Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Review – A Must-Have for PS5 Gamers

What’s Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 About?

The sequel to Insomniac Games’ take on the friendly neighborhood superhero, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 takes place 9 months after the events from the Miles Morales game. New York now has two full-fledged web slingers; Peter Parker and Miles Morales under his tutelage. Harry Osborn makes a surprising return to Peter and MJ’s lives after being absent for the most part of the previous game while Miles is busy figuring out his future after high school.

While things didn’t seem too far from the usual at first, things took a drastic turn when New York came under the attack of Kraven the Hunter and his violent group of hunter mercenaries. At the same time, the Symbiote makes its appearance under mysterious circumstances. Can both Peter and Miles be the savior that New York needs them to be, or will the chaotic forces of evil prevail? One thing’s for sure, things are far more complicated and even more dangerous than ever before.

[Editor’s Note: we will try to keep photos to the early portions of the game unless necessary to avoid spoiling major plot points]

One Big Leap Forward As You Continue Playing More

The world of gaming was forever changed when Insomniac’s first Spider-Man game swung onto the scene. It captured the essence of everyone’s favorite web-slinger, combining the thrill of swinging through the city with open-world action. Two years later, a spinoff featuring Miles Morales took center stage. Now, we have the eagerly awaited full sequel, Spider-Man 2, which not only carries a “2” in its title but also offers the opportunity to play as two different Spider-Men. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, this sequel smartly builds upon its predecessor, delivering a captivating narrative and thrilling gameplay that fans will adore.

The game starts with a handy recap, illustrating the challenges of balancing heroism with the responsibilities of everyday life. Miles is applying for college, and Peter, now a science teacher at Miles’ school, is helping him navigate the complexities of being a hero and a regular person. The game’s primary narrative theme mirrors a classic Spider-Man struggle: the difficulty of juggling superhero duties with personal life. This theme takes center stage right from the start, as Peter and Miles confront the formidable Sandman’s assault on the city.

The main storyline in Spider-Man 2 is anything but ordinary. It introduces multiple villains and threats, starting with the Sandman. Kraven the Hunter, a predator-like character, joins the fray. His obsession with hunting the ultimate prey makes New York City, teeming with superpowered beings, his ideal hunting ground. He even commands a group of like-minded hunters with cutting-edge equipment.

The Venom symbiote, a familiar element in Spider-Man lore, also plays a significant role. As with the previous game, Spider-Man 2 offers a fresh take on the story. This time, the symbiote attaches itself to Peter’s friend Harry Osborn as part of a medical experiment to cure his illness. The symbiote introduces an element of emo angst to the game, as it amplifies the emotional turmoil of the characters. As the symbiote takes hold of Peter, he succumbs to anger and violence, causing him to neglect his responsibilities, including mentoring Miles.

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Dynamic Duo

The two-hero dynamic works remarkably well. Players can easily switch between Miles and Peter, each offering a unique playstyle. Miles brings a variety of electric attacks to the table, while Peter, especially when he dons the symbiote suit, offers a more physical and aggressive approach. This contrast allows for diverse gameplay experiences, ensuring players remain engaged throughout the story.

The game excels not only in combat but also in the art of web-slinging. Swinging through the city provides an unmatched sense of fluidity and grace. Spider-Man 2 introduces web wings, which allow players to glide on gusts of wind for faster traversal. The game’s web-swinging mechanic remains so enjoyable that you’ll find yourself eschewing fast travel altogether.

While combat can become repetitive, Spider-Man 2 keeps things fresh with a variety of mission types. From stealth sequences to puzzle-based challenges, the game constantly introduces new gameplay elements. Even missions where you control other characters, such as MJ, provide unique and engaging experiences. The main campaign excels at maintaining a diverse and suspenseful pace, building anticipation for the climactic showdown.

The game’s side quests, however, remain a mixed bag. Some are mundane, like Peter’s quest to photograph iconic New York locations. Others, while narratively intriguing, suffer from uninspired tasks. Regardless of the quest, most boil down to traveling to a location and battling foes. Some side missions, particularly the puzzle-oriented ones, stand out as the most interesting.

Spider-Man 2 marks the first game in the series built specifically for the PS5. The game capitalizes on the hardware’s capabilities with impressive sequences, such as portal traversal and intricate use of the DualSense controller. The controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers add depth to the gaming experience, enhancing immersion.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Verdict

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 doesn’t revolutionize the franchise but instead refines what worked in its predecessors. With an engaging narrative, compelling characters, and exhilarating gameplay, it continues to deliver the quintessential Spider-Man experience. Although side quests still have room for improvement, the game’s overall quality makes up for this shortcoming. As it teases future installments, Spider-Man 2 reaffirms the enduring appeal of this beloved superhero in the world of gaming. So, gear up to don the Spidey suit once more and swing into action in the city that never sleeps.

At the end of our Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 review, I award this game with our coveted Gold Pokdeward.

Big thanks to PlayStation Asia for sending us this game for the purpose of this review.