GENRE
	Action
	DEVELOPER
	A2M
	PUBLISHER
	Activision
	LOCAL WIRELESS MULTI-PLAY
	Yes
	Wi-Fi/GLOBAL ONLINE MULTI-PLAY
	No
	MICROPHONE
	No
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Spider-Man returns for the second time this year on Nintendo DS. Spider-Man: Friend or Foe teams the webslinger with a collection of his greatest enemies, mainly those he defeated throughout the past three movies. Gamers not only have the ability to use Spider-Man’s trademark webshooters, but also can battle with Doc Ock’s metallic appendages or Green Goblin’s pumpkin bombs. The idea is solid, yet the execution fails because of unoriginality and a repetitive game design.

visuals

The game starts with an impressive FMV that ignites the story and leaves the gamer excited to dive into the title. However, for the rest of the game the developers decided to use generic storyboard images, which is disappointing. While the visual style is clean and rather crisp for a 3D title on DS, the artwork is bland and uninspired. The story takes Spider-Man across the globe, from Paris to Tokyo, yet gamers will have no idea from the levels. These backgrounds should give players the chance to sling across the Eiffel Tower or fight on the neon-lit streets of Japan. Instead, gamers will be more aware that they are battling through another generic snow level or lava level, with no details in sight.

Character animations are also limited and stiff, even with Spider-Man who hunches over more like Wolverine. He basically has no more than five animations, with kicking and punching being the used most. Enemies barely differ throughout the entire game, but instead use the unimaginative method of changing color schemes and differing sizes.

audio

The audio in Friend or Foe is definitely the highlight. While the background music on each level continue the repetition trend, the sound effects make it truly sound like Venom is releasing his anger onto his enemies. Additionally, the title contains great voice-overs for each character, with Spider-Man throwing around sarcastic quips and Black Cat’s sex appeal oozing through her tone of voice. These voice-overs definitely make it easier for players to be somewhat entertained with the story, even though it is a bit convoluted for a game aimed at a younger audience.

gameplay

Spider-Man games are exciting because players have the opportunity to sling through the air and use acrobatic maneuvers to take down baddies. This title completely takes these abilities away and leaves players to punch and kick their way through levels. Gamers may be worried that their X (punching) and Y (kicking) buttons are broken after playing because of the overemphasis of these attacks. The B button will allow for players to leap into the air and a double tap slings Spider-Man forward with his webshooters (only once). The A button controls the special abilities of each character, such as Green Goblin’s pumpkin bombs. In addition, each character has a couple of special powers to interchange, which is done with the left shoulder button.

The main gameplay mechanic of this title is taking control of Spider-Man’s famous foes. While the strategy and method of play should drastically change with each foe, players will find themselves again smashing the punch and kick buttons. This is a huge letdown, especially considering the variety of battle styles among Spider-Man’s adversaries. For instance, Green Goblin does not have his trademark glider, which is a travesty. Sandman’s most devastating special ability is a sand tornado, which is just another variation of each character’s radius attack.

Additionally, the level designs become redundant after the second stage. Basically, players will battle a few baddies in a square room, search for a specific device that contains a mini-game, and repeat. For example, an early level will have players fighting through a parking garage to find numerous security devices, which contain a stylus-tapping mini-game. These mini-games provide minor enjoyment and can be very frustrating. While the bland backgrounds may change, the level design will not.

multiplayer

Players can link up with others in multi-card play to battle throughout the story mode. This should help players who have this option, because your A.I. teammate sometimes stands idle while enemies pound you. However, it will be difficult to find someone who owns a second copy, and even so, this will only give you someone else with which to enjoy the redundant misery.

overall

Friend or Foe attempts to give players their ultimate fantasy of controlling the legendary webslinger and his infamous villains. However, redundant gameplay and level design are hidden behind a solid presentation with great voice-work and clean graphics. Players will not be challenged, as dying is almost impossible and enemies fail to provide any form of strategy. Unless this title is meant as a present for a young Spider-Man fanatic, websling your way to another title this holiday season.

3.9/10