Spider-Man 2: The Movie, Nintendo GameCube

Always popular in video games, Marvel's Spider-Man has graced consoles for many years, but of course it wasn't until the dawn of PlayStation and Saturn et al that the spandex-clad super-hero was born in 3D. 2002's Spider-Man, based upon the movie of the same name, was once the most successful offering, but that all changes with Spider-Man 2, Activision's next 3D-action game, based on the Sam Raimi movie sequel. Effectively starting from scratch, developer Treyarch has ridden Spider-Man 2 of the bugs and glitches that sometimes plagued the series' immediate predecessor, both in a visual sense and in terms of gameplay. Spider-Man 2 again sees players assuming control Peter Parker's alter ego as he fights for the cause of good yet again, but this time there are several fundamental changes, the most important of which lies in the game's free-roaming approach. Where the previous Spider-Man outing was linear beyond belief, Spider-Man 2 adapts a feel more reminiscent of Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto. If they so wish, players can forget super-hero missions for while, instead choosing to potter around the virtual city of Manhattan, in order to familiarise themselves with a virtual New York. It's a nice option to have, but players wanting to progress through the adventure are charged with completing an array of missions in order to reach deeper stages of the game. These generally comprise of cliched 'end a police shoot-out' or 'save the damsel in distress' tasks, but its typical Spider-Man gameplay that's thoroughly enjoyable. Completing these crucial missions and a variety of side-quests earns players Hero Points, which can then be used to ultimately reach the end of the game. Additionally, missions are now predominantly outdoors, ridding Spider-Man 2 of claustrophobic environments and a clunky in-game camera. This is a good thing, and makes combat much more enjoyable. Combat hasn't changed a great deal, and players will still be faced with the usual plethora of gang fights and boss battles, but this aspect can be made easier through a levelling up system that sees Spider-Man grow in strength and agility as he defeats more enemies. Overall, Spider-Man 2 is a vast improvement on a successful predecessor. Roll on Spider-man 3.

Buy Spider-Man 2: The Movie for 7.99 GBP

The Polar Express
While films based upon games rarely turn out to be anything more than a low-budget mediocre flick, games based upon films can be a different story altogether. And next up in the ongoing movie-cum-game line up is THQ's Polar Express, released the very same day as the film itself. Unlike its handheld counterpart, the console rendition of Polar Express is a fully 3D and much more convincing offering ...
The Incredibles
Of all the movie-licensed video games, Pixar's offerings, like the films, are among the most popular. Finding Nemo, Monsters Inc and Toy Story were all hits, and joining the league of film-turned-game offerings is The Incredibles. A comedic adventure, The Incredibles tells the tale of a group of undercover superheroes trying to live a quiet life when they are quickly and reluctantly forced back in...
Lego Star Wars
Star Wars was the film that created spin-off toys and merchandise. The re-release of the digitally remastered original trilogy followed by the making of the new trilogy of prequels, has resulted in the release of countless related products in recent years. Video games have always been closely linked to the Star Wars universe, from the early vector graphics arcade, PC classics X-Wing and TIE Fighte...
Summoner: A Goddess Reborn
First released on PS2 in early 2001, THQ's Summoner series quickly established itself as a respectable RPG. Less than two years later, a sequel is ready, and is the first in the series to appear on GameCube. In the beginning, players assume the role of goddess reborn and adored-by-all, Queen of Halassar, on an besieged ship in the middle of a ferocious storm. You're being invaded, and thrown strai...
Viewtiful Joe: Red Hot Rumble
Lights, Camera, Action! Viewtiful Joe: Red Hot Rumble takes players back to the movies, as you battle to become the greatest action hero of all time. Viewtiful Joe: Red Hot Rumble is the first non-platformer in the series, instead being a fast-paced and crazy multiplayer 'beat-em up'. The storyline is that Captain Blue has decided to retire, and is therefore looking for a successor who can take ov...
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Prince of Persia is a game that most of us will be familiar with. In its early days it was simply a 2D platform affair, but a classic one nonetheless. And during the Prince's heyday, more than a dozen versions of the game were made, and the formula can even be seen in some of today's handheld offerings such as Tomb Raider. Now the series has made the move to 3D in Sands of Time for GameCube. Thoug...