With the release of Spider-Man: Brand New Day in theaters, now is a fitting time to revisit a notable, if somewhat overlooked, entry in the character's video game history: 2005's Ultimate Spider-Man. Developed by Treyarch, the game launched on PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube, serving as the first interactive adaptation of the critically praised comic series of the same name.
The Ultimate Marvel comic universe debuted in 2000 as a modern reimagining of classic characters, with Brian Michael Bendis's Spider-Man iteration widely considered the standout of the line. The game itself benefited from Bendis's direct involvement, featuring a cel-shaded art style that faithfully replicated the comic's aesthetic. It also incorporated the innovative web-swinging mechanics previously seen in Spider-Man 2.
Set several months after the comic's Venom saga concluded, Ultimate Spider-Man's narrative allows players to control both Spider-Man and Venom. Each character offers distinct abilities and unique gameplay segments, contributing to a varied player experience.