Activision isn't wasting anytime in polishing up the Spider-Man franchise after the rather lackluster release of the motion-picture-licensed game earlier this year. Spider-Man: Friend or Foe could easily be viewed as a quiet apology to fans, taking inspiration from the comic books instead of the movies. While we didn't go hands-on with the game, we did get a good look at what the newest Spidey game holds in store for us this fall during Comic-Con.
Spider-Man: Friend or Foe drops you into an original storyline following Spider-Man's efforts to team up with his biggest rivals. While we weren't able to garner much about the story from the single player demonstration being shown, we did get a healthy dose of action across three levels: a harrowing fight across the Tokyo skyline, a dank spelunking expedition through Nepali caverns, and a musty industrial warehouse. For the most part, the game focuses on the single player campaign, although it does offer drop-in cooperative multiplayer at any time. Additionally, a head-to-head versus mode will allow you to pit any two of the game's characters in a straightforward match.
Just under a dozen characters will be playable in the game, with Spider-Man taking the starring role. Not every character was unlocked in the demonstration, but we did get a look at Doc Ock, Green Goblin, Iron Fist, Sandman, and Venom. Other characters that should show up include Blade, Nick Fury, and Silver Sable, among others. Through the course of the campaign, you'll battle each villain who will then join you upon defeat. In future missions, you can select a villain to accompany you and either switch on-the-fly between him and Spidey or have a buddy take control directly.
As you'd expect, each character possesses unique abilities and powers. Spider-Man is capable of web shots and a web stun that immobilizes enemies in thick strands of webbing. Classic nemesis Green Goblin doesn't have access to his glider, although he can throw razor bats for an effective ranged attack. Our favorite had to be Venom who was able to jump up and execute a powerful ground pound to attack groups of foes. Venom could also grab enemies from behind and snap their backs by landing devastating punches on the spine.
Along with specific moves, every character can pull off finishing blows with a press of the B button. The style of these finishes differs among characters, but if you whittle down an enemy's health you'll be able to wipe him from the screen. Between the wealth of super powers and context-sensitive finishing moves Spider-Man: Friend or Foe promises action-based gameplay that straddles the line between simplicity and complexity.
Although we only saw the Xbox 360 version, Spider-Man: Friend or Foe will be shipping later this year on a number of other platforms. Activision did mention that the PlayStation Portable version will be one to watch since it'll pack in an exclusive level and two additional playable characters. Spidey diehards might do well to stay tuned, as the plan is for Friend or Foe to ship in early October.
