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MONSTER

Marvel's Spider-Man 2

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Marvel's Spider-Man 2
Item: Marvel's Spider-Man 2
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Crime, Open World, Single Player

AvailableOct 20, 2023

PlatformPC, PlayStation 5

DeveloperInsomniac Games

Overview

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is the next game in the critically acclaimed Marvel's Spider-Man franchise. Developed by Insomniac Games in collaboration with PlayStation and Marvel Games. Swing, jump and utilize the new Web Wings to travel across Marvel’s New York, quickly switching between Peter Parker and Miles Morales to experience different stories and epic new powers, as the iconic villain Venom threatens to destroy their lives, their city and the ones they love. Quickly swap between both Spider-Men as you explore an expanded Marvel’s New York. Fight against a variety of new and iconic villains, including an original take on the monstrous Venom, the ruthless Kraven the Hunter, the volatile Lizard and many more.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is largely celebrated for its compelling narrative and character depth, with critics praising the emotional complexity of Peter Parker and Miles Morales. The introduction of villains like Kraven and Venom adds excitement, but some reviewers criticize predictable plot lines and pacing issues. Overall, it’s seen as a significant narrative improvement over its predecessors, delivering one of the best Spider-Man stories to date, despite some narrative flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

88%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

11%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The overall sentiment surrounding the story of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its engaging narrative and character development. Reviewers like IGN and Gameblog.fr highlight the emotional depth and complexity of the characters, particularly the duality of Peter Parker and Miles Morales as they navigate their personal struggles alongside their responsibilities as Spider-Men. Critics such as Gaming Age and VG247 commend the story for its well-crafted arcs and satisfying conclusions, while Destructoid emphasizes the chemistry between the voice actors, which enhances the emotional delivery of the narrative. The introduction of iconic villains like Kraven and Venom adds a thrilling dynamic, as noted by Forbes and GGRecon, who appreciate how these characters contribute to the overarching themes of sacrifice and redemption. Despite the overall acclaim, several critics have pointed out notable flaws in the narrative. PC Gamer and The Jimquisition criticize the story for its predictability and pacing issues, suggesting that it often lacks depth and fails to deliver impactful plot twists. Similarly, Metro GameCentral and IGN Turkey mention that the character arcs can feel flat and that the story sometimes suffers from a lack of payoff, with generic villains diminishing the excitement. Critics like Loot Level Chill and Gamer.no also note that while there are emotional moments, they can be overshadowed by cluttered storytelling and pacing inconsistencies, which detract from the overall experience. In summary, the consensus among critics indicates that Marvel's Spider-Man 2 offers a compelling and emotionally engaging story that resonates with players. While some reviewers highlight issues related to pacing and predictability, the majority find the narrative to be a significant improvement over its predecessors, with rich character development and a blend of personal and heroic struggles. Critics like IGN and Gamepressure encapsulate this sentiment, asserting that the game delivers one of the best Spider-Man stories to date, successfully weaving together the challenges faced by both Peter and Miles while maintaining a gripping and entertaining narrative.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 impresses with refined mechanics, fluid gameplay, and engaging combat, thanks to new features like Web Wings and enhanced character abilities. Critics praise the dynamic character-switching and expanded skills, making it feel fresh and immersive. However, some note the open-world design can feel outdated, controls are clunky on PC, and combat may become repetitive. Overall, it's hailed as a thrilling addition to the franchise, delivering a fast-paced superhero experience despite minor flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

78%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

22%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 has garnered a largely positive reception from critics, with many praising its refined mechanics and engaging combat systems. Reviewers like Press Start Australia and Shacknews highlighted the introduction of new features such as Web Wings for faster traversal and expanded combat abilities for both Peter Parker and Miles Morales, enhancing the overall experience. Critics such as Destructoid and The Jimquisition noted the fluidity of the gameplay, emphasizing the seamless character-switching mechanic and the dynamic nature of combat, which allows players to utilize unique powers and gadgets. The addition of new skills, a parry system, and improved traversal mechanics, as noted by GamingBolt and IGN Adria, further contribute to a satisfying gameplay experience that feels both fresh and familiar. However, not all feedback is entirely positive. Some critics pointed out issues that detract from the overall experience, particularly regarding the open-world design. PC Gamer criticized the game's world for feeling old-fashioned and cluttered with unnecessary activities that can disrupt immersion. Additionally, SECTOR.sk and Ragequit.gr mentioned that the controls could be less intuitive on PC, with a preference for gamepad usage to fully enjoy the gameplay. There were also mentions of combat becoming somewhat repetitive, as noted by GameOver.gr and TierraGamer, where basic enemy patterns and mission designs lacked depth, particularly in supporting character missions. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is that Marvel's Spider-Man 2 delivers a compelling and enjoyable gameplay experience. The majority of reviewers, including those from VGC and Washington Post, found the game to be fast-paced, dynamic, and a significant step forward from its predecessors. The combination of improved mechanics, character Variety, and engaging combat has resonated well with players, making it a worthy addition to the Spider-Man franchise. While there are areas for improvement, the game is largely viewed as a triumph in delivering an immersive superhero experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 has received rave reviews for its stunning graphics and immersive New York City environments, especially on PlayStation 5, showcasing impressive ray tracing and vibrant art direction. Critics celebrate the game's visual achievements but noted technical glitches, particularly in the PC version, such as NPC issues and missing textures, which slightly mar the experience. Overall, it's hailed as a major visual triumph for Insomniac Games, solidifying the game's artistic brilliance despite some minor flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

89%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

11%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 have garnered significant praise from critics, particularly those who played the game on PlayStation 5. Many reviewers, including Power Unlimited and The Jimquisition, highlighted the stunning attention to detail in the game's environments, with beautifully rendered depictions of New York City that feel alive and immersive. Critics like KeenGamer and Gfinity noted the impressive use of ray tracing and high frame rates, which contribute to the overall visual experience. The game's art direction, characterized by vibrant colors and detailed character animations, was celebrated by many, including Gaming Nexus, who described it as a "stunning achievement of artistry." Furthermore, the addition of new areas like Brooklyn and Queens was recognized for enhancing the gameplay experience and providing fresh visuals, as noted by Atomix and GamingTrend. Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, there were notable criticisms regarding the game's graphics, particularly in the PC version. Several reviewers, such as Player 2 and GameBlast, pointed out issues like NPCs getting stuck in buildings, floating bodies, and other graphical glitches that detracted from the experience. Critics like Cultura Geek and XGN reported missing textures and performance issues that impacted visual fidelity on PC. Even some PS5 players acknowledged minor inconsistencies in character models, as mentioned by Trusted Reviews. These technical flaws, while not universal, were significant enough to temper the overall enthusiasm for the game's visual design, particularly for those experiencing it on PC. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Marvel's Spider-Man 2 excels in graphics and visual design, particularly on the PlayStation 5, where it is hailed as a showcase of the console's capabilities. Reviews from IGN France and Screen Rant emphasized the game's impressive lighting effects and attention to detail, contributing to a rich and immersive world. While some technical issues were noted, especially in the PC version, the majority of reviewers agreed that the game's stunning visuals and artistic direction largely overshadowed these drawbacks. The game is widely regarded as a significant achievement in visual design, affirming Insomniac Games' commitment to delivering a captivating experience for players.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is being hailed for its stellar sound design and music, with critics praising immersive audio, standout voice acting, and a soundtrack that enhances the game's emotional depth. The DualSense controller's features, like haptic feedback and 3D audio, elevate the experience. However, minor criticisms include audio desynchronization in cutscenes and a soundtrack that may not be memorable. Overall, the game successfully amplifies its narrative and gameplay through exceptional audio, earning widespread acclaim.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

84%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

16%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 have garnered widespread acclaim from critics, with many praising the game's immersive audio experience. Reviewers like Atomix and CGMagazine highlighted the effective use of the DualSense controller's features, such as haptic feedback and 3D audio, which significantly enhance the gameplay experience. Critics from Daily Star and GamesBeat emphasized the exceptional voice acting, noting standout performances that contribute to character depth and emotional resonance. The soundtrack also received positive remarks, with Digitally Downloaded and KeenGamer noting how it complements the gameplay and enhances the cinematic feel of the narrative, particularly during critical moments. Despite the overall praise, some critics pointed out minor issues. For instance, Areajugones and Cultura Geek mentioned instances of audio desynchronization during cutscenes, which detracted from the otherwise high-quality sound design. Additionally, while The Jimquisition acknowledged the soundtrack's suitability, it described it as not particularly memorable, suggesting that it may not leave a lasting impression. These critiques indicate that while the sound design is largely effective, there are areas that could benefit from further refinement. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the sound design and music of Marvel's Spider-Man 2. Reviewers like Checkpoint Gaming and VideoGamer encapsulated the sentiment by calling the sound design "stellar" and "fantastic," respectively. The game is recognized for its high production values, immersive atmosphere, and emotional depth, which are bolstered by the audio elements. With the majority of critics appreciating the audio experience, it is clear that Marvel's Spider-Man 2 successfully elevates its storytelling and gameplay through exceptional sound design and music.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 features exceptional voice acting that's received widespread acclaim for its emotional depth and strong character portrayals, particularly the chemistry between Peter Parker and Miles Morales. Critics highlight standout performances, especially Jim Pirri as Kraven the Hunter, enhancing the game's narrative. While some minor flaws were noted, such as cringe-worthy humor and localization issues, the overall consensus is that the voice acting is a standout element that significantly elevates the gaming experience, marking it as top-tier in the industry.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

89%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

11%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Marvel's Spider-Man 2 has garnered widespread acclaim from critics, with many praising the performances for their depth and emotional resonance. Reviewers such as BaziCenter and Daily Star emphasized the strength of the voice acting, noting how it brings characters to life and enhances the narrative. Critics like Destructoid highlighted the chemistry between Yuri Lowenthal and Nadji Jeter, who portray Peter Parker and Miles Morales, respectively, praising their emotional delivery. The standout performance of Jim Pirri as Kraven the Hunter was also noted by COGconnected and KeenGamer, showcasing how the voice acting adds layers to character portrayals, making them relatable and compelling. Overall, the consensus is that the voice performances contribute significantly to the game's storytelling, with many critics asserting that it is among the best in the industry. While the majority of reviews are positive, a few critics pointed out minor flaws in the voice acting and writing. Digital Chumps mentioned some cringe-worthy jokes that detracted from the overall experience, suggesting that not all humor landed as intended. New Game Network echoed this sentiment by noting some issues with character motivations and actions, which could affect the immersion. Additionally, TrueGaming criticized the Arabic dubbing, indicating a need for improvement in localization efforts. These points, while not universally echoed, suggest that there are areas for refinement within the voice acting landscape of the game. In summary, the overall sentiment among critics regarding the voice acting in Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is overwhelmingly positive. The performances are celebrated for their ability to convey emotion and depth, enhancing the game's narrative and character development. Critics such as Shacknews and PCMag highlighted the exceptional work of the cast, reinforcing the idea that the voice acting is a standout feature of the game. Despite some minor criticisms, the consensus remains that the voice acting elevates the gaming experience, making it a key component of what many consider a top-tier title in the genre.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 shines on PS5 with flawless performance, swift loading, and stunning graphics, earning widespread acclaim. In stark contrast, the PC version is plagued by severe stability issues, crashes, and poor optimization, leading critics to label it a "technical disaster." This divide underscores the critical importance of platform optimization, with the PS5 setting a high bar while the PC edition struggles significantly.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

41%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

42%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

17%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 has garnered a range of opinions, particularly distinguishing between the PC and PS5 platforms. On the PS5, many critics praised the game's overall performance, noting its smooth gameplay and impressive technical capabilities. Reviewers like Gfinity described it as "flawless technically," while others such as PCMag and The Loadout highlighted the absence of frame rate drops and stutters, even during busy scenes. The game’s use of the PS5’s SSD for instantaneous loading times and seamless character transitions was also commended, with trusted sources like Trusted Reviews and IGN Brasil emphasizing the immersive experience this feature provides. Furthermore, the game’s graphical fidelity and attention to detail were often noted, with critics like VGC and GRYOnline.pl calling it a "technical triumph" and "nearly flawless," respectively. In contrast, the PC version of the game has faced significant criticism regarding its technical performance. Multiple reviewers, including Games.cz and Worth Playing, reported severe stability issues, including frequent crashes and frame rate drops that detracted from the overall experience. Hobby Consolas and GameBlast echoed these sentiments, highlighting poor optimization and bugs that persisted even on high-end hardware. Critics like Player 2 and SECTOR.sk pointed out that the PC port appeared rushed, requiring substantial patches to address the myriad of issues at launch. Overall, the PC version has been characterized as a "potential technical disaster," with many reviewers expressing concerns about quality control and the need for further optimization. The overall consensus among critics indicates a stark divide in technical performance between the PS5 and PC versions of Marvel's Spider-Man 2. While the PS5 version is largely praised for its smooth performance and immersive gameplay, the PC version suffers from significant technical shortcomings that have marred the experience for many players. This disparity highlights the importance of platform optimization, as evidenced by the contrasting reviews. Critics like Digital Trends and TheSixthAxis have celebrated the PS5's capabilities, while the PC reviews suggest a need for ongoing improvements and patches to ensure a satisfactory experience. As such, while the PS5 version stands as a benchmark for technical achievement, the PC version remains a cautionary tale of what can happen when quality control falters.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 impresses with engaging gameplay, diverse side activities, and character-switching mechanics, but critics warn of its lack of replay value. Repetitive missions and a missing New Game+ mode undermine the experience, leading to a consensus that while the game is fun, it may not hold players' interest long-term. Overall, it's a mixed bag—great for casual play, but lacking the innovation and depth that could keep players coming back for more.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

36%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

62%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions regarding the replay value of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 reflect a mix of positive sentiments, particularly concerning the Variety of side activities and the engaging nature of the gameplay. Critics like Game Rant and NME highlight the meaningful side stories and quests that enhance the overall experience, providing depth and context to the superhero narrative. Additionally, the game offers a range of collectibles, customization options, and character-switching mechanics that many reviewers, such as COGconnected and Gaming Age, found appealing. The inclusion of a photo mode and various side missions adds to the game's allure, making it enjoyable for players looking to explore the open world and engage with its content. However, a significant number of critics expressed concerns about the game's replay value due to its repetitive elements and lack of innovation. SECTOR.sk and Metro GameCentral pointed out that the side missions and boss battles can become tedious, diminishing the incentive for players to return after completing the main story. The absence of a New Game+ mode and distinct scenarios for each protagonist were noted as critical drawbacks by Metro GameCentral, while IGN and GamesBeat echoed similar sentiments about the lack of depth in side activities. Furthermore, some reviewers mentioned that the game's pacing and the simplicity of tasks could detract from the overall experience, leading to a sense of monotony. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Marvel's Spider-Man 2 offers a wealth of content and engaging gameplay, its replay value is hampered by repetitive side missions and a lack of innovative features. Critics like Game Informer and Power Unlimited acknowledged the game's length and excitement but cautioned that the experience might lose its charm after extended play. While some reviewers, such as Loot Level Chill and BaziCenter, found the replay value satisfactory due to the Variety of activities and character-switching, many others felt that the game does not quite reach the heights of its predecessors in terms of replayability. Thus, the game's replay value remains a mixed bag, appealing to some while leaving others wanting more.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

91%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment surrounding Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is predominantly positive, particularly among those who played the game on PlayStation 5. Critics have lauded the game for its engaging story, refined gameplay mechanics, and impressive visuals. Reviews from outlets like Screen Rant and We Got This Covered describe it as one of the best superhero games ever made, highlighting its compelling narrative and fluid gameplay. The game is praised for building upon the strengths of its predecessor, with many reviewers, including PCMag and God is a Geek, emphasizing its well-crafted combat and traversal systems. The combination of heart, action, and strong character development has resonated well with players, making it a highly recommended title for fans of the genre. However, the reception for the PC version of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 has been significantly more critical, with many reviewers pointing out numerous technical issues and a lack of optimization at launch. Critics from Hobby Consolas, SECTOR.sk, and Oyungezer have expressed concerns over the game's performance, suggesting that potential players should wait for patches before purchasing. Technical shortcomings such as bugs and gameplay mechanics that did not meet expectations have been highlighted, leading to a mixed experience for PC players. This disparity between the two platforms has created a divide in the overall reception of the game. In summary, while the majority of critics regard Marvel's Spider-Man 2 as a strong and enjoyable sequel, particularly on PS5, the sentiment is less favorable for the PC version due to technical issues. The consensus indicates that Insomniac Games has delivered a title that meets and exceeds the expectations of many fans, with a few notable criticisms regarding innovation and technical performance. As highlighted by critics like New Game Network and Checkpoint Gaming, the game is a worthy addition to the Spider-Man franchise, but players on PC may want to exercise caution until further updates are released. Overall, the game is celebrated for its storytelling and gameplay, solidifying its place as a standout in the superhero genre.

TL;DR

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is a thrilling hit on PS5, praised for its compelling story, fluid gameplay, and stunning visuals, solidifying its status as a top-tier superhero game. Critics rave about its character development and combat system. However, the PC version struggles with significant technical issues and optimization flaws, leading to mixed reviews. While PS5 players celebrate this sequel, PC gamers might want to hold off until patches improve performance. Overall, Insomniac Games delivers an impressive title, though the experience varies significantly between platforms.

MONSTER

Reviews

282 reviews found

100

GamesHub

PlayStation 5

Oct 16, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review gives Marvel's Spider-Man 2 a five-star rating (★★★★★) and praises it as a believable epic with confidence, style, and an essential human touch.

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100

COGconnected

PlayStation 5

Oct 16, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Greatest superhero game ever made, game-of-the-year contender

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100

Inverse

PlayStation 5

Oct 16, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A compact and tight experience that delivers a varied and exciting superhero game, earning the title of the best superhero game ever made.

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100

The Loadout

PlayStation 5

Oct 16, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Spider-Man 2 is hands-down the best game of the PS5 era so far, a masterpiece that raises the bar for PlayStation exclusives.

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100

Gaming Nexus

PlayStation 5

Oct 16, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Spider-Man 2 takes what was already a 10 and elevates it to a new level. It is a must-play game that surpasses its predecessors in every aspect.

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100

Daily Star

PlayStation 5

Oct 16, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

This is one of the best games of the year and the best exclusive on PS5 in 2023. It is web-crawlingly brilliant at every turn.

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100

GGRecon

PlayStation 5

Oct 16, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is highly praised as a triumphant continuation of the series, with a compelling story, fluid gameplay, and an expansion of the traversal mechanics. The reviewer had a great time playing the game and gives it a 5/5 rating.

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100

Twinfinite

PlayStation 5

Oct 16, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy of PlayStation titles and one of Insomniac's best games to date.

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100

New York Daily News

PlayStation 5

Oct 23, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A fantastic gaming journey that wraps up a magical arc for both Spider-Men. Described as one of the most fantastic gaming experiences of the year, setting a high standard for superhero trilogies in any medium.

100

Screen Rant

PlayStation 5

Oct 16, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Spider-Man 2 is a towering achievement and one of the PS5's preeminent offerings.

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