In the new PlayStation 5 game, “Marvel’s Spider-Man 2,” one can swing, jump, and use new web wings to travel across Marvel Comics’s New York. Switching between Peter Parker and Miles Morales, the new game features different stories and epic new powers that are already webbing up players across the world.
Developed by Insomniac Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, the game is based on the Spider-Man Marvel Comics and features a narrative inspired by its running comics in defeating the main villain, Venom, as he threatens to destroy lives, the city, etc. It is the third game in the “Marvel’s Spider-Man” series with sequels to the other games “Marvel’s Spider-Man” (2018) and “Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales” (2020).
According to Sony Interactive Entertainment, “It has sold more than 2.5 million copies to become the fastest-selling PlayStation Studios game in PlayStation history in the first 24 hours.”
The goal for making the game was to ultimately build off the action, storylines, and features from the first game and it is spinoff “Spider-man: Miles Morales” and play it up with even higher standards when developing such innovative gameplay such as its open-world graphics and technical leaps over its previous PS4 sequels.
“We wanted players to express their play style and have the freedom of choice. So if you feel Miles or Peter’s abilities will be more effective in certain places, you can decide which one you want to play as,” claims Ryan Smith, game director of Insomniac Games.
“Marvel’s Spider-Man 2” introduces the ability to glide using web wings, though it is not just a sly reference to the comics and movies, but is an entirely new way to navigate around the game.
“We wanted to create new traversal opportunities because of how we have built the environment, and also complement the web-swinging. It is really fun and a big difference maker,” said Bryan Intihar, senior creative director of Insomniac Games.
Despite its improved gameplay and overwhelmingly positive sales, the game faced criticism for its length of story-based gameplay.
The main plot takes roughly 15 hours to complete. That extends to roughly 40 hours including side-content, a fairly typical length for video games.
Bryan says the studio is aware of the arguments but his team is focused on making the game as good as it can be, “for us, it comes down to the experience we want to deliver with the quality we want to hit. Our job is to make sure that you feel no matter how long it is, it’s worth that money, it’s worth that investment.”
As well as praise for the game’s graphics, combat, and open-world setting, most of the reviews have highlighted the quality of the story it tells. With themes players would connect with, including grief, relationships, and growing up. The game’s main characters, Peter Parker and Miles Morales, are relatable with their stories, despite being superheroes.
“I want to say thank you to the fans – we truly hope you are enjoying your time playing as Peter and Miles in this amazing adventure.”
