

In a nod toward Grand Theft Auto III, Spider-Man can undertake missions to further the storyline as well as respond to citizens on the street needing the Web-Head's help. Mission structure has changed to a more free-roaming style of play. Furthermore, the compass used in the first game has been replaced with a transparent map of the city, allowing players to freely plan out their route instead of blindly following arrows pointing them to their next destination. The camera has also been addressed, with a perspective that remains close to Spider-Man's back instead of constantly swinging around with each new movement.

To help secure webbing to objects, an onscreen cursor will target potential surfaces and indicate where the next available surface is so players know where to swing to. Instead of swinging along a horizontal plane while outdoors, attaching the webbing to an invisible ceiling, players will be able to fire webs at all angles but only on visible surfaces. Those familiar with the original Spider-Man on Xbox will notice a number of changes to the interface, gameplay, and look designed to improve upon some of the earlier title's shortcomings. Meanwhile, Doctor Octopus plans on taking over the city with a combination of deadly force and criminal ingenuity.

Using a revamped 3D engine that offers an interconnected world instead of standalone levels, players swing past skyscrapers high above New York City streets as they respond to residents in need. Spider-Man returns to Xbox in a game based on the July 2004 feature film starring Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst.
