By Dean Moses
Game: Spider-Man 2
Platform: PlayStation 5
Rating: T for Teen
Cost: $69.99
The PlayStation 5 exclusive Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is finally here, and players are already raving about the story and gameplay. This sequel comes three years after the next generation launch title Spider-Man Miles Morales hit store shelves and continues to follow Miles and Peter Parker as they explore their abilities, face new villains and explore a more expansive map of New York City.
What’s New
Since the last iteration Peter Parker and Miles Morales have evolved both in their skill set and their personal lives. Instead of making players wait for story segues to shift between playing as Peter and Miles, for the first time in the series gamers can switch between them allowing them to explore different parts of the protagonists’ stories. This switch is not just a simple swap out, but effects how players progress through the story and dictates the unique narrative in each scene.
GamePlay
Be prepared for new gadgets, suit upgrades, and web-slinging fun in Spider-Man 2, allowing players access to a combo combat system that is both intuitive and seamless. There is a new parry mechanic that has improved dodging attacks that also leaves the enemy vulnerable to damage as well as an updated web mechanic that gives players more flexibility when taking down foes stealthily. Traverse the city with your wall crawling and web-slinging abilities or try gliding around with the web wings where you can navigate through Manhattan, Brooklyn and even Queens. The opportunity to travel outside of Manhattan is also a new feat that lets Miles and Peter explore the Brooklyn Visions Academy, Midtown High School, Aunt May’s house and more.
Web-suits are not the only new on the menu, there a new villain from Marvel’s repertoire, like Kraven with his hunter ability, Lizard’s brutal strength and Venom’s callous calculating tactics will have players shifting their techniques in each battle to come out on top. Coupled with the never-ending henchman, gamers must adapt their fighting tactics to be able to combat multiple enemies at the same time.
Conclusion
Spider-Man 2 has swung itself to the top of the list as a Game of the Year contender with its amazing graphics, fighting system and captivating narrative. Usually when there are two main characters, players tend to favor one over the other, but Spider-Man 2 has made both Miles and Peter such likable heroes with an added layer of depth to their personalities. The wide variety of suits to choose from—which can sustain damage in battles—along with the flash back story moments in Peter’s life makes Spider-Man 2 one of the greatest gaming outings this year.
