Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 swings into action and is the latest entry in the iconic Spider-Man videogame series on PS5. Developed by Insomniac Games, Spider-Man 2 carries forward the successful legacy of the previous games and adds new and exciting elements to the Spider-Man universe.

After spending the last 3 weeks with the game, let’s take a spoiler-free look at what makes Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 a showcase of the PlayStation 5’s capabilities on many levels and one of this generation’s best videogames.

Platform(s): PlayStation 5
Developer(s): Insomniac Games
Publisher(s): Sony Interactive Entertainment
Genre: Action-Adventure
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 keeps up the tradition of captivating storytelling that’s a hallmark of Spider-Man games. The game begins about nine months after the events of Miles Morales, where both Peter Parker and Miles Morales have taken up the role of Spider-Man. However, their lives are anything but ordinary. Peter grapples with financial woes, while Miles juggles college applications and relationships. The narrative is a rollercoaster ride, featuring themes of identity, responsibility, friendship, and family. Not only are you taken through the exhilarating life of a superhero but also the complex personal challenges of its characters.

The game also introduces a new challenge in the form of Kraven the Hunter, a relentless adversary who manipulates other villains like Scorpion and Doctor Connors to create chaos in New York. One of my favourite standout features of the story is the introduction of the symbiote suit. This iconic suit enhances Spider-Man’s abilities but also alters his personality and emotions. And, the game takes this storyline in a satisfying direction. The narrative is not just engaging; it draws you in as it explores the raw emotions of the characters, forcing them into personal reckonings as they strive to save New York.

In Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, swinging through the city is a pure delight. It takes full advantage of the PlayStation 5’s power, making you feel like you’re really soaring as Spider-Man. The new addition of Web Wings brings an extra layer of excitement that I couldn’t get enough of. Web Wings allow you to glide through the air by using air currents, giving a fresh twist to the traditional swinging. I often found myself using Web Wings not just for travel but also as a tactical move in battles, allowing for seamlessly switching between swinging and gliding.

The game’s map is huge, almost double the size of the original city. It’s packed with life, landmarks, and activities. You can explore Brooklyn, Queens, Coney Island, and other locations, each with its own vibe. The city’s layout perfectly complements Spider-Man’s agile moves, and the introduction of Web Wings, slipstreams, and slingshots provides you with many choices for getting around the vast open world.

The combat system in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 builds upon its predecessors while introducing exciting new elements. Fighting is smooth, responsive, and super satisfying as ever. You have a range of attacks, combos, gadgets, and ways to use the world around you to take down your enemies in style. Whether you prefer close combat or sneaky stealth takedowns, this system caters to different playstyles.

One significant change is the ability to switch between Peter Parker and Miles Morales during battles. Both characters come with their own unique abilities. Peter sticks to his classic web shooters and spider-sense, while Miles has his bio-electricity powers, including venom blasts. This dual-hero approach allows for inventive strategies, letting you choose between abilities and gadgets to handle foes. The combat system is deep and offers a lot of variety, making battles engaging.

One noteworthy feature I want to point out are the joint fights in random crimes around the city, which, although enjoyable, could have been better integrated into the main story. Swinging through the city and taking on villains in intense fights is empowering and fun. With the addition of dual protagonists and new mechanics, the game stays fresh and enjoyable.

As I mentioned earlier, New York City takes centre stage in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, and it’s more expansive and detailed than ever. The city’s boroughs, including Brooklyn and Queens, provide players with an even larger playground to explore. The game also offers landmark locations like Coney Island and Central Park, creating a diverse and vibrant open world.

You can interact with citizens, engage in activities, take selfies, and listen to podcasts. Numerous side missions expand the story or introduce new characters, along with random crimes and events throughout the city.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 offers a visual feast for your eyes. The game features realistic lighting, shadows, reflections, and textures, enhanced by ray tracing across all modes. The day/night and weather cycle adds mood and atmosphere to the city. However, it’s worth noting that this cycle isn’t dynamic but changes as needed to connect with the story’s narrative. Fast loading times and near-instant switching between Spider-Men showcase the capabilities of the PS5, although I did encounter some minor glitches.

The game’s audio and sound design are top-notch. A dynamic orchestral score composed by John Paesano matches the tone and action of the game, with unique themes for each character and villain. The sound effects enhance the immersion and feedback, making every swing and combat encounter feel impactful. The voice acting features a talented cast that brings the characters to life, creating moments of urgency and emotion that resonate with players.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 sets new standards for making the game accessible for everyone. Insomniac Games have gone above and beyond to make sure that regardless what your skill level or ability is, you can enjoy playing the game. Spider-Man 2 includes an impressive amount of customizable options that you can change and configure based upon your gaming needs and preferences.

One feature that stood out for me that I found really interesting is the ability to adjust the game’s gameplay speed. This caters to people who prefer a more relaxed experience and those looking for a more challenging pace. Moreover, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 includes assistive features such as enhanced dodge and parry windows. These options make gameplay more manageable, allowing everyone to play and enjoy without frustration.

Additionally, the introduction of skills like “Web Burst” help make difficult tasks easier and in turn make the game more appealing for everyone. These are just some of the thoughtful design choices that Insomniac Games included that help contribute to the game’s reputation as a beacon of inclusivity.

Without a doubt, I can say with confidence, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is a remarkable sequel that outshines its predecessors. It boasts a captivating story, immersive gameplay, breathtaking visuals, and user-friendly features, which easily establishes itself as one of the best superhero games available anywhere.

The game skillfully delves into profound themes while delivering thrilling action. Insomniac Games once again proves their prowess in crafting titles for the PlayStation 5. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 not only proves its worth but also delivers an extraordinary gaming experience that embodies the “Be Greater Together” philosophy. If you own a PS5 or have been thinking of getting one, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is a must have and reason to buy a PS5 this holiday season.

+ Engaging and emotional narrative
+ Thrilling gameplay and web-swinging
+ Stunning visuals and immersive sound

– The abundance of side content and missions may seems overwhelming to some
– Limited variety of suits, with some repeated from previous games

Gameplay: 4.5/5
Graphics: 4.75/5
Sound: 4.5/5
Lasting Appeal/Replayability: 4.5/5

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