Ask anyone to name a superhero and more times than not they’ll answer Spider-Man. Even people who don’t know or like comic books have heard of him. So, when Insomniac announced they were making a Spider-Man game, it was no surprise. As a Playstation exclusive, the first game (released in 2018) was why I jumped back to Playstation after having an Xbox since the original.
Then, they gave us DLC and a spin-off with Miles Morales as the lead. It’s safe to say both were critically acclaimed and enjoyed by fans all over the web.
Now, Insomniac seek to be greater with the sequel Spider-Man 2. First announced in September 2021, fans were eager to see what the team at Insomniac had in store. Every new trailer and piece of information served only to increase its hype. But, as the game released on October 20, did this particular spidey climb up the water spout of hype or did the rain wash it all away?
Before we get into it, take a look at a trailer for the game below:
Before reading ahead, please be aware there will be spoilers from Spider-Man and Spider-Man: Miles Morales.
Spinning the Story
The story of Spider-Man (2018) was met with acclaim from critics and fans alike. Its portrayal of Peter Parker’s dual life converging as his mentor, Dr Otto Octavius, slowly became the final boss, was nothing short of brilliance. It put us in the driver’s seat of a character beloved by so many. But, it also lets us delve into the great responsibility that comes with the great power of Spider-Man. Unfortunately, it means watching loved ones get hurt. With that being said, Spider-Man 2 has big shoes to fill particularly in this area.
Luckily, it has a very particular foundation that also gives it an edge. Of course, I’m talking about the symbiote Venom. When Venom arrives, a specific arc for Peter Parker isn’t too far away. I won’t go into the details of how this game handles the symbiote. However, I will say, it thankfully doesn’t go down a route that’s too cheesy and makes it hard for real redemption.
Outside of that, the core of the story revolves around relationships and how that affects their future. Whether this is Peter still struggling after the death of Aunt May or Miles Morales putting off his college application. These relate to everything that happens, propelling our characters to their endgame. Throw in the return of old friends and foes, the emergence of new and a New York turned into a hunting ground, Spider-Man 2 promises to deliver on its promise to be greater.
If you thought the last game had emotional moments, just wait until you experience this one.
Behind the Mask
Returning from the last games are Yuri Lowenthal, Nadji Jeter and Laura Bailey as Peter Parker, Miles Morales and Mary-Jane Watson. They bring their A-game and it’s amazing to hear Yuri as the symbiote takes hold. Nadji’s performance as Miles is spectacular in every sense and he’ll make you fall in love with the character more than you already have. The same goes for Laura who provides a Mary-Jane who not only holds her own but is different from every other version we’ve seen. She’s certainly my favorite MJ outside of the comics.
They’re not the only returning actors though. Griffin Puatu (Ganke), Jacqueline Pinol (Rio Morales) and Mark Rolston (Norman Osborn) are back, as well as others but I don’t want to spoil them. Since it’s a new game, there are also new characters and there’s only some I can bring up without spoiling.
It’s already known Harry Osborn’s here and he’s played by Graham Phillips. His performance as Harry is worth the wait and his arc is devastatingly beautiful. Jim Pirri also joins as the game’s villain, the big game hunter Kraven. Except, this Kraven leads an organisation of hunters who bring destruction in their wake to New York. He’s terrifying in the role but he’s not the only one.
When Venom was announced, fans wondered who would voice him. A character like Venom needs a voice that’s scary, demanding and forceful while emphasising the human underneath. I’m pleased to say this is done incredibly by horror legend Tony Todd. That’s right, Candyman himself is Venom.
The rest of the voice cast is great and if you listen out, you’ll hear some familiar voices.
Swinging Good Time
Now it’s your turn to do whatever a spider can. Starting off, swinging is good but there’s room for improvement. That’s where the upgrade system comes in and once fully upgraded, you’ll experience the best swinging in any Spider-Man game ever. Throw in the web-wings from the original Steve Ditko design, you have a new way to explore the massive New York map. It may take some time to understand the web wings but once you get the hang of it, they’re a lot of fun. Without them, the exploration wouldn’t be as fun.
The gadgets are stripped back this time with only four available. But, each Spider-Man has special abilities coming from Miles’ venom blast and Peter’s iron spider legs. With the introduction of these, it’s never been a better time to play as our friendly neighborhood Spider-Men. Who knows, perhaps there’s more combat to explore and you’ll only know for yourself when you play.
Stealth missions are also back but they are upgraded. After her budding friendship with Silver Sable, Mary-Jane carries a stun gun that incapacitates all enemies. I enjoyed the missions in the first game and even more in this one.
Overall
Spider-Man 2 is, dare I say it, the ultimate Spider-Man experience. Insomniac has crafted an experience that lets you be greater and rise above as Peter Parker and Miles Morales. All that’s left to be said is I can’t wait to see what DLC the team is cooking up.
