Spider-Man 3 is yet another video game coming on the back of a blockbuster movie.

Worse, unlike the previous Sam Raimi Spider-Man movies, I thought Spider-Man 3 collapsed under its own weight. The only highlight was Spidey getting an emo haircut to signify he turned evil.

The video game's biggest saving grace is how little it resembles the movie. The result is the best movie adaptation since The Godfather and King Kong.

Yes, you can battle the Sand Man, the new Goblin and the black suited mutant Spider-Man from the movie – but only if you choose them among many tasks and adventures dotted around Manhattan.

The game is anchored on the same enclosed world as Grand Theft Auto. If he wishes, Spidey can simply explore all of the city – climbing the sides of buildings with ease – or, once you get the knack of it, moving at high speed Tarzan-style using his web.

There's plenty of fun battling the villains as you learn how to punch, kick and jump Spidey style or knock off B-list criminals, including a girly anime gang called Arsenic Candy.

But the transcendent moment – rare in gaming – was climbing to the top of the lightning rod on the Empire State Building.

With no giant gorilla hogging the limelight, you can gaze down on Manhattan's streets before skydiving and defying the laws of physics by using your web to slow you down. Priceless.