Game Over: Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 was one of the most anticipated games of this year, developed by Insomniac Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. There’s no need for more of an introduction: It’s a Spider-Man game. It’s been over a month since the game’s release, and I’ve long since completed the game with a new Platinum trophy in my collection. Now, after I’ve settled down, cleared my fanboyisms, and really sat down and thought about my time with the game I knew that I wanted to write this article. So… what do I think now of this potential Game of the Year?

People felt like Peter was getting his ass kicked too much in this game... but that was the point. He didn't feel like he was being the best Spider-Man and turned to the Black Suit when it gave him the power, falling under its influences easier.

The story is that Peter Parker and Miles Morales have been struggling to balance both their personal lives and their dedication to the city as Spider-Men. Peter needs to pay off his mortgage on his house and Miles needs to write up his college application essay, but New York often needs them on the clock… such as when Kraven the Hunter comes to the city to hunt down the most dangerous prey of all: superheroes and supervillains. With the city on the brink of destruction from this great hunt, and their loved ones in danger, it may take more than just two Spider-Men to save the day, and that may lead them down darker paths.

Now, I really enjoyed the story here. It’s compelling and I loved the journeys Peter and Miles go through. It was amazing, no pun intended, and the story of the black suit was done really well here. I even teared up at the ending… again. That being said, I did feel like it needed more time to develop characters and let things last just a little bit longer. It has two Spider-Men to play with, but despite being the same length as the first game, it felt shorter than it should be. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy what was there, but it definitely could've gone on longer, and I think that’s my main problem with the game.

It has some great side content but maybe not enough for both Spider-Men.

Let’s not beat around the bush: the game was pretty buggy at launch. My own playthrough wasn’t exactly bug-free, with a few times where my game would just softlock and force me to restart from a checkpoint, and I’ve seen plenty of other glitches online. I did expect some, it is an open-world game after all, and no matter how polished it is, the sheer size and scope of such worlds will have issues, and it’s not like the first game was completely glitch-free, but it felt more noticeable here.

As for the gameplay, it doesn’t feel all that different from previous games, but that’s not always a bad thing. It’s still the same combat and traversal systems that I’ve used in previous entries. You still have plenty of your staple moves and upgrades from the previous games, but there are plenty of minor improvements that I personally had. The web wings in combination with web-slinging makes going around New York so fast and freeing, disarming is actually fast and effective with the new Web Whip move, the gadgets are fewer but more effective and fun to use instead of “I Win” buttons, and powers and abilities you unlock are so damn fun to use and feel great. The game also brings back the normal human missions, but they made them fun or cute to play. I was grinning when I played as MJ, tasing and shooting idiots in the face. Who knew giving her a gun would make her exciting to play?

 The villians were so well-done here. Especially Venom.

Overall, I really did love Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, but I felt the issues were more obvious in this entry than in the previous entries. I love the story and gameplay, but I did feel it needed more time in the oven so there would be enough content for two Spider-Men. Even so, what they did with that content was great. However, despite all this, I don’t believe it will be Game of the Year. Maybe a personal game of the year, but I know it’s going to be snubbed just like last time. It has great gameplay and all, but I felt that it didn’t hit me the same as Marvel's Spider-Man with its hard-hitting ending. I just hope Insomniac Games is currently working on story DLC or something, and hopefully, getting New Game+ and new suits soon. I want my Sensational Spider-Man suit, dammit!