Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions kicks off with Mysterio attempting to steal some ancient tablet, and in the ensuing fight with everyone's favorite arachnid super-hero, the tablet shatters and Mysterio gets away. Before Spidey has a chance to figure out exactly what is going on, Madam Web appears to provide some much needed exposition.
It seems the shards of the tablet have actually flung themselves across four different dimensions. Besides the one pretty much everyone knows and loves, referred to in this game as "Amazing" for Amazing Spider-Man, the pieces have also appeared in the Spider-Man 2099, Ultimate Spider-Man and Spider-Man Noir universes. Each has their own and unique take on the Spider-Man character and each will prove to have an interesting set of gameplay styles that really fit their specific universe.
The story progression, at least for the PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii (we will get to the DS in a little while), will have you tackling each universe separately one at a time, and then advancing the plot to unlock four more levels. Basically, the first act will have you playing a level in the Amazing, Ultimate, 2099 and Noir universes each, but the order you tackle them is completely up to you. Once you've completed each of those missions, you will be treated to a cut-scene, and four more levels will be available, and so on until you've worked your way through the entire game.