Review of Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Sony capitalizes on the success of the first Spider-Man game released in 2018, with Insomniac Games returning with a new story and character, launching as a PS5 title.
Story
The story takes place immediately after the first Spider-Man game in the same city, New York. The game offers a recap of the first part for those who haven’t played it. After a challenging mission with the original Spider-Man, Peter Parker tests Miles Morales’ abilities to see if he can handle the responsibility of being Spider-Man, as Peter prepares to leave the city for a while. Once Peter leaves, Miles faces an increase in challenges and dangers. The story progresses quickly, which some may find a flaw, while others may enjoy the fast-paced nature. Miles is a mix of cultures, with a father of African descent and a Puerto Rican mother, which gives him a unique style of movement and language. The game follows the familiar superhero story but with a twist, and it is shorter than the first game, lasting about 10 hours compared to the original’s 20 hours. Overall, the story is engaging and inspired by original comics and films.
Gameplay
The gameplay is very similar to the original Spider-Man game, but with improvements. Miles has new abilities, such as his electricity power and stealth capabilities. Each power has its own skill tree, where you can upgrade abilities using skill points earned throughout the game. However, if you’ve played the first game, the combat may feel repetitive, and it may not feel like you’re playing as a completely different Spider-Man. Some missions require you to use Miles’ unique abilities, but these moments are rare. The game also includes new suits with different perks and new weapons to combat enemies who have new abilities. The stealth missions from the first game have been replaced by simple puzzles, though you can still use stealth to eliminate enemies. Miles has a phone app where people can request his help, allowing you to select missions freely. The open world has varied side quests, including challenges, enemy clusters, and loot boxes. You can earn money to unlock new suits or upgrade equipment.
Graphics and Music
The game’s world, set in New York, is the same as in the first game, but you play during winter and Christmas, which gives it a unique atmosphere. On PS4 Pro, the game has some improvements compared to the first game, but it truly shines on the PS5, with ray tracing and incredible detail. The soundtrack features hip hop beats, fitting for Miles’ character. However, the music is often interrupted by phone calls from characters reminding you of your mission, which can break the immersion. You can turn off these notifications, but they are often essential for following the storyline.
Arabic Support
The game, like the first Spider-Man game, includes Egyptian Arabic dubbing, but it is not well-done, so it may not be ideal for everyone. However, it’s available for those who prefer it.
Summary
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales is literally the missing chapter of the first game, continuing the story excellently with a great new character. The game introduces unique abilities and enemies, while improving the foundations of the original. It’s a fantastic way to explore the new generation of consoles, utilizing the PS5’s features like Haptic Feedback, fast loading, and 3D audio. Miles Morales is a great follow-up to one of the best superhero games.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
1- Engaging story and excellent continuation of the first game.
2- Stunning graphics on the PS5.
3- Utilizes all PS5 features, including DualSense and fast loading.
Cons:
1- A lot of similarity to the previous game.
2- No strong distinction between Miles and the original Spider-Man.
Rating:
8.5/10