Since its release in 2020, the PlayStation 5 has struggled to fully justify its own existence. While the hardware is impressive, the limited number of true, next-gen blockbusters has haunted the console with a lack of identity. Most major PlayStation releases in recent years have not been landlocked to the PS5, instead opting for cross-gen releases with the still widely-used PS4. As such, fans had no urgent reason or desire to make the expensive transition to next-gen. Three years later, though, Insomniac Studios’ “Marvel’s Spider-Man 2” (2023) represents a seismic shift in the PlayStation 5’s lifecycle and significance.
“Spider-Man 2” was built from the ground up to be a true next-generation experience. Almost every aspect of its acclaimed predecessors’ design philosophy is improved and expanded. Now, instead of being restricted to Manhattan, players can now cross the Hudson and explore the extensive and iconic boroughs of Queens and Brooklyn. The presence of Aunt May’s house in Astoria and Miles’ high school in Williamsburg, among other notable settings, do a lot for grounding the narrative, and making the stakes feel that much more urgent.
With a larger map, comes improved traversal, as well. The introduction of the “web wings,” which essentially function as a wingsuit, makes zipping around New York more seamless and entertaining than ever. Despite their undeniable utility, the web wings do not take anything away from the lauded web-swinging mechanics that have stayed largely the same since the 2018 game. You will lose altitude fairly quickly after gliding for any extended period of time, and they control very loosely and erratically. This implementation ensures that the web wings function simply as a bridge between web-swings, rather than a primary means of getting around. They are thus particularly useful when traversing the areas of Queens and Brooklyn that aren’t necessarily dotted with massive skyscrapers like Manhattan. All that being said, comic originalists who are skeptical of flying around as Spider-Man will be happy to know that the game only forces you to use the web wings on rare occasions. How the player handles their traversal in the open world is completely up to them.
Gameplay systems at large are polished to near perfection in “Spider-Man 2.” For being what could be described as a simple “beat ‘em up” game, Insomniac leaves room for any number of playstyles and preferences. If you’re unhinged enough to want to emulate a Dark Souls experience, you can now level-up parry counter-attacks in addition to timing up perfect dodges. Players can also increase the efficiency of their rechargeable heavy attacks, which dole out massive damage in incredibly fun ways. While never forced on the player, stealth is satisfying and open to improvisation, thanks to the introduction of traversable web lines and unlockable takedowns. My preferred style had a focus on aerial attacks, where I used my early skill points to increase high-flying mobility and damage, unlocking a number of advanced acrobatic moves that fit Spider-Man perfectly. Gadgets have extensive progression, as well, and provide great utility. Webbing enemies to walls is just as fun as ever, with later upgrades adding knockback and splash damage to basic web attacks. Other gadgets allow the player to suspend enemies mid-air, pull them together, or stun them, depending on how you wish to approach the encounter. While some players may not fully appreciate Insomniac’s spin on a high-tech Spider-Man, the gameplay diversity and entertainment value it lends is undeniable.
Despite being purely cosmetic, an aspect of “Spider-Man 2” that must be mentioned is the extensive suit collections for both Miles and Peter. The selections hold a number of deep-cut comic references, crowd-pleasers from the various films, and Insomniac originals that bear striking narrative significance. To describe any number of these fresh Spidey suits would be a disservice, so I’ll simply say that my preference was the 2002 Raimi suit for Peter, and the Across the Spider-Verse suit for Miles. So fresh, so clean.
Speaking of our two playable characters, the narrative is a classic Spider-Man story that is enjoyable from start to finish. With the game being as new as it is, I’ll deviate from spoilers. Peter and Miles’ respective journeys thus far have led them to interesting places, and the game deals with their deeply intertwined arcs in a way that ultimately feels very satisfying and earned. It’s a story in which the Spider-Men have to come to terms with the fact that, no matter how strong you are, you just can’t save everybody. Of course, you don’t need to have superpowers for this deeply personal and touching story to move you. As for the main narrative, that’s as much as I’ll discuss without revealing any specific plot points. However, here is my plea to you, if you plan on playing this game: play the side missions. Insomniac truly gets at the heart of what Spider-Man really is as a character with these relatively low-stakes, yet highly personal stories. You would be remiss to skip out on them.
To me, the mark of a truly great game is one that absolutely absorbs me into spending hours playing, hardly noticing the passing time. It only took me about twenty hours to unlock the platinum trophy for “Spider-Man 2,” but I certainly don’t hold its somewhat brisk length against it, as some others have. Insomniac has crafted a filet mignon of a game here. There is not an ounce of boring gameplay present, and nothing overstays its welcome. “Spider-Man 2” is an experience that is more than worthy of being the PlayStation 5’s flagship title, because it is deeply in tune with what video games are all about. Fun.
Carlo Constantine is a second-year Political Science major. CC1031591@wcupa.edu.