It’s no secret that Spider-Man games have seen their ups and downs – and not just in the midst of web-swinging between tall buildings. The last few years have been pretty kind to our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, but things haven’t always been that way. This is one writer who certainly remembers and longs for the glory days of games like Maximum Carnage. Well true believers, it looks like the glory days of our arachnid pal may just be back in full swing. When Spider-Man 3 hits your Nintendo next month, you’re in for quite an experience. I recently had a chance to get some hands-on time with both of the upcoming Nintendo versions of the game, and they were very different – but very fun.

Look out, here comes the…Wii-mote?

The basic layout of both games will feel familiar to gamers, and especially so with the Wii version. This platform’s version of the game won’t be a copy of the PS3 or 360 versions. Instead, it’s designed from the ground up to be a unique and intriguing game that’s largely focused on the cool control opportunities that the Wii platform offers. The basics are pretty simple – you’ll use the analog stick to move around, tilt the nunchuck to adjust the camera, and shoot web with the B button. When you want to swing around the city, you pull either the Z or B trigger (depending on which hand you want to swing with), and flick your wrist to shoot out a web line. From here, you can charge a cool web-dash maneuver that’ll help you get around a lot faster. The combat, while pretty basic in the build I tested, promises to have a lot of innovative moves and powerful combos to assist in your disposal of enemies. A simple waggle of the Wii-mote will be your primary attack, but a press of the A button will augment your arsenal with some more powerful and impressive moves.

There’s definitely a much needed focus on Spider-Man’s webs this time around. You’ll see more web-based combat moves than ever before, and those should definitely provide a few “wow” moments. There’s just nothing quite like swinging an enemy around or trapping them so that they’re helpless against your attacks. The swinging system has also been specifically adapted to the Wii platform, and it shows when you’re moving through the city at high speed. While maneuvering may take a little getting used to, you’ve never played a game that makes you feel more like Spider-Man. Anyone who’s ever wished their wrists could shoot sticky spider goo will definitely have a blast with this.

I make this look good

Of course, this game isn’t all about Spidey as we know and love him. Spider-Man 3 introduces us to “black suit” Spider-Man and he’s here in full force too. Unlike the PS3 or 360 versions of the game, you can switch into the black suit at any time. It’s worth noting that black suit Spider-Man isn’t the same as Venom. For the uninitiated, the black suit Spider-Man is still Peter Parker, but he’s been infested and possessed by the Symbiote – an evil entity from outer space. When Spidey dons his black getup, the game practically turns into a wholly different experience. You’ll be faster, stronger, and definitely more brutal. You’re still Spider-Man, though, so don’t expect to be stealing cars or beating up old ladies.

When you go into black suit mode, you’ll have a whole different arsenal of combative moves at your disposal, but your power comes with a price. First and foremost, the black suit is way more powerful than your basic red suit; but while the red suit can be leveled up, the black one can’t. Additionally, as you remain in black suit mode, a mass of tendrils and black fog will creep into the edge of your screen and limit your situational awareness. You’ve got to fight off the suit with a minigame before it wholly consumes your vision, or else you’ll be rendered unconscious, lose your mission, and wake up somewhere else in the city. It’s a great element that helps add a great deal of variety to this already huge open-world game.

Choose your own adventure

Yup that’s right – Spider-Man 3 is a fully free-form sandbox game on the Wii. The city is 2.5 times larger than the previous games, and more focus has been placed on the ‘just messing around’ aspect of the gameplay this time. You’ll find missions that pop up on occasion, like pedestrians needing help, or you can just swing around and explore. You’ll be able to earn points toward leveling up your skills in the free roam mode, so just goof off for a little while if you’re feeling weak.

The base gameplay in this version revolves around freeing the city from the grip of four separate gangs. How you choose to take them out, however, is up to you. It’s OK to just weaken one gang and then let another move in and wipe them out, if you’re into that sort of thing. All of the missions are generated dynamically as you move through the city, so expect to see different things on repeat playthroughs of the game. One of my personal favorite aspects of the game is the dynamic visual representation of your progress, or City Satisfaction Index. Do poorly and grass will die, streets will crack, and things will just be generally gloomy. Do well, however, and…Well, you’ll have to wait and see.

Keep an eye out for Spider-Man 3 as it simultaneously swings into theaters and onto your DS, Wii, PSP, PS2, Xbox 360, and PS3 this May.