Since the masked hero’s debut in 1962 comics, Spider-Man’s journey has been nothing short of amazing across various media forms. Despite shaky adaptations, multiple versions of Peter Parker have graced us. From the 1982 Atari game to Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on PS5, the evolution is remarkable. As a dedicated Spidey fan, I’ve experienced it all. Hence, I took the time to rank all the Spider-Man games, ensuring you reach number 1, as it might be a surprising choice for some.
15. The Amazing Spider-Man
- Developer(s): Oxford Digital Enterprises
- Publisher(s): Paragon Software(NA)/ Empire Interactive(EU)
- Platform(s): Commodore 64, Atari ST, DOS, Amiga
- Released: 1990
In 1990, the debut of a platformer featured Spidey rescuing Mary Jane from Mysterio. Initially designed as an Atari-style puzzle adventure, platforming elements were later incorporated. The developers introduced web-slinging and hand-to-hand combat.
Despite its age, the game boasts a compelling plot and robust mechanics. It marked the first appearance of a fast mode in DOS, allowing for increased game speed with a superior CPU. Despite being 30 years old, the 1990 Spider-Man game laid the foundation for what we sought in a Spider-Man game.
14. Spider-Man 3
- Developer(s): Beenox, Blizzard Albany, Treyarch
- Publisher(s): Activision
- Platform(s): PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, XBOX, Microsoft Windows
- Released: 2007
Building on the dark tone of the Spider-Man movie trilogy, Spider-Man 3 (2007) aimed to deliver a new webslinging experience. After a decade of refining web mechanics, Activision believed they had mastered it.
Regrettably, the game suffered from numerous bugs and visual glitches, making it somewhat unbearable. The plot closely followed the movie’s 3rd edition storyline with minimal adjustments. While Spider-Man 3 earns credit for introducing the symbiote suit, its position is lowered due to missed opportunities for improvement.
13. Spider-Man vs. The Kingpin
- Developer(s): Technopop, Sega
- Publisher(s): Acclaim Entertainment, Sega, Tectoy
- Platform(s): Sega Genesis, Sega Mark III, Game Gear
- Released: 1991
What surpasses the original game? A superior sequel. This was precisely Sega and Technopop’s approach when launching a Spider-Man game just a year after the 1990 creation. This installment introduced the spidey sense and the first-time experience of swinging across acid fields.
Following the plot of Spiderman vs Kingpin, the story lacked depth, with gameplay lasting from 30 minutes to an hour. Despite its limitations, the game made an earnest attempt to bring Sega combat-style platformers into the superhero realm. If you have a penchant for the retro feel, you might enjoy the game. However, not being a big fan myself, I placed it in the 13th position.
12. Spider-Man Unlimited
- Developer(s): Gameloft
- Publisher(s): Gameloft
- Platform(s): iOS, Android, BlackBerry, Windows Phone
- Released: 2014
“The game you can not play anymore” serves as the tagline for Spider-Man Unlimited. This endless runner rendition of Peter Parker depicts him navigating the streets of New York City, engaging in battles with various foes. Despite its simplicity and genre as a runner, the game boasts a compelling plot.
Players can execute all Spidey actions, incorporating the Spider-Man 2 Super Slingshot mechanic. The standout feature of this unlimited edition is Spider-Man’s ability to run indefinitely. With its straightforward approach and visually appealing design, Spider-Man Unlimited secures the 12th spot on our best game list.
11. Ultimate Spider-Man
- Developer(s): Treyarch Corporation
- Publisher(s): Activision
- Platform(s): PS2, Xbox (Original), GameCube, PC, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS
- Released: 2005
Ultimate Spider-Man introduced a fresh take on open-world exploration through its comic adaptation storyline. While not the inaugural opportunity to play as Venom, this game allowed players to consume people as Venom, serving as a primary character—albeit for health regeneration.
The gameplay falls short in terms of combat and technical aspects. The game’s proximity to the top 10 in this best Spider-Man games list is primarily attributed to the outstanding storyline crafted by Brian Michael Bendis.
10. Spider-Man
- Developer(s): Neversoft, Blizzard Albany, Gray Matter Studios, LTI Gray Matter, Treyarch, Edge of Reality
- Publisher(s): Activision
- Platform(s): PS1, N64, Dreamcast, PC, Game Boy Color
- Released: 2000
Breaking into the top 10 is the game that laid the foundation for 3D Spider-Man games. Spider-Man 2000 delighted gamers with its exceptional fighting sequences and challenging bosses. The well-executed cameos and character progressions added to the overall appeal.
Despite its strengths, the gameplay suffered from a lack of depth in action, primarily due to repetitive combat actions. An often underrated aspect was the stellar voice acting, perfectly complemented by the background scores. With these considerations, it secures the 10th position on the list.
9. Spider-Man and Venom: Maximum Carnage
- Developer(s): Software Creations
- Publisher(s): Acclaim Entertainment
- Platform(s): Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Genesis
- Released: 1994
A classic from 1994 with impressive gameplay mechanics, Spider-Man and Venom: Maximum Carnage secures its place on the list. The game navigates players through various city sections, offering an outstanding combat experience. Despite its age, this game, spanning almost two decades, encompasses a diverse range of combat styles in its fighting sequences.
Players can web-sling, kick, grab, and throw enemies around. Notably, Maximum Carnage marks the first time players could take on the role of Venom. Overall, this Spider-Man entry stands out as an excellent game from the 2D era, accompanied by an amazing background track.
8. The Amazing Spider-Man
- Developer(s): Beenox
- Publisher(s): Activision
- Platform(s): PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, Wii U, PC, Vita, Nintendo DS, 3DS, Mobile
- Released: 2012
For aficionados of cinematic gaming experiences, The Amazing Spider-Man 2012 offers captivating combat and chase sequences. The graphics, typical of a 2010s game, are commendable. Despite these strengths, what keeps the game from breaking into the top 5?
Notably, the movements in standard fights appear glitchy and feel somewhat constrained. Additionally, the storyline falls short of the expectations typically associated with Spider-Man games. However, the game’s cinematic flair, accompanied by stellar music, renders it exceptionally underrated and a favorite among fans. My personal soft spot for it earns it the 8th position.
7. Spider-Man: Web of Shadows
Developer(s): Treyarch
Publisher(s): Activision
Platform(s): PS2, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, PC, PSP, Nintendo DS
Released: 2008
Activision delivered an instant hit in 2008 with Spider-Man: Web of Shadows, and three factors contribute to its lasting appeal. Firstly, the game boasts a deep and emotionally engaging plot, prominently featuring Spidey and Venom. Secondly, the inclusion of cameos from characters like Luke Cage, Moon Knight, and Wolverine, who are outside the Spider-Man universe, provided a fresh and enjoyable element.
The third critical aspect that makes this game stand out is its excellent camera controls and abundance of combat sequences. Together, these elements ensure that Spider-Man: Web of Shadows remains a unique and remarkable entry in the Spider-Man gaming universe.
6. Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions
- Developer(s): Beenox
- Publisher(s): Activision
- Platform(s): PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, PC
- Released: 2010
Before 2010, Spider-Man fans were limited to controlling either Spidey or Venom. However, Beenox changed the game with this gem. Shattered Dimensions introduced the option to choose one of the four Spider-Men from the list.
The most exciting aspect was that each Spider-Man came with their unique set of skills, making the game dynamic and engaging as gameplay styles changed. The inclusion of Ultimate Spider-Man, Amazing Spider-Man, Spider-Man Noir, and Spider-Man 2099 provided a refreshing shift in gameplay direction. This feature ensures players never get bored, making Shattered Dimensions a standout in the Spider-Man gaming lineup.
5. Spider-Man: The Movie
- Developer(s): Treyarch, Digital Eclipse, Gray Matter Studios, LTI Gray Matter, Backbone Entertainment
- Publisher(s): Activision, Capcom
- Platform(s): PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox, Game Boy Advance, Microsoft Windows
- Released: 2002
In 2002, Activision embarked on adapting movie storylines into games, giving birth to Spider-Man: The Movie. The game allowed players to explore the city by swinging on their web, introducing the 3D version with a camera control system for the first time.
The webslinging experience alone elevated this game above its predecessors. While the action part appeared somewhat clunky and the graphics slightly choppy, these issues were addressed in the sequel. Nevertheless, Spider-Man: The Movie secures a position in the top 5 of our best Spider-Man games list.
4. Spider-Man: Mile Morales
- Developer(s): Insomniac Games
- Publisher(s): Sony
- Platform(s): PS5, PS4, PC
- Released: 2020
Spider-Man: Miles Morales felt more like a DLC than a standalone game, considering it followed the hyper-detailed 2018 Marvel’s Spider-Man. Insomniac aimed to showcase Miles Morales in his own spin on the game, retaining the gameplay, visuals, and storyline from the 2018 edition. However, the game did introduce new combat styles and powers.
Despite attempting to provide a solo experience for Miles Morales, it falls short of creating something truly exceptional. The absence of gadgets used by Peter in the 2018 edition leaves a void. Nevertheless, Miles Morales sets the right direction for the Marvel franchise and comes remarkably close to it.
3. Spider-Man 2: The Movie
- Developer(s): Treyarch
- Publisher(s): Activision
- Platform(s): DS, GBA, GameCube, PC, PS2, PSP, and Xbox
- Released: 2004
Regarded by many fans as the best Spider-Man storyline in game adaptation, Spider-Man 2: The Movie claims the third spot in our best games list. Following the storyline of the movie version, which is also acclaimed as the best Spider-Man movie to date, it maintains its esteemed status.
The game lives up to expectations in terms of gameplay and mechanics, boasting almost zero bugs or glitches and near picture-perfect combat. If not for slightly better graphics, it could have secured the top position. Released around 2004, the fact that it still meets all the criteria makes it a must-try game. A standout feature is the pizza delivery minigame, reminiscent of those old days. If Spider-Man 2 had the polish of Insomniac games, it might have surpassed even newer titles.
2. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
- Developer(s): Insomniac Games
- Publisher(s): Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Platform(s): PS5
- Released: 2023
In the realm of sequels, Marvel has a reputation for delivering promising content, and they continued this trend after the success of Spider-Man (2018) and Spider-Man: Miles Morales (2020). Spider-Man 2 arrived at a time when expectations were high, introducing new characters, skills, and gadgets that added to the overall appeal.
Visually and in terms of combat, the new game arguably looks better. However, Spider-Man’s strength has always been its deep and emotional storylines, and this is where Spider-Man 2 falls short. The game doesn’t offer anything groundbreaking compared to its predecessor, and the storyline, while based on a particular character, becomes chaotic with a similar gameplay feel.
The ending feels rushed and filled with plot holes, and the time required for story completion seems insufficient when considering the price. Despite being a solid sequel to previous games, Spider-Man 2 doesn’t quite earn the top spot in my ranking.
1. Marvel’s Spider-Man
- Developer(s): Insomniac Games
- Publisher(s): Sony
- Platform(s): PS5, PS4, PC
- Released: 2018
The revolution began with Insomniac creating an experience that immerses players into the role of the main character. Marvel’s Spider-Man, a game that instantly became a community favorite, raised the bar by offering an experience comparable to the movies or animations of the web-slinger.
This game allows players to traverse the entire city, encounter various characters from the comics, and engage in a multitude of activities. The introduction of gadgets and a skill tree injected new life into the Spider-Man universe, providing a level of depth previously unseen.
The standout feature, however, lies in the plot progression. Witnessing the transformation of Doctor Octopus from a friendly professor to the leader of the Sinister Six is a deeply satisfying experience. The engaging plot, combined with the character arcs of MJ and Miles, adds to the game’s replay value. Marvel’s Spider-Man is a seamlessly polished masterpiece, making it the perfect Spider-Man game and deserving of the numero uno position on this list.
And there you have it – all the Spider-Man games ranked in my favorite order. Do you agree with placing the 2018 Spider-Man in the top spot? Share your thoughts and join the discussion in the comments below!