Spiderman 2 featured great gameplay but needed improvement in the story area. At the start of Ultimate Spiderman, it seemed like this was going to be simply a cel-shaded version of Spiderman 2 and of course a different story. It didn't take too long to find that Ultimate is actually a simplified version of Spidey 2, albeit with a better story. I think a lot of those who enjoyed Spiderman 2 will be a bit disappointed.
So what about Ultimate Spiderman that is a simplification of Spiderman 2? A big part of it is the fighting/controls. The basic controls are just like Spiderman 2, however. Outside of fighting, you'll notice that web slinging has taken a step backwards. Spidey 2 introduced dual web slinging-shooting a second web while slinging from the first. Now Ultimate goes back to the basics with allowing only one webbing at a time. Spidey 2 also had upgrading web attacks which are also missing in Ultimate. Things really get simplified and take a step back. The smart thing would have been to allow basic or advanced controls.
Mission: Possible
The overall feel is like Spidey 2 with a free-roaming New York City but scaled down a bit. Just like in Spidey 2, there are random city events where you can stop crime or save someone from falling from a building. Unfortunately there really isn't any variety in these missions. They also don't happen all that much. This time around you must complete a certain amount of city events to advance to the next 'chapter.' There are also races against Human Torch and time trials. Another event type has you going to different locations defeating gangs. And that brings us to the boss battles that actually advance the story. These battles consist of you following the boss and then actually fighting it out. There should really be more to the boss battles since they drive the story. Overall, the game is fairly short unless you go for 100% completion.
Looks Just Like a Comic Book
Graphically, I'm not big on the cel shading in video games. However, I did get used to it in Ultimate and found it to be really nice looking. All of the animations are nice and fluid. The cut scenes are in comic form as there are comic panels showing the action. This certainly adds to the comic book feel. In-game, things such as "pow" when a punch lands isn't that noticeable and leave the cel-shading to show off the comicness.
Double the Fun with Venom
The best difference in gameplay between Spidey 2 and Ultimate is that you get to play as both Spiderman and Venom. Taking control of Venom is actually quite different than Spiderman. This makes for more interesting and varied gameplay than if you could control only Spiderman. You aren't able to just switch between Spidey and Venom but it will switch you off each chapter. Once you complete the game, however, you are free to roam the streets of New York as Venom.
Overview
In the end, Ultimate Spiderman features a better story than Spidey 2 but at the same time takes a step back in other areas. Ultimate Spiderman is probably a rental for most people. Spiderman fans will probably purchase the game no matter what as it really isn't a bad game. If you don't mind more simplified and basic controls, the game will probably be even better.
