Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 has been an interesting talking point for gamers, as they either think this is one of the PS5’s best titles, an overrated open-world game, or a disappointing sequel. Since fans are quick to post and change opinions, general thoughts on this comic book game tend to change.
I’ve previously written about this game being my comfort title on Steam Deck, even at low settings and dips in framerate. Naturally, this plays even better on the PS5, with the visuals and performance being consistently high.
Because I’ve finally finished this game, I have come to the conclusion that Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 has some fantastic gameplay. However, the story is pretty disappointing, as it has some good emotional moments and rushed plotlines that don’t feel earned.
Does whatever a spider can (again)
Controlling either Peter or Miles in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is a treat, as both characters have incredible traversal. The standard web-swinging, launch jumps, and zips are still there, but they’re all complimented by those new gliding web wings. Launching into a long glide after a series of fast-paced swings and zips feels better than ever.
These two characters also have improvements made to their previous actions. A new yo-yo like maneuver lets these characters gain more momentum after a dive, leading to a huge vertical jump that feels good to use every time. Add the already beloved actions from its predecessor, and this is just a treat to play.
Catches thieves, just like flies
It’s not just traversal that’s improved in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, as this game has some of the best Arkham-style combat I’ve had the pleasure of playing. The dodges and attacks are there with enhancements, thanks to newly-added parries, web grapples that bring enemies closer, and special attacks for both characters.
Miles Morales still has his thunder attacks from his solo game and gets new ones, including a teleport bounce and a multi-enemy thunder grab. Peter gets newly added attacks based on his mechanical spider-arms or his symbiote tendrils. Regardless of which Spider gamers prefer, they’re going to have a ton of fun kicking thugs around.
Venom?
click to enlarge
+ 2Unfortunately, for all the good combat and traversal mechanics added, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 falters with its main story. It starts out decently enough, following up on Harry recovering from his chronic illness with the symbiote, and the moments between him and Peter are great. The two being a superhero duo is also fun, but underexplored, as it later devolves into Harry’s Venom being a typical supervillain.
The focus on Peter and Harry’s friendship also undermines whatever story Miles goes through. It feels like the writers can’t decide if he’s struggling with his paper, trying to find Mr. Negative, or balancing his super and normal life. While Miles was a decent character in the first game and his solo spin-off, his arc here feels undercooked and undeserved.
Oh, uh, the Kraven stuff is serviceable, but nothing special. Not much more needs to be said.
Stick with the side villains
click to enlarge+ 2What makes the main Venom story disappointing is that Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 has solid arcs for villains in the various side missions. “The Fire” is easily the most memorable story in the game, and fans want to see it followed up on in Spider-Man 3 or Venom. Mysterio also has a great arc here, with a well-written twist that surprised this writer.
Considering how rushed the main story is, we feel things could have felt better if the game had inserted these stories into the central plot somehow. Maybe that would have made it messier, but the rushing of Peter’s black suit madness and Harry becoming Venom really detracts from the overall experience.
I still really enjoy Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and am actually going through my second playthrough. That’s how good the gameplay is. But it’s rushed and “epic” story feels like a step down from the first game’s story, which had a more natural escalation of story events.
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