Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Review

Why Have One Spider-Man When You Can Have Two?

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 doubles everything—two Spider-Men instead of one and a map twice the size of the original. It’s undoubtedly one of the best PlayStation 5 exclusives and possibly the best for many. Insomniac Games is carrying the PS5 generation on its shoulders with this game. Let’s dive into the review and explore what makes this title stand out.

Story

The story begins 10 months after the events of Miles Morales. Peter Parker is now a high school physics teacher, while Miles is one of his students. The game kicks off with an intense cinematic opening as Sandman wreaks havoc in the city. Peter and Miles team up to stop him, showcasing some of the best action-packed sequences seen in games.

Harry Osborn returns after his recovery using the Symbiote, which leads to Venom becoming a central threat. Meanwhile, Kraven The Hunter arrives in New York, challenging Spider-Man by targeting notable villains from the first game like Martin Li and Scorpion. The story explores how Peter and Miles tackle these threats and the complexities of Harry’s transformation.

Gameplay

Swinging through New York feels as addictive as ever, and new features like web wings enhance traversal. Combat has seen minor improvements with abilities separated from the suit, and the introduction of parries adds depth. However, the gameplay still feels heavily reminiscent of the 2018 Spider-Man, especially during fights.

Boss fights have increased in number, each featuring multiple stages. Unfortunately, their repetitive attack patterns diminish excitement. On the other hand, stealth mechanics receive a significant upgrade with the new Web Line feature, allowing creative approaches to missions. However, the removal of gadgets like web traps is a missed opportunity.

World and Side Content

The map size has doubled with new areas like Brooklyn and Queens. You can switch between Peter and Miles instantly, adding depth to exploration. Side missions are more diverse, with activities tailored to each character, such as Miles handling college-related missions and Peter revisiting connections from the first game.

Graphics and Technical Performance

Spider-Man 2 showcases the full power of the PS5. All graphics modes support ray tracing, and the SSD ensures near-instant fast travel. The lighting, reflections, and time-of-day effects make New York stunningly immersive. The seamless switching between characters and locations highlights the game’s technical brilliance.

Final Verdict

8/10
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 delivers an exhilarating experience with its improved boss fights, traversal, and side content. While it remains similar to the 2018 installment, its technical achievements and refined gameplay make it a must-play for PS5 owners.