# Spider-Man (Game Boy Advance) Introduction
## Overview
*Spider-Man*, released on April 16, 2002, for the Game Boy Advance by Activision and developed by Digital Eclipse, is an action-adventure game based on the 2002 film *Spider-Man* starring Tobey Maguire. Peter Parker, bitten by a radioactive spider, becomes Spider-Man to chase Uncle Ben’s killer and battle villains like Green Goblin, Shocker, and Vulture (*Wikipedia*). With side-scrolling gameplay, web-slinging mechanics, and a mix of movie-inspired and original story elements, it earned praise for its visuals (*IGN*: 7.8/10) but faced criticism for repetitive combat (*GameSpot*: 7.5/10) (*Web:15,7*).
## Why Play Spider-Man?
*Spider-Man* on Game Boy Advance offers thrilling 2D action. Players swing through New York City, climb walls, and fight enemies using web-based attacks and combos like the swing-down move (R+A) in 22 levels (*Web:1,23*). Collect Gold Spiders for upgrades and take photos for the Daily Bugle (*Amazon reviews*). The game spans 4-6 hours, with levels lasting 5-15 minutes. Its vibrant graphics and comic-book style appeal to *Spider-Man: Mysterio’s Menace* and *Dragon Warrior Monsters* fans, distinct from *Need for Speed: Underground 2*’s racing or *Captain Tsubasa V*’s sports RPG (*@RetroGamingX*).
## Key Features
- Swing through New York in a 4-6 hour action adventure
- 2D side-scrolling with web-slinging and combo attacks
- Battle Green Goblin, Shocker, Vulture, and Scorpion
- Collect Gold Spiders for upgrades and take photos
- Comic-book-style visuals with 3D bonus stages
- Authentic GBA gameplay on our retro ROM platform
## Key Differences: Game Boy Advance vs. Other Versions
- **Game Boy Advance (2002)**: 2D side-scroller, movie-based, developed by Digital Eclipse (*Web:15*).
- **Compared to Spider-Man (2002, PS2/Xbox/GCN)**: GBA is 2D, less open-world; consoles are 3D (*Web:15*).
- **Compared to Spider-Man: Mysterio’s Menace (2001, GBA)**: *Spider-Man* ties to the movie; *Mysterio* is non-movie (*Web:7,9*).
- **Compared to Dragon Warrior Monsters (1998, GBC)**: Action vs. monster-collecting RPG (*GameFAQs*).
- **Compared to Super Robot Taisen Compact 3 (2003, WonderSwan)**: Action vs. tactical RPG (*Sega-16*).
- **Compared to Need for Speed: Underground 2 (2004)**: Platformer vs. racing (*GameSpot*).
- **Compared to Captain Tsubasa V (1994, SNES)**: Superhero vs. soccer RPG (*Wikipedia*).
- **Re-releases**: Bundled with *Spider-Man 2* (GBA, 2005 Twin Pack) (*Web:15*).
## Play Spider-Man Online
Play *Spider-Man* (2002, GBA) instantly on Classic Joy Games with GBA emulators. Also available on VisualBoyAdvance.org, EmulatorGames.net, OldGameShelf.com (4.3/5 from 40 votes), or *cdromance.com* (*Web:1,6,17*). Physical copies cost $20-$50 (cart) or $10-$30 (game only) on eBay (*PriceCharting*). Use VisualBoyAdvance or MyBoy!. Strategy: Use web-swinging to avoid ground enemies; prioritize Gold Spiders for health upgrades. Cheat: Action Replay code “3200A8C8 0063” for max health (*GameFAQs*). Note: Some emulators may lag during 3D bonus stages (*Web:19*).
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