Most immediately, it is the combat model that sets Web of Shadows apart from earlier Spider-Man games. Web-slinging becomes an integral part of the beat-'em-up play. Spidey can swing punches as he swings through the streets, drag a bad guy along with him as he wall-hops, or web-bungee himself toward a foe in mid-air, at knockout speed. Generally, combat is designed to be open and improvisational, with players stringing together combos as they go. The other major twist to combat is the ability to switch from Spider-Man's friendly neighborhood red and blue costume to the over-powered black costume on the fly. The red and blue suit offers unmatched agility and grace, but the black suit gives the hero even greater raw strength.From fighting styles to interactions with NPCs, player choices steer the story in Web of Shadows. Players have room to move and explore in each level, and must decide where to apply the superpower upgrades they earn. As they meet objectives and progress through the story, they encounter other famous Marvel heroes and villains, including Wolverine, Black Cat, and the Vulture, who may be made ally or enemy as the player chooses. There is more than one way to win many of the battles in the game, and more than one way out of a tricky situation. The choices the player makes determine whether Spider-Man is ultimately viewed as a hero, beloved by the people of the city, or a vigilante, viewed with fear and scorn.
The same sort of alien life form that created Spider-Man's first black suit -- and his deadly enemy Venom -- now is invading New York City. Strings and globs, pods of black matter are beginning to engulf the entire city. Destruction reigns, the end looks near, and it seems only the strongest heroes and villains remain on the streets to confront the threat. The invasion must be stopped: With all the powers of Spider-Man at their command, it's up to players to decide how.
