Basic info | |
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Real name | Freddy Wong |
About me | I am a full-stack Web Application Developer and Software Developer, currently living in Austin, TX. I have a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Austin University, and my primary focus and inspiration for my studies is Web Development. In my free time, I study astronomy and the psychology of human computer interaction. Spider-Man: Edge of Time is the latest video game to feature the familiar comic book hero, but does this title live up to the legacy? If you’re thinking about picking this one up on any of the five systems it is available on – namely Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo 3DS or standard DS – you might want to look elsewhere if you’re craving an exciting, action-filled adventure title that is truly satisfying. As someone who enjoys the video game adaptations of numerous superheroes, this one was at the top of my play-test list. Unfortunately, Spider-Man: Edge of Time left both me and Spider-Man’s legacy wanting. Gameplay: 6/10 The controls for Spider-Man: Edge of Time are especially clumsy on the Wii system, and neither the Xbox 360 nor the Playstation 3 versions are much better. Players combine the Wiimote and Nunchuck, but the default placement for keys is awkward at best. For example, the default controls utilize the directional pad on the Wiimote instead of the A button or trigger (B button). The camera is downright infuriating at times, and similarly confusing is the control combination of C (on the Nunchuck) and the directional pad to reposition or pan the camera. Using Spider-Man’s webs to swing through the levels is enjoyable, but not nearly enough to redeem the gameplay entirely. While you can use webs to restrain enemies, it’s often easier to just melee or ranged-attack opponents somewhat mindlessly. Most of the landscape is crowded, from air ducts (literally, you’ll be in these a lot) to open rooms which should allow for more liberal use of web-slinging and combat maneuvers, but instead shove you in with a small horde of limited Artificial Intelligence (AI) combatants. Storyline: 6/10 As you may have guessed from the video game title, Spider-Man: Edge of Time is a trip through time as not one, but two Spider-Man characters: Peter Parker, and the futuristic (though present-day in the game) Miquel O’Hara in 2099. When the game’s evil villain, Walker Sloan, decides that time travel is his best means for taking his corporation to new heights of success, O’Hara feels compelled to intercede and interrupt the process. Once he has a glimpse of Peter Parker – dead at the hands of a large, dastardly looking monster – O’Hara uses his expertise in genetics to bridge a gap through time and contact Parker with a warning. Naturally, Parker doesn’t believe him at first, so O’Hara is forced to explain the difference between the altered New York and what really should have happened. The difference in Parker and O’Hara’s personalities – along with some truly impressive voice acting for both characters – lends more intrigue to the otherwise rather flat storyline. Time travel is rather overdone in comic book-inspired video games, though it is a nice retreat from a zombie or apocalypse plot-line. It would have made this video game even more interesting if the abilities both O’Hara and Parker command as Spider-Man from each respective era would have been more varied; still, at least the personality differences are there, and I was glad for that. Audio/Graphics: 7/10 Except for the tight quarters, and the fact that you can only design air ducts so many ways, the graphics for Spider-Man: Edge of Time are satisfactory. There isn’t anything stellar here when compared with the front-runners for “Game of the Year” awards, but neither is the landscape terribly dull, and arguably the special effects in this title overshadow numerous other new release video games. The movements of Parker and O’Hara while web-slinging is especially satisfying, and there are plenty of bright-colored explosions and special effects for gamers who enjoy that sort of polish. The characters render well and movement is fairly realistic; the Spider-Man uniforms are different and pretty stylish for heroes crawling through narrow spaces. The voice acting really is a treat in Spider-Man: Edge of Time, especially the banter between the two Spider-Man leads. A few glitches during this brief game muted the voice-over component during cut scenes, which was more disappointing than it might have been in a stronger game. Final Verdict: 6/10 Spider-Man: Edge of Time certainly isn’t the best comic book adaptation gamers have seen in the last year, but it isn’t without some appeal. Even if the Wii controls are a bit clunky, the storyline is moderately interesting and the voice acting is polished enough to make up for some of the lackluster plot moments. One of the biggest issues with Spider-Man: Edge of Reason is how incredibly short this video game is. Players can expect around six hours for this one until completion, and the replay value is fairly nonexistent. Sure, harder difficulty means some bonus objectives or new suits to unlock, but it really isn’t enough to merit another 6-8 hours of playtime except for die-hard Spider-Man fans. Fortunately, Spider-Man: Edge of Reason is available at many Redbox locations throughout America, for the bargain-basement price of $2 per night. This is definitely one to play before you buy, but it certainly isn’t a terrible way to spend an evening. Plus, with an ESRB rating of Teen, you can trust it with the older kids in your family. If you want some flash and humor, give this one a try, but don’t expect it to overshadow the most successful video games of 2011 anytime soon. |
My Oxwall-powered site | https://appreviewsubmit.com/ |