We’re used to seeing Spider-Man swing between skyscrapers, so watching him ride a tiny skateboard and dodge tree trunks is a pretty funny change of pace. SpiderMan Skate 3D on Woko Games is an HTML5 reflex game that puts you in charge of keeping him upright, clear of obstacles, and safely on the track.
It sounds easy enough: skate forward and avoid the trees. The overhead view shows a gray track dotted with blocky trees and a few turquoise shapes. Once you get going, though, things get tricky. Clearing one tree doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. The gap ahead might funnel you straight toward the edge, leaving little room to maneuver. Keep your eyes glued to Spider-Man, and you’ll have a hard time reacting to the next obstacle. Look farther down the track so you can plan your route before you need to turn.
The biggest challenge is the unusual control scheme: your input only steers the board to the right. Every click or tap needs to be timed carefully. Turn too quickly to dodge a tree, and you can send Spider-Man drifting dangerously close to the edge. From there, you might not have enough room to clear the next obstacle without sliding off the track. There isn’t much to memorize, but you do need to stay focused and know what each adjustment is meant to accomplish, whether you’re avoiding a tree or keeping the board on course.
The graphics are rough and blocky, but Spider-Man’s red-and-blue suit stands out clearly. Shadows beneath the character and trees help you judge the distance between them. There’s something amusing about watching a superhero known for his agility carefully pick his way along a track on a skateboard. One bad turn, and that green button with the circular arrow starts looking awfully tempting. Saving the world can wait. First, Spider-Man needs to make it through this blocky forest in one piece.
