Although Spider-Man: Web of Shadows shares several aspects with earlier Spider-Man games, there are significant distinctions, including, for example, no movie link.
In the beginning, a flashback shows how a fight with Venom causes a symbiote to connect to Spider-Man, giving him increased power. Spider-Man then meets Luke Cage, who assists him in training to battle the city gangs. Spider-Man is ambushed by residents controlled by a symbiote while attempting to defend several gang leaders from assassins. As it spreads and bonds to innocent citizens, the symbiote material terrorizes the metropolis. Spider-Man embarks on a mission to save New York City.
As he swings over and between buildings with fantastic speed and agility, he watches the plague sweeping the streets below. Don’t worry about falling from skyscrapers because Spider-Man appears to be unaffected. Spider-Man can punch and conquer when under attack by pressing the X button. The player may simply switch between outfits, allowing him to combat evil enemies as either the red Spidey using his web or the black Spidey using the symbiote’s tentacles. Other devastating combination attacks are unaffected by suit color. Choosing one suit color over another is more of a personal preference for each fight and has no bearing on the game’s outcome. During the game, however, the player will be compelled to make judgments morally equivalent to Spider-Man’s red outfit or black suit. The choices at these points will lead to varied endings depending on the courses pursued. Points are acquired as he battles crime and advances, which allows him to improve his moves and actions.
