Spider-Man 2 follows the Sony sequel playbook, and I’m not upset about it.
Spider-Man 2 follows the Sony sequel playbook, and I'm not upset about it.
Swing into Action with Marvel’s Spider-Man 2: Bigger, Better, and Double the Fun
Spider-Man, with his iconic red and blue suit, has captured the hearts of fans across various forms of media. From comics to movies, cartoons to video games, this beloved character has seen countless iterations. Among them, Insomniac Games’ Spider-Man for the PS4 stands out as a true masterpiece in the Spider-Man universe. The vibrant and expansive rendering of Manhattan city was nothing short of breathtaking. The game skillfully introduced players to a world where the original Spider-Man, Peter Parker, teams up with the younger Miles Morales. But what can players expect from the much-anticipated sequel, Spider-Man 2? Based on my recent hands-on experience with the game, it looks like Insomniac has taken the “go bigger” approach to deliver an even more thrilling spider-powered adventure.
As I dove into the demo, I found myself immersed in the game’s narrative, which revolves around classic villains Kraven and Dr. Curt Conners, better known as the Lizard. Peter and Miles are on a mission to defend the city from Kraven’s hunters while trying to find a cure for the Lizard. However, it’s the gameplay that truly shines in Spider-Man 2. Insomniac has expanded the game world, adding Brooklyn and Queens to the map, and introduced a new mechanic called the web wings. These allow players to glide through the city, catching wind tunnels and updrafts for high-speed traversal. While nothing can replace the core web-slinging mechanic from the first game, the web wings provide a new dimension to explore and traverse different terrain more easily.
Web wings are especially useful in areas like Central Park and Queens, where tall buildings for swinging are scarce. Previously, getting around Central Park felt cumbersome, but this addition makes it a breeze. The web wings also play a crucial role in epic river chases and battles, as showcased in earlier gameplay footage. During one side mission, I took control of Miles as he chased down one of Kraven’s drones. Mastering tight turns and quick ascensions with the web wings proved challenging but incredibly exhilarating. It almost felt like a racing game, adding an exciting element to the gameplay.
Of course, combat has also received some improvements. Previous players will find themselves right at home, beating up goons scattered throughout New York City. The introduction of parrying and blocking mechanics adds depth, requiring players to pay closer attention to enemy attacks. Some attacks can only be parried, while others must be dodged. Flashing colors above enemies indicate the correct timing for these defensive actions. The combat changes inject fresh excitement into the familiar gameplay mechanics and keep players on their toes.
Spider-Man 2 also introduces enhanced gadgets for both Peter Parker and Miles Morales. The game defaults to web-shooters, and holding down the dedicated button allows players to select the desired gadget. With up to four gadgets and the web shooter available, players can choose from a variety of useful tools such as web bombs and shock traps. Skill points earned throughout the game can be used to level up these gadgets, providing even more ways to take down enemies. The addition of skill trees and customization options further enriches the overall gameplay experience.
Visually, Spider-Man 2 is an absolute feast for the eyes. Developed exclusively for the PS5, the game showcases stunning graphics and attention to detail. From breathtaking sunsets and shimmering water on the river to the intricacies of the different spider-suits, every aspect of the game’s visuals is top-notch. Notably, the character models for Lizard and Peter’s symbiote suit demonstrate remarkable detail. The symbiote suit, in particular, feels like a living creature, showcasing textures and fluid movements that go beyond a typical black outfit.
One of the most exciting features of this sequel is the ability to control both Peter Parker and Miles Morales. When in the open world, players can freely switch between the two Spider-Men, each with their own main quests. The game seamlessly transitions between the characters, providing a fluid and natural experience. Playing as both Spiders-Man significantly expands the scope of the game, offering players more options for exploration and different play styles. It remains to be seen if there will be missions that allow players to choose their preferred character, but the freedom to switch between Peter and Miles adds a new level of excitement to the gameplay.
The demo concluded with a thrilling boss battle against the Lizard. This multi-stage showdown required me to utilize all the skills acquired throughout my two-hour playthrough. It was a challenging fight, but the deaths felt fair, often due to my own failure to execute a skill properly. Once I grasped the mechanics, I defeated the Lizard. However, the demo ended on a cliffhanger, hinting at a consequence for Peter going rogue. The wait for the full release of Spider-Man 2 on October 20 will be an agonizing one, as players eagerly anticipate discovering the outcome of this intense boss battle and the further development of the game’s engaging story.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the world of Spider-Man games, the sequel promises to be an exhilarating experience. Insomniac Games has once again demonstrated their expertise in crafting a visually stunning and action-packed game. While the stories of Peter Parker and Miles Morales have captivated audiences, the joy of swinging and fighting around the vibrant streets of New York City remains one of the most thrilling gaming experiences available. So mark your calendars and get ready to swing back into action with Spider-Man 2!
