We’ve got a juicy, disappointing rumor for Spider-Man fans. According to a report that has surfaced over on Reddit, Activision was prepping to re-release both Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions and Spider-Man: Edge of Time. Unfortunately, if this report is accurate, those plans were squashed before they ever truly got off the ground.
For the time being, this should be regarded merely as a rumor. That said, Reddit user armoredadvanced claims to have had a source in the Activision ranks. Per the post, around 2016/2017, roughly when Marvel’s Spider-Man from Insomniac was gearing up for the PlayStation, Activision was trying to work with Marvel to get some of its old games re-released digitally. While not full remasters, the hope was to update Shattered Dimensions and Edge of Time. Here’s what was said about it.
“Nothing was ever officially signed, but some smaller teams were put to work on ‘early prototyping’ (ie. fishing through old hard drives for old source code) for Shattered Dimensions/Edge of Time re-releases on newer platforms. My source (anonymous, sorry) told me the idea was to essentially release the games as they launched in 2010/2011 with some minor graphical enhancements/bugfixes. Basically a quick money-maker to ride the Spidey PS4 hype. It was early enough that the goal could change, but nothing ever materialized outside of some menu screenshots with newer button icons and a few higher-res textures (which my source is looking for).”
According to the post, the plan fell apart as Activision wanted to publish new Marvel games as well. Marvel didn’t want that. So the deal never came to be. Activision had been the primary publisher of Spider-Man games for all of the 2000s up to 2016. And both of these particular games were considered major highlights. This will, as a result, disappoint a great many fans.
Here is the synopsis for Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions.
“Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions is an action packed adventure encompassing four dramatically different parallel universes, each with its own Spider-Man armed with unique strengths. Each stunning universe has its own detailed art design and thrilling gameplay with challenging skill sets to master in order to unlock powerful new moves. Explore dramatic, stunning environments, wield explosive new powers, and face epic boss battles against extraordinary foes. Experience the legendary Super Hero like never before: Four unique worlds. Four distinct Spider-Men. One unparalleled experience!”
And here is the synopsis for Spider-Man: Edge of Time.
“Spider-Man: Edge of Time is a focused, action-packed adventure set in two connected and evolving timelines, from the contemporary times of the Amazing Spider-Man to the corrupted future world of Spider-Man 2099, against the backdrop of a rich, tightly crafted narrative by acclaimed Marvel veteran Peter David (co-creator of the comic book series Spider-Man 2099). The game features all-new cause-and-effect gameplay, where players will see how the immediate and sometimes unexpected effects of their actions as one Spider-Man changes the timeline of the other Spider-Man.”
Because Activision no longer has a license, these games aren’t available on digital platforms. Because they are both well-liked among fans, the chance to easily play them on current-gen consoles would surely be welcome. Perhaps something will come along again in the future. But that might be a long shot.
Meanwhile, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is gearing up for release in 2023, exclusively for the PlayStation 5.
What do you think? Would you like to see these games remastered? Are you bummed the deal fell through? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Twitter!
