Metascore
67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 43 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 43
  2. Negative: 4 out of 43
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  1. Gorgeous graphics, solid gameplay, and a wonderful audio track make this version of Spider-man 2 a winner. This is one game that gamers deserve to see on the PSP, simply because of the “wow” factor.
  2. In some areas, the graphics rival that of the PS2 version. Spider-Man looks sharp, the cut-scenes are cool, and the environments are nicely done. In addition to looking good, the game also runs very smoothly.
  3. D-Pad camera controls are painfully slow.
  4. Better than the first PS2 Spider-Man game, but not quite as ambitious as Spider-Man 2 on consoles, this is still a rewarding and engaging game with a bit less action than I would have hoped for.
  5. Even though you can’t freely walk around in a recreated Columbia University (like the console games), Spider-Man 2 for the PSP is recommended. Be warned though: the game can be completed in around five hours (and I was taking my time).
  6. A fun adventure title that gamers will enjoy. It's a nice, straight forward game that has some good graphics and cut scenes from the movie.
  7. Cheat Code Central
    80
    It is the very first 3D Spider-Man game on a handheld system and it looks amazing. It looks even better on the PSP due to the small screen. Gone is the ape-like out of disproportionate Spider-Man from the console game sequel and in it's place is that high gloss crisp well put together model from the original.
  8. The controls are intuitive and the combat intense.
  9. While it’s nowhere as deep in terms of gameplay as its home console big brother, the PSP version of Spider-Man 2 is a pretty exciting effort.
  10. Clean up some of the camera issues, add some length, and this could have been the PSP launch title to own, but as it is, the title is worth a weekend rental.
  11. Play Magazine
    75
    Additional story elements and their accompanying stages mesh very nicely into the movie framework as well. [May 2005, p.69]
  12. Game Informer
    73
    Sticking to walls is entirely too easy and camera control on the d-pad isn't an optimal configuration. [May 2005, p.134]
  13. 70
    Clearly, this version of Spider-Man 2 looks and plays better than on Nintendo's DS. But with some control wonkiness plagued throughout the game, Spidey doesn't spin an entire web of delight.
  14. 70
    It takes a while to warm up to this Spider-Man adventure, and the problem is, it doesn't last long enough once you have come to grips with it -- we literally beat the game on one battery charge (and the PSP isn't known for being overly generous with its battery life.)
  15. 70
    It would be nice to have a longer main adventure or some mini-games or something to give the game a little bit more meat on its bones, but if you temper expectations, Spider-Man 2 delivers on its promise.
  16. 70
    The path of progression can get a little dry, despite the depth of combat. Interacting with objects in the environment and strategy-laden boss battles help spice things up, but there are also times when you may realize this isn't the most fun game in the world.
  17. 70
    Spider-Man looks great on the PSP, no doubt about it. However, the thugs he encounters along the way suffer from low polygon counts and limited animations.
  18. It is hard to get excited about the game. It certainly isn't an embarrassment, and huge Spidey fans will likely find lots to love here, but everything has a “been there, done that” aura about it.
  19. PSM Magazine
    70
    A fun game while it lasts, but it doesn't last long. [June 2005, p.84]
  20. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    70
    A thoroughly solid, if short, spin on the franchise. [June 2005, p.100]
  21. And what is it with the cut-scenes? They've roped in all the voices from the film, so why can't they make sure that the figures look better? It's a mystery even Spidey can't solve.
  22. Spider-Man 2 isn't a great game, but it's far from being poor and unworthy of your attention.
  23. 70
    We appreciate that Activision hasn't delivered just a port, and given us an entirely new adventure, but we wish it was longer and allowed for more free roaming.
  24. 70
    If you can get past the slightly annoying controls while swinging around and the short length of the game, then pick this title up.
  25. AceGamez
    70
    The essence of Spider-Man is captured well; his acrobatic skills, his amazing talent to clamber around walls and of course his dashing flights through the sprawling concrete metropolis.
  26. This isn't exactly the most overachieving action game around, but it's not a bad showcase of what the PSP can do, and it's generally entertaining for as long as it lasts.
  27. The whole experience is far too short, the gameplay’s underwhelming, and other than the rendered scenes, the graphics seldom look better than a Dreamcast game.
  28. For all the good that can be said about the game’s graphics, sound, and generally fun ride, the biggest pitfall is that this ride ends far too shortly, clocking in with a playtime of no more than 6 to 8 hours.
  29. Though the console versions had a diversion of saving innocent lives and collecting secret tokens, Spiderman 2 on the PSP seems to be nothing but a technical demonstration coupled with a mundane 3D platformer.
  30. It does feel like a trimmed down, dumbed down port of the console versions however, and that really hurts it and also makes the PSP seem inferior when it should be showing how much power is under the hood.
  31. Levels are too short; controls leave something to be desired.
  32. If it were a little longer or if it encompassed some of the traits of it's console cousins then maybe.
  33. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    63
    Spidey simultaneously fights crime and a bad camera, usually indoors in environments reminiscent of "Spider-Man 1's."[June 2005, p.109]
  34. 60
    But the adventure ends sooner than later, something that could've easily been remedied had this game not been rushed out the door.
  35. What hurts the game the most is how short the game is. Levels tend to be 2 to 5 minutes of playtime with a total of 19 levels. Doing the math, you can see how the game won't last very long. A good player will likely beat the game on normal difficulty in three to four hours.
  36. You do not get a whole lot of replay value from it however...if you took this game to work with you and you work a 9 to 5 shift...you could be done before the day is over...you might even be done before lunch.
  37. If you absolutely need some Spider-Man action on your PSP, stick with the Spider-Man 2 UMD movie that came with your PSP. Otherwise, ignore, abhor, and direct all your scorn towards Spider-Man 2 if you can.
  38. Thanks god Vicarious Visions delivered the delectable Spider-Man 2 on PS2 before this soulless dross. Treat this like an eight-legged creature on your wall and squash it flat. [PSM2]
  39. The good news: it's fun to play and nice to look at, and does a fine job of showing off what the PSP can do. The bad news: it's all over in the time it would take you to nip down Blockbusters, rent a copy of the movie and watch it. Skipping the credits.
  40. Aside from some nice graphics and levels design, it simply fails to offer much more than a subpar swing through the city.
  41. 40
    The typical stigma of a launch game includes bugs, glitches, unpolished visuals, short and hurried gameplay, and a general lack of depth. Sadly, Spider-Man 2 fits the bill.
  42. The character models in the cutscenes look embarrassingly poor, with Mary Jane not even looking like Kirsten Dunst and Tobey Maguire looking fat.
  43. On the minus side, they seem to think that Mary Jane Watson is extremely chubby, and that Peter Parker doesn't in fact look like Tobey Maguire - instead, he looks like the bizarre love child of Maguire and Jerry Seinfeld. It's a striking image, and one that may just haunt your nightmares for some time to come.

Awards & Rankings

43
30
#30 Most Discussed PSP Game of 2005
20
#20 Most Shared PSP Game of 2005
User Score
6.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 20
  2. Negative: 4 out of 20
  1. Aug 24, 2023
    5
    pretty bad ......................................................................................................................
  2. Aug 10, 2023
    6
    По сути это "Spider-Man: The Movie", только с новыми уровнями. Графика неплохая, музыка правда не запоминается, проходится буквально за одинПо сути это "Spider-Man: The Movie", только с новыми уровнями. Графика неплохая, музыка правда не запоминается, проходится буквально за один вечер. Full Review »
  3. Oct 27, 2022
    2
    Наверное и правда стоит играть только в версию для PS 2.
    PSP версия - это местами приятная атмосфера фильмов и максимально кривое управление.
    Наверное и правда стоит играть только в версию для PS 2.
    PSP версия - это местами приятная атмосфера фильмов и максимально кривое управление. Да и не только управление косое. Огрызок, а не игра. Даже из любопытства, наверное, не стоит запускать.
    2/10
    Full Review »