Marvel's Spider-Man 2

Spider-Man 2 is really good, but not as good as the first game. Of course, It looks better, and plays better (with some sweet features in the gameplay), as we would expect from a game of the next generation, but the narrative, even if great at some times, is not as round as it was on the previous game.

With two protagonists the lack of focus is a problem, as are the annoying missions with regular characters that we have been spared of in Miles' solo game.

Some of the antagonists are not well developed in the script, and the game suggests that the developers don't want to make more games with Peter, to give Miles the spotlight, wich, if comes to be, I really dislike, to be honest.

I have no complaints about the mechanics or story. Action and swinging are very smooth and I love the new symbiote combat moves. On top of that, the story was fantastic. However, when I saw I had 25% of the game completed after my first sitting, I knew that all of these great aspects were going to be short lived.

It has been 5 years since the first game released, and 3 since the "hold-over" Miles Morales game. Suffice it to say, I was able to platinum this game in just 27 hours. For clarification, that means that not only the main story was completed, but every side quest and challenge along with it. I did not skip any cutscenes. Heck, I only even fast traveled a couple times. This is a $70 AAA game.

For comparison, I have not yet achieved platinum on Spider-Man 1, but I have 34 hours logged and only half of the badges (story completed). This game was much shorter in length and had two Spider-Men compared to the first game, where miles morales was an NPC for all but 10 minutes. God of War Ragnarok, another flagship SIE game, takes around 60 hours to platinum and around 40 for the main story alone. The predecessor God of War 4, takes about 26 hours just for the main story.

In conclusion, I was just looking to see more. They intentionally left us hanging with a couple loose ends so they can sell us DLC in the future. I think these should have been integrated as side quests in this game. It is just a shame to see that this game was 5 years in the making and SIE couldn't even put out 30 hours of gameplay. As a lifelong fan of Spider-Man and someone who bought a PS4 just to play the first game, this is kind of a let down. Again, the action and story are wonderful, but I personally don't feel like I got my $70 worth.

In the world of superhero video games, few titles have captured the essence of their comic book counterparts as brilliantly as the Spider-Man series from Insomniac Games. The sequel, "Marvel's Spider-Man 2," takes everything that made the first game great and amps it up to create an even more exhilarating and immersive experience. From its compelling narrative to its stunning graphics and enhanced gameplay, Spider-Man 2 swings onto the scene as a must-play title for fans and gamers alike.

The story in "Marvel's Spider-Man 2" is a true standout. It continues the tale of Peter Parker and Miles Morales, now working together as Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2, respectively. The game introduces a new and formidable antagonist, Kraven the Hunter, who challenges the two heroes in unexpected ways. Additionally, the return of Venom adds complexity to the narrative, as the character grapples with his newfound powers and responsibilities. The writing is sharp, and the character development is top-notch, creating a rich and emotionally resonant storyline that keeps players invested from start to finish.

One of the game's most striking features is its jaw-dropping graphics. The previous installment was a visual feast, and Spider-Man 2 takes it to the next level. The city of New York is more vibrant and detailed than ever, with dynamic weather effects and realistic lighting that make swinging through the city an absolute joy. The character models, too, are incredibly lifelike, with an attention to detail that makes it feel as if you're controlling the web-slinger himself. The cutscenes seamlessly blend with the gameplay, ensuring a visually cohesive and immersive experience.

Gameplay is where Spider-Man 2 truly shines. Swinging through the city remains a fluid and exhilarating experience, as it was in the first game. The controls are intuitive, making it easy for both newcomers and veterans to jump right in. What's new, however, are the combat mechanics. The addition of team-up moves between Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2 adds depth and excitement to battles. The combat animations are smoother and more varied, and players can switch between the two characters on the fly, allowing for dynamic and satisfying combat encounters.

In addition to the improved combat, both Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2 have their unique abilities and skill trees. This customization adds strategic depth to the game, allowing players to tailor their playstyle to their liking. Whether you prefer a more stealthy approach or enjoy going head-to-head with foes, the game accommodates a variety of strategies. The city also offers numerous side activities, from crime-fighting to collectibles, providing plenty of opportunities for exploration and engagement beyond the main story.

Another significant addition to "Marvel's Spider-Man 2" is the inclusion of a cooperative mode. Players can team up with a friend in local or online co-op to take on challenges and missions together. This feature adds a social dimension to the game and enhances the already outstanding gameplay experience. It's a great way to share the web-swinging and crime-fighting with a friend, and it's a testament to the game's versatility.

The audio in Spider-Man 2 is just as impressive as the visuals and gameplay. The music, composed by John Paesano, complements the high-stakes action and emotional moments perfectly. The voice acting is stellar, with the returning cast delivering top-notch performances. The banter between Peter and Miles as they navigate the challenges of being heroes is particularly well-executed, adding depth and humor to the characters.

If there's one aspect where Spider-Man 2 might be seen as falling slightly short, it's the length of the main story. While the narrative is engaging, some players may find it a bit shorter than expected. However, the wealth of side activities and the cooperative mode help extend the game's replayability.

In conclusion, "Marvel's Spider-Man 2" is a triumphant sequel that takes the excellence of the first game and elevates it to new heights. The compelling narrative, stunning graphics, and refined gameplay make it a must-play for fans of the superhero genre and gaming enthusiasts in general. The addition of co-op play and the exceptional audio design round out the package, ensuring that Spider-Man 2 is an unforgettable gaming experience. This is a game that not only lives up to the legacy of the web-slinger but also pushes it further into the realm of video game excellence. With great power comes great responsibility, and "Marvel's Spider-Man 2" lives up to both.

One of the best games I've ever played, hell it's GOTY at least for me. I was mind blown seeing the fluidity of combat, the graphics, traversal and especially those freaking Web Wings, I'm in love with 'em, definitely a step up from previous games. It takes the formula of what made the previous titles such great games and it drastically improves upon them. I see people complain about the play time being 20-35 hours, but I'm okay with it, I would rather want a polished, great, fun, amazing, not boring, and a wonderful experience rather than exaggerated for 100 of hours tired of the freaking game, so I would say it is one of the best games this year, seeing a character switch system like GTA5 just made this game more great, a definite best exclusive for PS5, cheers INSOMNIAC!!!!

Spider-Man 2 takes everything that was great about the first game, and expands upon it; bigger map, grander story, more characters, improved mechanics, etc. The game also has spectacular set pieces, and a good variety of missions that help speed up, and slow down the pacing when necessary, including one when you go on the rides, and play carnival games at Coney Island, which is unironically one of my favorites missions in any game ever. Overall, after 100% the game, and achieving the platinum trophy, I can confidently say Spiderman 2 is now one of my all time favorite games; its gameplay is fast, fun, and has the best combat system I've ever experienced. If you're a Spiderman fan, it's definitely worth the money.

Now for the things I don't like: first off, Im not a huge on the wingsuit, as I think it takes the focus off of web slinging - seeing Spiderman soar through the skies like Superman just doesn't feel right... (although, I know Insomniac probably thought it was a necessary addition, to make traversing the larger map easier, especially since there's now a river you have to navigate across) They also brought back the dreaded forced stealth MJ missions from the first game. I know they don't want MJ to be your typical damsel in distress, but giving her an OP taser and forcing you to navigate through enemy territory while neither Spiderman is in sight for assistance, just isn't it... I'm also not a fan of the "Danacast" that returns in this game after being introduced in Miles Morales. I don't care about some random, liberal college student's opinions about what's going on in the story, just give me J. Jonah Jameson.

Performance wise; In my 24+ hours of playing the game so far, I've only suffered from one crash, but there is some gltiches that need to be patched. Like, a pivotal part of the game's narrative was ruined for me, because character models were either completely invisible, or they were just floating heads... (both in cutscenes and gameplay) There's also this really odd bug where your character model is just a small, white box? It tends to happen when switching quickly back and forth between suits.

Finally: Just like the first game, there's no option for New Game+ at launch - although, I heard that its coming before the end of the year - also, there's currently not an option to change the time of day like in the previous 2 games, (not even after beating the story...) which is disappointing. So hopefully they add that, soon, too.

In conclusion, Spiderman 2 isn't perfect, but it's pretty close. 9/10.