Back when the PS5 launched in 2020, we got a small taste of what Insomniac was cooking up for the hardware with a bite-sized "Spidey" spin-off. But after three long years, we're ready for a meaty "Spider-Man" sequel.
With over 80 reviews counted at OpenCritic, "Spider-Man 2" has a "Mighty" average score of 91/100. That's a bit of a boost from the 88/100 earned by the original game and the 85/100 that spin-off "Miles Morales" received. Those numbers look great, but let's see what the critics really have to say.
It's loads of fun, but it doesn't rethink the franchise
As a sequel in a spectacular series, "Marvel’s Spider-Man 2" is both blessed and cursed. Its story of two Spider-Men is a great time and a Spidey fan's dream to play through as comic book pages are brought to life, elegantly walking the tightrope between light [humor] and heavier themes. Meanwhile, Insomniac refines a successful formula of combat and web-swinging without [revolutionizing] either in major ways, making them comfy and familiar with just enough new tweaks and abilities to elevate them to fun new heights. The part that feels like it actually needed a radical rethinking is the open world of New York City, which has been made bigger but not better, with an exhausting checklist of mostly repetitious side activities. But it's safe to call this another thrilling Spider-Man adventure that delivers Insomniac's best tale yet, and despite its open world falling short, it's a reliably fun superhero power trip. And, you know what? Screw it. It really did make me feel like Spider-Man, too.
All in all, "Marvel's Spider-Man 2" may largely give us more of what we've played in Insomniac's previous Spider-Man games, but that winning formula is still so damn fun that it really doesn't matter. The story's exploration of loneliness is fantastic, creating gripping new narratives for the two heroes, Peter and Miles, as well as the two main villains, Kraven and Venom. "Spider-Man 2" unites all four characters in a riveting narrative throughline you'll want to see all the way through and has the gameplay hooks to keep you engaged the whole ride.
It's a graphical powerhouse
For my money, it's the best example of ray-traced reflections you'll find in an open world console game as of 2023. Nothing else comes close.
"Spider-Man 2" is another technical triumph. The game offers performance and quality modes, each of which have several permutations depending on what display you're using. It's a very similar setup to the PS5 versions of both "Miles Morales" and the original "Spider-Man," but there was no need to reinvent the wheel.
This is absolutely leading us to 'Spider-Man 3'
If it were a television show, it would feel both too long and yet also a few episodes short of a full season. Maybe that's what the DLC will be for. Or the inevitable next sequel in the franchise.
Canons were made to be broken, and "Spider-Man 2" swings in that direction. With a sequel teed up by the game's final act, I'm eager to see where Insomniac goes with that momentum. Next stop: the Bronx.
TL;DR
Fully and without compromise, it really does feel like it was designed for everybody.
I went into "Marvel's Spider-Man 2" expecting it to be one of my favorite games this year and still walked away impressed by what the developer was able to pull off.
Looking for something a bit grittier? Check out "Lords of the Fallen."
[Image: IGN]
