Even for those uninterested in comic books and superheroes, almost everyone has heard of Spider-Man. From comics, movies, graphic novels, and TV shows, the famous wallcrawler has become an iconic part of pop culture. Fans have no shortage of material and content to work with, which also includes a long list of video games.
While comic book-based video games can have a negative public perception at times, it’s unfair to discount those that deserve your attention. In the case of Spider-Man, he certainly has a fair number of titles attached to his name, so read on and discover (or rediscover) these Spider-Man games for the Xbox One.
Every Spider-Man Game for Xbox One
Before we dive into the list, a few things need to be clarified. Firstly, this list includes Xbox 360 games due to the reverse capability between the two consoles. Although the disc and case say Xbox 360, you can still play it on the Xbox One, so it counts. Secondly, PlayStation users may feel that a few titles are missing, but they are not. Since Spider-Man is a property of Sony, there are a few projects that have made it to PlayStation, but not Xbox.
Also, this includes games that have Spider-Man, even if he’s not the titular character. It may seem odd, but this is a comprehensive list that looks at Spider-Man’s representation in games regardless of title. Lastly, the games will be listed in chronological order rather than based on favorites or popularity.
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance (2006)
Gamers and comic book fans from this time will absolutely remember this one, as Marvel: Ultimate Alliance boasted an impressive roster of many Marvel characters. With a similar style to X-Men Legends before it, this action-adventure takes players from one end of the Marvel Universe to the other. If you’re looking for Spider-Man, look no further than the cover (he takes up about half of it).
If a friend is asking you to introduce them to Marvel comics and media, this is a great start. While it may seem overwhelming for their first glimpse of this universe, they’ll get a crash course on the biggest and most popular characters. From there, they can pick their favorite characters and go from there. If they want more Spider-Man, show them this list!
Spider-Man 3 (2007)
Perhaps less beloved by fans is Spider-Man 3, an adaptation of the movie of the same name. A sandbox game featuring similar mechanics from Spider-Man 2, this game has Spider-Man face some of his greatest enemies throughout New York City. While not as amazing as some others on this list, it has its place in Spider-Man history.
While not available on Xbox One, this game’s predecessor, Spider-Man 2, is a legendary take on Spider-Man that laid a high standard for superhero games. Try to play it if you can on an older console or through an emulator.
Spider-Man: Friend or Foe (2007)
A more light-hearted title for kids, Spider-Man: Friend or Foe, not only have you face many villains but also fight with them. As you travel across the world in this game, each boss you defeat becomes a potential ally in your future battles. While not breathtaking, the game has a decent share of fun and will satisfy the needs of fans to see this big cast of characters.
Spider-Man: Web of Shadows (2008)
Spider-Man: Web of Shadows is an exciting departure from typical superhero stories, as it lets you be the bad guy for once. With the choice to either accept or deny the dark side of the symbiote, players get to explore the range of Spider-Man’s morality. Add this with a doomsday scenario and set of Marvel characters; this title is a must-play for fans of the character.
If you first played this game when it first came out, you may want to look into replaying it, as the game has multiple endings that play out based on your decisions throughout the game. Like the infamous series, the player is allowed to occupy the protagonist’s perspective and shape the world around them.
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 (2009)
By combing the comic storylines of Secret War and Civil War, this sequel to Marvel: Ultimate Alliance raises the stakes. It brings back the formula of giving you a large roster of characters to play from while facing Marvel’s biggest villains while increasing tensions between characters and your choices. And this time, Spider-Man takes up nearly the entire poster.
Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions (2010)
A twist to the Spider-Man narrative, this game has you playing as 4 different Spider-Men in different universes. As you try to thwart Mysterio’s inter-dimensional plans, Madame Web has called for help from four different Spider-Men. From the sulky Spider-Man of the Great Depression to the bombastic Spider-Man of 2099, this title has you explore what it means to be Spider-Man, regardless of the time and place.
Fans of the comics may recognize these alternate versions of Spider-Man, especially the Ultimate version. However, this game still acts as a great introduction to the multi-verse, especially with the Spider-verse films and comics becoming more popular in the mainstream.
Marvel Pinball (2010)
The title says it all: it’s pinball with a Marvel makeover, including Spider-Man. For those confused, this game was not originally released on the Xbox 360. However, it can be assessed as DLC to Pinball FX2, meaning it gets to make the list. It may seem like a cheap inclusion, but no stone is being left unturned on this list.
Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds (2011)
This fighting game allows you to go toe-to-toe with great characters from both Marvel and Capcom games. While the game doesn’t go as deep as other fighting games, the inclusion of characters is enough to appease fans of either worlds.
Spider-Man: Edge of Time (2011)
While it comes with a graphical improvement and contains elements of Shattered Dimensions, this game is seen as falling a bit short. However, if you see it as more of a DLC to Shattered Dimensions, complete with a price drop by now, then you should be able to enjoy this game for the fun it provides.
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 (2011)
Seem familiar? This game is a repackaged edition of the original Marvel vs. Capcom 3, complete with new characters and levels added to the base game. If you’ve played neither at this point, this one should be the preferred one, especially considering the drop in price since then.
The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
Another movie-based game, this one takes place following the events of The Amazing Spider-Man film. Complete with mechanics similar to the Arkham games, this is very accessible and fun even if the story is basic and the side missions are lackluster. Additionally, fans of the 90’s animated show will appreciate the inclusion of Alistair Smythe and his spider slayers.
Fun side-note: DLC to this game allows you to play as Stan Lee, Rhino, and Lizard. Rhino and Lizard go on city-destroying rampages, while Stan Lee is a bit of a reskin of Spider-Man with his own voice, meaning he can do anything a spider can.
Marvel vs. Capcom Origins (2012)
This is another fighting game between your favorite Marvel and Capcom characters. A smaller version of similar titles and at a lower price, this one has fewer arenas and characters but includes Spider-Man and has heart. This is mainly meant for hardcore fans who want to look through every nook and cranny.
Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth (2012)
Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth allows you to dive into the world of Spider-Man, his allies, and their biggest enemies. With more of the same from typical fighting games, this can be bunched in with the other Marvel-branded fighting games on this list.
Marvel Puzzle Quest (2013)
A cross between an RPJ and a bejeweled-styled game, Marvel Puzzle Quest tells a story of Marvel characters, including Spider-Man, with a gameplay very popular for mobile gamers. While it may seem strange to put this on an Xbox, it’s here, nevertheless, and is a solid choice for fans of Spider-Man and Marvel.
Lego Marvel Super Heroes (2013)
Moving to a more popular title, this installment in the LEGO games franchise meets the world of Marvel. As you go through a story involving different characters and narratives, you’ll get to explore Spider-Man’s home of New York City. If you’re a fan, you’ll see familiar faces, and if you’re new, this is a solid introduction to the world of Marvel.
On a somewhat related note, comic book fans that enjoy this one may want to check out the LEGO games involving Batman and different DC characters. Of course, not everything can be Spider-Man, but they’re still worth a look.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 has more of the same as its predecessor, the good and bad together. The web-slinging is great and fun but is mixed with a sub-standard story and gameplay. If you liked the original or the movie it’s based on, you might want to consider a quick playthrough of it. For a low price, this game can make for more than a few hours of fun.
Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes (2014)
Like Lego Marvel Super Heroes, this game has you play through a story that weaves through famous characters, each with a different playstyle. With Spider-Man headlining one of the major stories, this makes a great item for Spider-Man fans. (Note: you may see this game labeled as a 2.0 edition. It’s the same game regardless; it just received this name after an update).
Lego Marvel’s Avengers (2016)
This next installment in the LEGO franchise is not a sequel but an adaptation of the Marvel Cinematic Universe stories. Some may realize that this came out in 2016 and wonder how Spider-Man is involved, as he wasn’t introduced until Civil War in 2016. Spider-Man was later brought into the game as a DLC pack that comes with a variety of different Spider-Men to play as.
Marvel Heroes Omega (2017)
We’ve got another team-up story here that crosses between Marvel franchises that showcase your favorite characters, including Spider-Man of course. As you swap out gear and playable characters on your team, you’ll navigate your way through various Marvel landmarks and face down different villains.
Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite (2017)
We’re finally at the last fighting game on our list. As you can figure from the title, Marvel characters are once again with those from Capcom. While the design for some of the characters seems odd, the game’s mechanics are solid and a pleasure for fans of the series.
Critics may feel that each of these Marvel vs. Capcom games are cut-and-paste copies of each other, lacking originality. Yes, the core concept of each game is the same, but each offers different sets of rosters, arenas, and artistic choices that each gamer will prefer.
LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2 (2017)
This sequel continues the tradition of LEGO games offering family-friendly and good-natured fun for all age groups. While it does not stand out or deviate from the script much, LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2 still has the charm of its predecessors. Any fan of LEGO games, especially those with the Marvel brand, should consider picking it up.
Conclusion
As you can see, Spider-Man fans have a wide range of options when it comes to video games. For Xbox users, there may be some disappointment, as it’s true that Marvel’s Spider-Man is a PlayStation exclusive, as well as the upcoming Spider-Man DLC for Marvel’s Avengers. Regardless, there are plenty of choices to get your fix of Spider-Man content on the Xbox One.At this point, many of these games have experienced significant price drops and can be purchased for very little, especially if you find bundles. It’s true that not every game on this list is as well-received as Shattered Dimensions, but this doesn’t make them worthless. Fans can find something to appreciate in each of these titles and enjoy them in their downtime.