Calling out all our fellow web-heads, it’s time to gather round cause we’re ranking all the PS2 Spiderman games. The PlayStation 2 era was a big part of our early teenage years, and by golly, we’re gonna revisit those blasts from the past. When it comes to games featuring our favorite wall-crawler, the PS2 has some of the greatest ones.
Sure, the graphics and visuals aren’t as fancy as the most recent Spidey games, but they still stack up pretty well. The storylines and highly innovative Spidey game mechanics that shape even the modern iteration are in the PS2 era. Today’s list is gonna show that Spiderman’s appeal is timeless as he’s such an iconic character in all of fiction. His video game history is just as illustrious as his comics.
Which Spiderman Games from the PS2 Era are the Best and Worst?
We’ll admit not every title with Spiderman ranks highly as some of the best PS2 games of all time. In fact, some are so abhorrent that we’re kinda glad they’re not around anymore. Having said that, any and all games featuring Spidey as a playable character, minus those annoyingly chibi-sized Marvel Super Hero Squad games, we’ll put up on our list to see how they rank.
Our rating system is gonna work like this. The more fun and entertaining a game is, the higher its ranking will be. We’ll agree with the fandom generally, but hey, we’ve also got our favorites too. So still keep your eyes peeled for the surprise we’ll pull on you in today’s selection of Spiderman games. Alright, with that outta the way, let’s get this party going! Here we go!
11. Marvel Nemesis: Rise Of The Imperfects – A Flawed Gem With An Edgy Spidey
We’re kicking things off with one of the more underrated Spiderman games from the PS2 days. Marvel Nemesis: Rise Of The Imperfects features several Marvel characters, including Spidey, but ultimately is a game about the bad guys. There’s a mature and dark tone, both aesthetically and storyline-wise that depicts its villains in a sympathetic yet.
Spiderman, in particular, is quite edgy and has a mouth on him. The game has chapters for each of the Marvel characters, which have a fair bit of traversal and beat’em up style brawling. However, Marvel Nemesis: Rise Of The Imperfects is also a fighting game.
Players can freely use each character’s unique abilities to attack, block and deflect, and use their environments against the opponents. The animations are quite good. Spidey’s role in the story is minimal at best. Hence, we’re not putting Marvel Nemesis: Rise Of The Imperfects higher up on today’s list of excellent PS2 Spiderman games.
10. Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 – The Streamlined Storyline Adaptation Fumbles Big Time
Next up, we have Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2. It’s one of the more bland and, quite frankly, serviceable at best PS2 Spiderman games. Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 is inferior to its prequel in every way. Players must pick a side after the prologue mission, an immediate turn-off.
The story of Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 focuses more on the divide between the superheroes rather than having them team up. Yeah, what a smart decision that was, right? That would be a big nope! Anyway, gameplay-wise, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 is pretty decent. The ability to put together combos in supers is a huge plus.
Spiderman’s fusion attacks in Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 are pretty fun to pull off. However, any enjoyment players might have gets dragged through the mud because of the linear style of gameplay. There are hardly any special dialogues, and what little is there feels off. Honestly, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 is solely enjoyable if you’ve got a bunch of friends over to play co-op party games.
9. Spiderman 3 – The Worst of the Movie Tie-in Spiderman Games on the PS2
Speaking of poor PS2 Spiderman games that adapt bad storylines, the trend continues in Spiderman 3. This game, where do we even begin? Alright, so it feels like such a lazy attempt at a cash grab that it’s laughable. Spiderman 3 has this clunkiness that makes the gameplay feel not fun at all. The web-swinging feels lifeless, the combat while there’s depth isn’t enjoyable, and the city itself feels empty.
Spiderman 3 tries to juggle loads of plot details with its original spin, but everything just falls apart. The switching back and forth between the red and black suits is a nice touch, but even then, it becomes tedious after a while. Oh, yes, the game also becomes a quick-time-event fest; who can forget that mess?
The whole game just feels tedious, and we do not recommend playing Spiderman 3, especially if you didn’t like the movie of the same name. It’s laziness; take a bad movie and turn it into an even worse game.
8. Spiderman: Web Of Shadows – The Side-Scrolling PS2 Version Flubs Up Big Time
Oh, boy, talk about majorly disappointing Spiderman games on the PS2, and you’ll see Spiderman: Web Of Shadows. To be clear, the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions are amazing; we’re specifically referring to the PS2 version of Spiderman: Web Of Shadows. We were expecting the open-world Spiderman experience; instead, what we got was more in line with side-scroller games.
Don’t get us wrong; we love retro-style 2D games. However, when the devs make this much deviation from other versions, it’s a tough pill to swallow. Anyway, at best, what you’re getting with Spiderman: Web Of Shadows is a game that’s got standard 2D traversal action with minor easter eggs-themed power-ups.
Objectively speaking, Spiderman: Web Of Shadows isn’t the worst game by any means; it just fell victim to lofty fan expectations. Play it thinking as a standalone title with a different label, and you might enjoy Spiderman: Web Of Shadows a lot more.
7. X-Men: Mutant Academy 2 – A Surprisingly Brilliant Fighting Game Featuring Spidey
X-Men: Mutant Academy 2 is a relatively more fun title on the PS2 that’s not one of the full-on Spiderman games. The long and short of the story is that if you beat the arcade mode, then you unlock Spiderman as a playable character. Trust us; the journey is worth it because Spiderman’s moves and attacks are authentic.
You’ll have a great time playing as spidey in X-Men Mutant Academy 2. Learning the move-sets of all the fun X-Men heroes and villains is super fun. However, Spidey easily is our favorite out of the bunch.
Spiderman’s got his standard red-and-blue suit and his symbiote variant costume. The character design of Spiderman in X-Men: Mutant Academy 2 is top-notch, as is for the rest of the roster. If you’re into video game character cosmetics, then take a gander at our friend’s favorite Valkyrie skins in Apex Legends.
6. Spiderman (2002) – A Marvelous Spiderman Movie Tie-In Game
Look, we’ll level with y’all, we love the first 2 Sam Raimi Spiderman movies, and their PS2 video games adaptation is stellar. There was nothing else like the first movie tie-in Spiderman (2002) game, starring Toby Maguire. The world and level designs were seriously impressive. The game’s a delight to experience from start to finish because of its visuals and attention to detail.
The combat wasn’t simple, there was depth, and the story, which took liberties, was a welcome addition. Plus, you’ve got Bruce Campbell narrating the game; what more do ya want? Spiderman (2002) immediately thrusts players into the action and offers plenty of ways to include Spidey’s traversal into the gameplay.
There’s an element of stealth, platforming, and satisfying combat, like in some of the greatest action-adventure games. The boss fights were especially challenging, making the entire game feel highly rewarding. We’d love to see a remaster of the Spiderman (2002) game.
5. Marvel Ultimate Alliance – Assemble The Dream Team Of Marvel Heroes With Spiderman
Now we’re officially entering the upper echelons of Spiderman games on the PS2 with Marvel Ultimate Alliance. This co-op action narrative-driven adventure game with RPG elements is like a dream come true for Marvel fans. Players can expect to see plenty of familiar Marvel mainstays, including Spiderman, in almost every cutscene.
The game, while not primarily a Spidey story, is actually enjoyable on all fronts. From the cinematic visuals, the highly engaging combat with mutton mashing, and unique power-ups to the high degree of customization on offer, everything feels sublime. There are witty comments and special dialogues between characters who share canon lore from the comics.
Also, Deadpool is playable along with Spiderman; need we say more? Exploration and trivia questions test Marvel fans’ knowledge. The amount of epicness and Easter Eggs in the story as well as the locales players visit during different levels, makes Marvel Ultimate Alliance feel perfect.
4. Marvel Vs. Capcom 2: New Age Of Heroes – A Timeless Classic that’s Aged Like Fine Wine
For our next choice of favorite Spiderman games on the PS2, we’re going with Marvel Vs. Capcom 2: New Age Of Heroes. If you’re not aware, for us, the Marvel Vs. Capcom franchise ranks extremely highly. The reason is two-fold. One, it’s got the most accessible vibe when compared to all other fighting games.
The second reason for our high regard for Marvel Vs. Capcom 2: New Age Of Heroes, in particular, is because of the who’s who of characters. Spiderman is always present in each installment of the Marvel Vs. Capcom series and his iconic combo animations are a treat to watch.
Spidey’s finishers in Marvel Vs. Capcom 2: New Age Of Heroes is equally as extravagant as his appearance. Plus, his ending is just the most wholesome one. Incidentally, if you’re into the fighting games scene, we’ve got a great line-up of PS1 fighting games you can check out.
3. Spiderman: Friend Or Foe – Two-Player Co-op Beat’em Up Brawler is A Blast
Next, we’re going for one of the most satisfying games within the beat’em up brawlers genre featuring Spiderman on the PS2. Spiderman: Friend Or Foe is a delightfully satisfying game that lets Spidey team up with his rogue’s gallery and a few other heroes. The game’s a ton of fun on its own but truly shines in co-op with a buddy or a significant other.
Spiderman: Friend Or Foe has plenty of exciting high-impact attacks for Spidey. His moves with upgrades make him a force to be reckoned with. Aside from that, Spidey’s allies also receive minor improvements that make the game feel so satisfying. The enemies start out small, but they get progressively tougher and bigger as you progress through the levels.
The environments are actually pretty eye-catching, and diverse enough to make each level stand out. There are plenty of combat segments peppered throughout the game with minor exploration areas. There were super attacks called hero strikes, with Spidey teaming up with their partner in the animations.
2. Ultimate Spiderman – Our Runner-Up Pick Ranks Highly Against Other Spiderman PS2 Games
Our runner-up choice is one of the most beautiful PS2 Spiderman games ever, thanks to its comic-book-style aesthetic. So, why is Ultimate Spiderman so high up on our list? The answer? It’s because the game’s such a breath of fresh air and feels excellent even today. Ultimate Spiderman brilliantly depicts Teenage Peter Parker as he juggles his life as Spidey and a student.
The enemies he goes up against are tough, and some are really out of his league, but the guy has heart. He gives it his all to put a stop to the villains. Oh, yes, the game also lets players take on the role of Spiderman’s greatest nemesis, Venom.
Yep, you’re not dreaming, Ultimate Spiderman lets you play as Venom. As the symbiote, players can swipe using Venom’s claws and tendrils, and pick up and destroy cars by hurling them at enemies. Venom can feed on humans to satiate their hunger. It’s creepy but also really cool to see visually.
1. Spiderman 2 – Our Top Choice Easily Trumps All Other PS2 Spiderman Games
We’re finally at the top choice of PS2 Spiderman games, and it’s non-other than Spiderman 2. This game has a level design that’s on par and exceeds the best open-world games. The side quests feel equally as important as the main storyline. Spiderman 2 adds its own villains not in the movie but does a tremendous job of keeping things separate yet with cohesion.
The combat and traversal are simply mindblowing, and the experience of web-swinging through New York feels exhilarating. Spiderman 2 is by and large the best Spiderman game ever made, and that can even give the present ones a run for their money.
Spiderman 2 also has loads of missions that offer new ways to explore the city. The random crimes and how each of Spiderman’s abilities is used especially the Spider Reflexes, are top-notch. Overall, you won’t find a better Spidey game than Spiderman 2.
Final Thoughts On the Best and Worst PS2 Spiderman Games
And that’s all she wrote as our list of ranking all the PS2 Spiderman games wraps up. We’re probably probing the hornet’s nest here, but express your enthusiasm or rage in the comments below. Which is your favorite Spiderman game from the PS2 era, and your most hated one? We love comparing notes, so don’t feel shy and tell us all about it.
If you’re in the mood for some more Spiderman gaming goodness, never fear, for we’ve got suggestions for days. We’ve got a great piece about the best and worst PS3 Spiderman games you can check out. Well, that’s all we’ve got for you. We’re signing off the weekend, so until next time, take care, everyone, and happy gaming!
