Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is a PlayStation masterpiece

Spider-Man 2 arrived on PS5 on October 20, 2023.

It lasts approximately 15 to 23 hours.

You can play with both Peter Parker and Miles Morales.

Insomniac Games, known for their outstanding work on previous titles, brings us Spider-Man 2. This time, they’ve introduced a plethora of new elements.

This has been an exceptional year for the gaming world, and the adventure of our Spider-Man heroes stands out as a highlight.

This ambitious game is bursting with charm and fun, featuring memorable villains and a remarkable technical aspect that sets a new standard in the industry.

We were captivated by Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, which shares similarities with its predecessors, making it a continuation of sorts. Here, we’ll dive into all that the game has to offer.

An adventure with the two Spider-Men

PHOTO: Screenshot of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on PS5

One exciting new feature is the ability to play as both Peter Parker and Miles Morales. Each character has unique abilities and missions, and you can really feel the difference when playing as each of them.

The character-switching mechanism isn’t quite like what we saw in GTA V (2013). You can’t switch between them during a fight or while undertaking a main mission.

The system is more reminiscent of what we experienced in Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart (2020), where you alternately control Ratchet and then Rivet at different points in the game.

There are three skill trees in the game — one for Peter, one for Miles, and one that’s shared between the two characters.

Spider-Man 2: Spectacular missions

PHOTO: Screenshot of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on PS5

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 has left a lasting impression with its main missions, particularly with the introduction of a central story arc that unfolds following Kraven’s arrival in New York.

While Kraven is a pivotal figure, the overarching narrative is effectively driven by the presence of the symbiote, which emerges as the primary villain in this installment.

The game treats us to many surprises with its reimagined portrayals of key Spider-Man characters, drawing from both the comic books and the film adaptations.

The game strikes a harmonious balance. There’s no content oversaturation, nor does anything feel rushed. This is partly attributable to the game’s well-paced length, which allows the story and gameplay elements to unfold organically.

With great power comes great responsibility

PHOTO: Screenshot of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on PS5

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 stands out as the only Spider-Man video game that delves deeply into the personal lives of both central characters.

The game allows us to witness their hopes, frustrations, and personal relationships, fostering a deeper sense of empathy for these iconic heroes.

This nuanced portrayal reminds us that beyond their superpowers and the masks they wear, there are real people – human beings grappling with everyday issues just like anyone else.

The intimate glimpses we get into Peter Parker and Miles Morales’ interactions with their family and friends add a rich layer to the game that we found particularly engaging.

Experience the feeling of becoming Spider-Man

PHOTO: Screenshot of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on PS5

While Insomniac Games already wowed us with the formula they established in their earlier games, they’ve refined it even further this time.

The game retains the familiar feel of its predecessors but introduces some exciting new technical aspects.

A notable addition is the spider wings, which can be activated to help us glide across New York.

Furthermore, combat has been enhanced with special abilities that vary depending on the character we’re playing, along with a unique special attack for each.

Mary Jane’s missions are back

PHOTO: Screenshot of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on PS5

Mary Jane returns, and this time around, her sections are truly enjoyable.

Gone are the frustrating days of instant defeat upon being discovered. Her gameplay has evolved significantly.

Playing as Mary Jane now feels reminiscent of the Ellie sections in The Last Of Us Part II.

Instead of immediate failure upon detection, we now have the ability to hide, neutralize, and even counterattack our enemies using a paralyzer.

Spider-Man 2: New York is full of things to do

PHOTO: Screenshot of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on PS5

If you’re familiar with the previous installments, you’ll know that the map is divided into districts, each with its own set of collectible missions.

This installment continues that tradition, unlocking collectible missions as you progress through the main story.

Among these are the usual tasks like collecting objects scattered around the map, solving puzzles and more.

Admittedly, some missions can feel a bit repetitive, but they don’t detract from the overall flow of the game.

AMAZING technical section

PHOTO: Screenshot of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on PS5

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is visually stunning and can easily be considered one of the best-looking games we’ve experienced this year.

It offers three settings: Fidelity Mode at 30 frames per second, Performance Mode at 60 frames per second, and the VRR option at 120 frames per second.

We tried it in fidelity mode, and the ray tracing effects are breathtaking. However, for fighting and combat sections, switching to performance mode offers a smoother experience.

Despite its visual excellence, we did encounter a few bugs related to NPCs and some game environments, but these were minor and didn’t significantly disrupt the overall gaming experience.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is one of the best video games of this year

PHOTO: Screenshot of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on PS5

Insomniac Games has truly outdone themselves, and it’s clear that Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 could easily inspire a television series or even a movie.

The game sets a new standard for superhero video games in the future.

While it’s somewhat brief, it’s packed with entertainment and successfully delivers everything it set out to.

For fans of the genre, this game is a must-play. We highly recommend it if you own a PS5, and if you’re a Spider-Man enthusiast, you’ll find even more to love in this exceptional gaming experience.