“Marvel’s Spider-Man 2”: A Thrilling Web of Greatness, With Some Room for Improvement

Review: Marvel‘s Spider-Man 2 Elicits Mixed Reactions

October 17, 2023

Marvel‘s Spider-Man 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the popular video game released in 2018, has finally arrived. Developed by Insomniac Games and published by Sony, the game once again puts players in the role of the web-slinging superhero as he battles villains and saves New York City. However, early reviews suggest that while the game has its strengths, it falls short in some areas.

A Familiar Yet Gripping Storyline

The main storyline of Spider-Man 2 centers around the arrival of Kraven the Hunter in New York City. As Kraven hunts down current and former supervillains, the attention of both Spider-Men, Peter Parker and Miles Morales, is drawn to the threat. The game’s narrative gradually builds up to an intense and memorable climax, but some reviewers feel that the early pacing is slow, and the open world feels superfluous.

The Open World and the City of New York

One of the weaknesses pointed out by reviewers is the game’s open world. While the game’s marketing showcased a dramatically expanded map, featuring more boroughs and landmarks, the reality is that the larger city mainly means that things are more spread out. As players swing through the city, the different locations tend to blend together, and the increased reliance on “spider wings” for navigation leads to less swinging. Additionally, the abundance of “points of interest” and mini-games can overwhelm players early on.

Exciting Combat and Engaging Characters

The combat in Spider-Man 2 is praised for its fun and dynamic nature. Players can mix powers with gadgets for both Miles and Peter, making the fights engaging and satisfying. However, some reviewers point out that playing as both Spider-Men may feel redundant, as they share most of the same abilities and gadgets.

Despite this, the characters themselves are well-developed, with Miles Morales standing out as a particularly enjoyable character to play. His side missions, which focus on helping out the local community, are said to be some of the game’s most memorable moments. The voice acting in the game is also highly praised, with Miles and Harry Osborn receiving special recognition.

Spider-Man‘s Battle Against the Symbiote

The game’s representation of the symbiote storyline, a long-standing theme in Spider-Man lore, is seen as one of its greatest strengths. Reviewers commend the game for crafting a vivid and thrilling portrayal of the struggle against the alien entity. However, some feel that the twists in the storyline may not be particularly surprising to those familiar with Spider-Man‘s history.

Venom, the Game’s True Highlight

Without revealing any spoilers, reviewers unanimously agree that the segment involving Venom is the true highlight of the game. Venom’s introduction is described as exceptional, with the character’s effects on the city and its population being particularly horrifying and impressive. However, some reviewers question the necessity of the lengthy Kraven storyline that precedes the Venom segment.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Most reviewers agree that while Spider-Man 2 takes its time to reach its full potential, the thrilling climax and intense moments make it a worthwhile experience for fans of the first game, Spider-Man, and action-adventure titles in general. The game receives an overall score of 8.5/10, with the main storyline and the Venom segment being lauded as standout features. Reviews also hint at the possibility of future games or sequels expanding on the established universe.

As players swing through the streets of New York once again, Spider-Man 2 offers a thrilling and visually stunning experience, despite some flaws in pacing and world-building. Whether you are a fan of the web-slinger or simply enjoy action-packed adventures, Spider-Man 2 is a game worth considering for your collection.

Disclaimer: A code provided by PlayStation was used for the purpose of this review.

Follow on Twitter for more updates.