Amazing Spider-Man concept art show a grittier, animalistic Rhino

Activision has released a set of concept art and screens for Rhino, the professional criminal Spider-Man will be up against in Beenox's summer actioner.

According to the game's producer, Stephane Gravel, the team at Beenox wanted to "maintain the spirit of the film" when transferring the character over to the gaming sphere, while at the same time incorporating the core traits of his comic book character as well which has "intriguing and complex origins."

Unlike in the comic books, in film and in the game Rhino won't be "a guy in a big rhinoceros suit" but genetically modified with Rhino DNA. Yet, those familiar with the Russian mafia thug's character in the comic will find a familiar thread running through the game: he’s not entirely bright.  

"In the spirit of the film, the game is taking a new look at Spidey’s origins, including his nemeses," Gravel said in a Q&A. "Building upon our main storyline, his creation is based on a genetic experiment, which also ties to the overall story arc of the game.

"He is a hybrid; part rhinoceros, part human. He used to be a human being, but he can’t be considered human anymore. He is driven by animalistic impulses and feelings of fear and sadness – in his current state, he’s extremely unpredictable. He isn’t on a mission here. He wasn’t hired or out for Spider-Man’s blood.  He’s escaped from Oscorp and is only looking to survive.  He has been rampaging the streets of New York ever since."

In the movie this summer and the game releasing alongside of it, players and film-goers alike will find that Rhino is much grittier, animalistic and visceral than he was in the comics - and the screens posted below pretty much attest to the fact.

If you missed the video of him in action, it's posted here.

The Amazing Spider-Man is out in June.