than as an appetizer for the upcoming bat-sequel.

Spider-Man Shattered Dimensions Noir

I'm a huge fan of the Spider-Man comics, and while my affection for the character has swayed depending on who was writing, the sense of humor that Peter Parker exemplifies is unique and hard to imitate. It seems strange, going into a game, to expect for it to make me laugh, and keep me laughing, but this brief glimpse at the game has a number of great one-liners and enough wit for me to buy in - a big plus in my mind.

I can't tell you how relieved I am to have seen this video released ahead of launch, because I have been converted. The 14 minute sneak peak have taken the game from a doubtful to must-play - it's that simple. And hearing what Stan Lee had to say is just icing on the cake.

Comic book games can be hit or miss but if you weren't already convinced that Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions was worth playing when it hits Xbox 360, PS3, Wii and DS on Sept. 7th, maybe now you've changed your mind.