Spider-Man

To nimbly kick off a skyscraper, fire a web, and swing above the streets of New York in a red-and-blue suit — for every comics fan it is a dream come true, and this game was one of the first to fulfill it believably. Spider-Man from 2000 became the defining superhero game of its era.

The key to its charm was freedom of movement. Web-swinging, climbing the walls of buildings, and the seamless transition between combat and acrobatics gave the player the intoxicating feeling of truly being Spider-Man. The content was a mix of battles with villains from the comics, sneaking, completing objectives, and hunting for hidden bonuses, all interlaced with a story full of familiar names from the Marvel universe.

The game drew directly from its comic-book source and brimmed with references that delighted fans. The intro was personally narrated by Stan Lee himself, the legendary co-creator of the character, which gave the work a stamp of authenticity. The gallery of adversaries and allies, the ironic humor, and the comic-book styling made playing it a celebration of the entire brand.

Behind the development stood the studio Neversoft, famous for the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series, and the game was published by Activision. Neversoft put its experience with fluid movement and trick physics to good use, thanks to which web-swinging felt unusually brisk and fun. The result was a title that critics and players alike received very warmly.

Spider-Man laid the template that later superhero games followed as well — the linking of free movement, combat, and comic-book storytelling became the standard. Its success opened the way for sequels and still ranks as one of the best works featuring the web-slinger on the classic consoles.

Why play it: For the unfettered feeling of swinging across the city and a comic-book celebration of Spider-Man blessed by Stan Lee himself.