Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Review
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is a superhero triumph that pushes the series to new heights, my full review.
Spider-Man is one of the most beloved and iconic superheroes of all time, and his adventures have been adapted into dozens of different types of media from comics to cartoons, movies, and beyond. These mediums haven’t been able to truly capture the essence and thrill of being Spider-Man. That is until Insomniac Games entered the picture with Marvel’s Spider-Man in 2018 and followed up with the stellar Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales in 2020. There were some fun Spidey games that came before like Spider-Man: The Movie and The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014) among others, but they didn’t break the mold in the Spidey verse. Insomniac Games has created a new baseline for Spider-Man, offering a rich and immersive universe that features compelling stories, characters, and gameplay.
"Insomniac Games has created a new baseline for Spider-Man, offering a rich and immersive universe that features compelling stories, characters, and gameplay."
Now, the developer has returned with their most ambitious and impressive Spider-Man game yet in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. In the second mainline entry Insomniac has essentially doubled up on every element that made 2018's Spidey experience so great. In Spider-Man 2 everything from the scope of the story, gameplay to map size - is bigger and better while offering plenty of new elements to keep things fresh.
Marvel's Spider-Man 2: Doubling up
Spider-Man 2 is a direct sequel to both previous games, and it lets you play as Peter Parker and Miles Morales as they face new challenges and threats in a bigger and more active New York. The game also introduces new features and mechanics that enhance the gameplay experience, such as the Web Wings, the symbiote suit, and the best use of the DualSense controller’s features yet. In this review, I’ll explore all facets of the game and share why Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is not only the best Spider-Man game ever made, but also one of the best action games of all time.
"Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is not only the best Spider-Man game ever made, but also one of the best action games of all time."
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Details
Platform(s): PlayStation 5 Developer(s): Insomniac Games Publisher (s): Sony Interactive Entertainment Genre: Action Adventure Modes: Single-player ESRB Rating: T for Teen
Be Greater Together (spoiler free) thoughts on Spider-Man 2’s storyline
Spider-Man 2 continues to weave the story web between Peter Parker and Miles Morales, sharing the mantle of Spider-Man. The game features a darker and more personal narrative for the duo helping to push the series into new exciting territory. Along with this, a host of iconic villains, including Venom, Kraven the Hunter, Sandman, the Lizard and more join the fray.
"The game features a darker and more personal narrative for the duo helping to push the series into new exciting territory."
The story of Spider-Man 2 picks up nine months after the events of Miles Morales, with Peter and Miles working together as a dynamic duo to protect the city. Their lives are complicated by personal issues, such as Peter’s financial troubles, Miles’ college applications, and relationships with friends and family.
Moreover, they face a new challenge in the form of Kraven, a ruthless hunter who arrives in New York looking for worthy prey to cement his legacy. He manipulates other villains, such as Scorpion and Doctor Connors (aka the Lizard) to test his skills. In the process he turns New York into a chaotic hunting ground filled with his cronies.
Spider-Man 2 PS5 Capture Gallery
The above galley features PS5 captures all at 4K 30fps
Meanwhile, Peter through a series of unexpected (and incredible) events acquires the symbiote suit. Just like the comics and cartoon the suit enhances his abilities but also alters his personality and emotions. The story of the symbiote is told in such a way that it respects the source material, but also takes it in a new, far more satisfying direction.
"The story of the symbiote is told in such a way that it respects the source material, but also takes it in a new, far more satisfying direction."
Spider-Man 2’s main storyline is gripping, emotional, and full of surprises. It explores the themes of identity, responsibility, friendship, and family in a mature and nuanced way. The characters are full of more raw emotion and are forced into personal reckonings while trying to save New York. The game does a great job of balancing the dual lives of Peter and Miles and gives them equal screen time and development.
The game switches between Parker and Morales seamlessly during gameplay and cutscenes, allowing the player to experience different perspectives and powers. It also pays homage to the rich history of Spider-Man comics, movies, and games, with references, easter eggs, and cameos that I loved. Insomniac Games had to walk a fine line to satisfy hardcore Spidey fans while offering something new with the story and absolutely nailed it.
Spider-Man 2’s symbiote charged gameplay
The gameplay in Spider-Man 2 is similar to the previous games, but evolves in fantastic ways. This evolution also offers several improvements and additions. The game still revolves around swinging through the city, fighting enemies using acrobatic moves and gadgets. You complete missions and activities that advance the story and/or reward you with experience points, tokens, suits, skills, and upgrades. It’s a fun, satisfying loop you’ll be familiar with if you’ve played any of Insomniacs’ previous Spider-Man adventures.
New gameplay features in Spider-Man 2
The game also introduces new features that enhance the gameplay experience. One of the biggest (and best) is the Web Wings, which allow the Spider-Men to glide through the air using air currents in combination with power from their swings. The Web Wings are a lot of fun to use versus swinging, but they lose momentum over time, so you will still need to use your webs. They also offer a new level of freedom and were one of the first skill tree areas I upgraded right away. Insomniac Games has really nailed the freedom of flying through a city seamlessly. In fact, they could use the mechanic for a Superman game, the movement is just that fluid and fast.
"...they could use the mechanic for a Superman game, the movement is just that fluid and fast."
A seamless Spidey team
Another feature new feature that is implemented masterfully is the ability to switch between Peter and Miles at any time in the open world. This allows you to access different storylines and side missions, and new sets of powers. Peter has access to his classic web shooters and spider-sense abilities, as well as his symbiote suit powers that include enhanced strength, speed, agility and shape-shifting abilities (such as tendrils or blades) and sonic blasts (which can stun or damage enemies). Miles has access to his bio-electricity powers that include venom blasts and a few other surprises.
The combat system in Spider-Man 2 is fluid, responsive, and satisfying. You can use a variety of attacks, combos, gadgets, and environmental objects to take down enemies in creative ways. You can also use stealth to avoid detection or take out enemies silently. The web lines allow players to create "tight ropes" that the Spider-Men can stalk prey below with, it adds a new fun and satisfying layer to stealth gameplay.
"The web lines allow players to create "tight ropes" that the Spider-Men can stalk prey below with, it adds a new fun and satisfying layer to stealth gameplay."
MJ’s stealth sections return, but they are far less frustrating and offer more options for “offence” in a pinch. Overall, I enjoyed the sections far more than I did in the original Spider-Man, Insomniac clearly listened to player feedback.
A larger, more vibrant and interactive New York
The game also features a lot of exploration and activities in the city. You can swing, glide, or run across the rooftops, streets, and landmarks of Marvel’s New York, which is bigger and more detailed than ever before. The game features two new boroughs, Brooklyn and Queens, as well as locations like Coney Island and more. The carnival island offers rides that you can hop and enjoy, a great touch to the city.
You can also interact with the citizens, take selfies, listen to podcasts, find new spider bots and more.
Spectacular side missions
The game also features several side missions that expand the story or introduce new characters. Some of these side missions are exclusive to either Peter or Miles, while others can be done by both. Just like the games before it, there are also random crimes and events that occur throughout the city, such as robberies, car chases and more.
Spidey suits offer more customization
The game also features a lot of customization options for Spider-Man's look. You can unlock and equip different suits for Peter and Miles, each with their own appearance and abilities. Some of these suits are inspired by the comics, movies, games, or original designs by Insomniac. You can also mix and match different suit colourways by unlocking them via gear upgrades. Just remember to keep progressing through side missions as some of them not only lead to great story beats, but some of the best costumes in the game.
Spider-Man 2’s graphics and performance
The game also features stunning visuals and incredible technical performance. The game runs with ray
tracing enabled across all modes. There are three modes available from the start of the game 4K 30 FPS Fidelity Mode, 4K 40 FPS Performance Mode, 4K 60 FPS Performance Mode. For the purpose of this review, I chose to play a majority of the game in 4K 30FPS Fidelity Mode to get all the details I could on screen.
The game looks amazing on the PS5, with realistic lighting, shadows, reflections, and textures. The game features a “locked” day/night and weather cycle that affect the mood and atmosphere of the city. Unfortunately, it is not dynamic and only changes as it needs to connect to the stories’ narrative.
Spider-Man 2 also clearly takes advantage of the PS5’s SSD reducing loading times and providing near instant switching between Spider-Men and fast travel. As much as Spider-Man 2 sets technical benchmarks it’s not without its faults. I did experience glitches where I fell through the map and got trapped inside invisible objects. These instances were rare, weren’t a dealbreaker but worth mentioning.
The sounds of Spider-Man 2
Spider-Man 2 features excellent audio and sound design. The game features a dynamic orchestral score that matches the tone and action of the game. The score is composed by John Paesano, who also composed the music for the previous games. The score features themes for each Spider-Man, as well as for each villain. The game also features great sound effects that enhance the immersion and feedback of the game.
Incredible voice acting
The game also features superb voice acting that brings out the personality and emotion of the characters. The game features a talented cast of voice actors, including Yuri Lowenthal (Parker/Spider-Man) Nadji Jeter (Morales/Spider-Man) Tony Todd (Venom) and Laura Bailey as Mary Jane Watson and many more. Lowenthal and Jeter take their characters to new heights, especially in desperate moments you can feel the urgency in their voices. Todd as Venom delivers offering the gravelly gritty performance making the symbiote more formidable and terrifying.
Final thoughts on Spider-Man 2
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is a fantastic game that delivers on so many different levels. It is a worthy sequel that improves upon the previous games in every aspect. It features a compelling story that explores the characters and themes of Spider-Man in a deep and meaningful way while respecting the source material. It's packed with fun and varied gameplay that lets you experience the thrill and power of being Spider-Man in a huge and detailed open world. Along with all this the experience offers stunning visuals and performance that showcase the capabilities of the PS5. Spider-Man 2 is one of the best superhero games ever made, and one of the best games of 2023.
Spider-Man 2 Pros
+ Compelling narrative between Peter Parker and Miles Morales
+ Gameplay has evolved in exciting new ways, introducing Web Wings and character switching
+ A graphical and technical marvel for the PS5
+ Incredible use of the DualSense controller
Spider-Man 2 Cons
-A few technical issues like dropping through the map remain
Gameplay: 9.5/10
Graphics: 9.5/10
Sound: 9/10
Replayability: 8.5/10
Overall Rating: 36.5/40 (91%)
A copy of the game was provided by PlayStation for the purpose of this review.
About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina
Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a veteran of the video game and tech industry who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. Along with being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on multiple social platforms with the handle @dapper_tux via "X", Instagram, Threads, TikTok and join in on the fun!
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