Marvel's Spider-Man 2

The story of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 received widespread acclaim for its emotional depth, character development, and thematic richness. Critics like IGN and GameSpot highlighted it as the series’ best yet, praising its exploration of adolescence, personal growth, and mental health, with IGN specifically noting the central relationship between Peter Parker and MJ as a standout element. The Guardian and Digital Chumps commended the game for weaving together the narratives of Peter and Miles Morales without feeling shallow, emphasizing their interlocking tales and moments of humanity amid action. TheGamer and Gfinity celebrated the storytelling’s integration with gameplay mechanics, calling the boss battles “relevant and powerful” and the narrative “well-paced and well-written.” Themes of heroism, friendship, and love were frequently lauded, with Digital Chumps and GGRecon pointing to the compelling struggles of both protagonists and the dark, impactful presence of antagonists like Kraven and Venom. The game’s ability to balance personal challenges with superhero duties, as noted by Eurogamer and Checkpoint Gaming, further underscored its resonant, comic-book-inspired storytelling. However, several critics voiced concerns about the story’s predictability, lack of originality, and narrative pacing. PC Gamer and Games.cz criticized the plot for being “predictable” and “lacking depth,” with the former calling the dual protagonist feature “a rehash” of previous entries. Metro GameCentral and The Jimquisition pointed to flat characterizations and muddled subplots, while IGN Turkey and Gamer.no noted repetitive themes and a “hectic final act” that disrupted the flow. Some reviewers, like LevelUp, found “absurd script moments” and “forced stealth sections,” and Wccftech mentioned the story’s “messy” mix of multiple antagonists. Additionally, IGN Brasil and Loot Level Chill observed that while the narrative had emotional beats, it sometimes leaned on familiar tropes or sacrificed pace for excessive flashbacks. These critiques often centered on the game’s reliance on established Spider-Man lore and its struggle to innovate beyond its predecessors. Despite these criticisms, the majority of reviewers regarded the story as a significant strength, with IGN, GameSpot, and GGRecon leading the praise for its complexity, character arcs, and thematic resonance. While a minority found it formulaic or uneven, the consensus leaned toward its ability to deliver a heartfelt, authentic comic book saga. COGconnected and Checkpoint Gaming highlighted its “intricate” and “epic” nature, respectively, while VGC called it one of Spider-Man’s “most seminal storylines.” The game’s focus on duality—between Peter and Miles, heroism and personal loss—was seen as a triumph by many, even if some felt it occasionally overcomplicated or underdelivered. Overall, the narrative’s emotional stakes, character chemistry, and exploration of identity and responsibility outweighed its flaws for most critics, cementing it as a standout entry in the series.

The gameplay of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is widely praised for its refined mechanics, dynamic combat, and enhanced traversal systems. Critics consistently highlight the improved web-swinging and the introduction of web wings, which add a new layer of fluidity and excitement to movement. Destructoid and IGN note that the parry mechanic and combat upgrades, such as new moves and abilities, elevate the action, while MGG and Areajugones emphasize the expanded content, including more enemies, bosses, and character-specific skills. The dual protagonist system, allowing players to switch between Peter Parker and Miles Morales, is celebrated for its unique abilities and storytelling depth, with critics like Jeuxvideo.com and GamesRadar+ praising the seamless integration of their distinct playstyles. Additionally, the game’s skill trees and customization options, as highlighted by MMORPG.com and GamingTrend, provide meaningful progression, ensuring combat remains engaging and varied. These elements collectively create a gameplay experience that feels like a natural evolution of the series, with many reviewers calling it “incredibly fun” (VGC) and “seamless and polished” (KeenGamer). Despite its strengths, several critics point to notable flaws in the gameplay. The open-world design, while expansive, is frequently criticized for feeling repetitive and outdated. PC Gamer and IGN note that side activities and mini-games often lack depth, with the former calling them “pointless” and the latter mentioning “repetitive” open-world tasks. Some mechanics, like the counter system (KonsoliFIN) and parry mechanic (Wccftech), are seen as awkward or poorly implemented, disrupting the flow of combat. Additionally, boss battles are criticized for underwhelming design (GamesBeat, GamesRadar+), and stealth sections, while present, are deemed less impactful than action-focused encounters (GamingTrend, GamesRadar+). The game’s reliance on familiar formulas, despite new additions, also leads to criticisms of stagnation, with SECTOR.sk and Games.cz noting that “a significant portion of the gameplay is repetitive.” These issues, while not detracting from the overall enjoyment for many, highlight areas where the game could have innovated further. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority agreeing that Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 delivers a highly enjoyable and polished gameplay experience. While some critiques about repetition and design choices exist, they are often framed as minor drawbacks in an otherwise stellar title. IGN, Destructoid, and VGC praise the game’s “excellent gameplay sequences” and “fast-paced, heart-filled” action, while MGG and Areajugones emphasize its improvements over the original. The blend of refined mechanics, character diversity, and engaging content solidifies it as a standout entry in the series. Even critics who noted flaws, such as PC Gamer and Wccftech, acknowledge the game’s quality, with the latter calling it “incredibly fun to play.” Ultimately, the game’s strengths—its fluid combat, thrilling traversal, and rich character dynamics—far outweigh its shortcomings, making it a highly recommended experience for fans and newcomers alike.

The majority of critics praised Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 for its stunning graphics and visual design, particularly on the PlayStation 5. Reviews highlighted the game’s breathtaking depiction of New York City, with detailed environments, dynamic lighting, and immersive world-building. IGN lauded its "state-of-the-art" visuals and "near-instant load times," while Game Rant called it "one of the best-looking video games of all time," citing jaw-dropping detail, lighting, and draw distance. Eurogamer and Jeuxvideo.com praised the city’s "stunningly detailed and realistic" portrayal, with ray-traced reflections and atmospheric effects. The PS5’s technical capabilities were showcased through smooth 60fps performance, vibrant character models, and immersive cutscenes, as noted by Worth Playing and Impulsegamer. Even on PC, critics like Gamesurf and Toisto acknowledged the game’s "visually stunning" visuals and "impressive detail," despite technical hiccups. The attention to detail in environments, from animated building interiors to autumnal foliage, was universally celebrated, with Gamepressure calling it a "beautiful sensory experience" and Checkpoint Gaming praising its "unrivalled" polish. However, some criticisms emerged, particularly regarding the PC port and minor technical flaws. Critics like Player 2 and XGN pointed to issues such as NPCs stuck in buildings, floating bodies, and visual artifacts, while GameBlast and Worth Playing noted that the PC version lacked the visual punch of the PS5 release. Gaming Age and Gamer.no mentioned pop-in and low-resolution particle effects, and CGMagazine highlighted artifacting during cutscenes with ray tracing enabled. While these issues were less prevalent on PS5, some reviewers like Twinfinite and Hardcore Gamer noted "minor graphical glitches." Despite these flaws, many acknowledged that the PS5’s performance and graphical fidelity largely overshadowed these problems, with PCMag noting "no noticeable frame rate drops" and Digital Trends praising "seamless performance." Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the majority deeming Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 a visual masterpiece. While the PC port faced some technical challenges, the PS5 version was celebrated as a technical benchmark, with outlets like IGN, Game Rant, and Metro GameCentral hailing its "stunning" visuals and "unrivalled" attention to detail. Even critics who pointed out flaws, such as Games.cz (noting an "empty" world) or Eurogamer (citing lack of close-up detail), acknowledged the game’s broader achievements. The combination of a vibrant, interactive New York City, dynamic animations, and cutting-edge graphics solidified Spider-Man 2 as a standout title, with Wccftech and GamingBolt emphasizing its status as a "gorgeous open world" and "stunning achievement of artistry." The negatives, while notable, did not detract from the overall acclaim for its visual design.

The majority of critics praised the sound design and music of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 as a standout element that significantly enhances the game’s immersive quality. Reviewers consistently highlighted the effective use of the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback and 3D audio, with Atomix and CGMagazine noting how these features deepen the player’s connection to the game’s world. Checkpoint Gaming and Impulsegamer emphasized the immersive audio that captures New York City’s bustling atmosphere, while IGN Adria and Digitally Downloaded praised the Tempest 3D Audio and orchestral elements that elevate the cinematic experience. The soundtrack was frequently lauded for its emotional resonance, with GamesBeat and Meristation pointing to its ability to complement narrative moments and character dynamics. Games.cz and Gaming Nexus also highlighted how the music and sound design reflect the game’s action and storytelling, creating a cohesive and engaging experience. While the overall reception was overwhelmingly positive, some critics noted minor shortcomings. Merlin'in Kazanı observed that the music, while effective, may not be particularly memorable, and The Jimquisition described it as “not particularly memorable but not offensive.” Additionally, a few PC-focused reviews mentioned technical issues, such as Areajugones and Cultura Geek noting occasional audio desynchronizations during cutscenes. TrueGaming criticized the Arabic voice acting as lacking in quality, though this was an isolated concern. These critiques were relatively rare compared to the widespread acclaim, and many reviewers acknowledged that such flaws did not detract from the game’s broader strengths. The consensus among critics is that Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 delivers exceptional sound design and music that elevate its already strong gameplay and storytelling. Nearly every review highlighted the immersive audio, with BaziCenter, COGconnected, and Twinfinite praising the atmosphere and emotional impact. The DualSense integration, in particular, was a recurring highlight, with NPR and VideoGamer emphasizing how it enhances the superhero fantasy. While minor issues were noted, they were overshadowed by the game’s ability to create a rich, cinematic soundscape. As GamingTrend and Games.cz observed, the audio elements not only complement the action but also contribute to the game’s status as a technical and artistic achievement. Overall, the critical response underscores that the sound design and music are integral to Spider-Man 2’s success, earning it high marks for innovation and emotional depth.

The voice acting in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is universally lauded as a standout element of the game, with critics consistently praising its emotional depth, character nuance, and immersive quality. Multiple reviewers highlighted the exceptional performances of the main cast, particularly Yuri Lowenthal as Peter Parker and Nadji Jeter as Miles Morales, with Destructoid and GamesBeat noting their chemistry and emotional delivery. Checkpoint Gaming and Gaming Nexus emphasized the wit and charm of the dialogue, while COGconnected and Cultured Vultures praised Jim Pirri’s portrayal of Kraven the Hunter and the villains’ relatability. The voice acting was also credited with enhancing storytelling, as BaziCenter and Gamepressure noted, with characters feeling "flawed yet relatable" and "breathing life" into the narrative. PCMag and The Loadout specifically highlighted the cast’s ability to capture the heroes’ do-gooder spirits, while Meristation and Cultura Geek praised the Spanish and other language dubs for their quality, though minor localization issues were noted. While the majority of reviews were overwhelmingly positive, a few critics pointed to minor flaws. Digitally Downloaded mentioned "cringe-worthy jokes" in some interactions, though they acknowledged the overall engaging performances. New Game Network critiqued the writing’s "flimsy character actions and motivations," which, while not directly related to voice acting, hinted at broader narrative shortcomings. TrueGaming singled out the Arabic dub as subpar, suggesting room for improvement in localization efforts, and SECTOR.sk noted inaccuracies in the Czech translation, though this was framed as a minor issue. These critiques were isolated and did not detract from the general acclaim for the voice acting itself. The consensus among critics is that Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 delivers some of the best voice acting in the industry, with its performances elevating the game’s emotional and narrative impact. Over 90% of the reviews highlighted the cast’s excellence, with Variety and VGC noting the strong work of major players and GamingTrend and The Jimquisition emphasizing the "top-notch" quality that contributes to the overall experience. Even critics who mentioned minor flaws acknowledged the voice acting’s significant role in making the characters compelling and the story immersive. As Gamer.no and GamesHub observed, the voice acting, writing, and dialogue worked in harmony to create a memorable superhero experience, solidifying Spider-Man 2 as a benchmark for character-driven storytelling in gaming.

The technical performance of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 varies significantly across platforms, with the PlayStation 5 receiving largely positive feedback for its stability and optimization. Critics like PCMag and Checkpoint Gaming praised the PS5 version for its seamless frame rates, with Checkpoint Gaming noting a consistent 60FPS and PCMag highlighting no noticeable frame rate drops even during intense scenes. IGN Brasil and Atomix emphasized the PS5’s ability to handle dynamic gameplay and fast loading times, while TheGamer and CGMagazine lauded its graphical fidelity and immersive features, such as ray tracing and DualSense controller integration. On PC, while some critics like Gameblog.fr reported stable 60FPS with ray tracing enabled and Worth Playing acknowledged post-launch improvements, the platform generally faced more technical hurdles. PC Games and Hobby Consolas noted smooth performance on capable hardware, though this was often overshadowed by optimization issues. The PC version of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 faced widespread criticism for its technical instability, with multiple reviewers highlighting severe bugs and crashes. Games.cz and Gaming Age described the PC port as plagued by frequent crashes and game-breaking glitches, while SECTOR.sk and Areajugones cited missing textures, script errors, and stuttering, particularly with ray tracing enabled. Hobby Consolas and XGN noted poor optimization even on high-end systems, and GameBlast criticized the port for low performance and poor quality control. In contrast, the PS5 version, while not flawless, had fewer critical issues. Game Rant and Hardcore Gamer mentioned minor bugs like camera glitches or enemies glitching into objects, but Screen Rant and The Loadout noted that these were largely non-gamebreaking. Push Square and VGC praised the PS5’s smooth performance, with VGC calling it a "technical triumph" and Pocket-lint highlighting its "smooth frame rates and high-quality lighting." Overall, the consensus among critics is that the PS5 version of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 delivers a polished, technically robust experience, while the PC port struggled with significant optimization and stability issues at launch. The PS5’s hardware capabilities allowed for seamless gameplay, with Atomix and IGN France praising its graphical prowess and TheSixthAxis highlighting its "incredible" performance. On PC, while some reviewers like Gameblog.fr and Digital Chumps acknowledged post-launch improvements, the platform’s technical shortcomings—such as Games.cz’s "severe technical issues" and Loot Level Chill’s "numerous glitches"—underscored a less refined experience. Despite patches addressing many problems, the PC version’s initial performance left a lasting negative impression, whereas the PS5’s technical execution was widely celebrated as a benchmark for next-gen gaming.

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is largely positive, with many critics highlighting its substantial content and engaging mechanics that encourage multiple playthroughs. IGN Turkey and GamingTrend praise the game’s side quests, alternative costumes, and customization options, which add layers of Variety and incentive for returning to the world. Meristation notes an improved open world with fewer repetitive elements and more enjoyable side missions, while GamesRadar+ and Dexerto emphasize the fun of extracurricular activities like photo ops, time trials, and community-focused challenges. Critics like GGRecon and Areajugones point to the game’s trophy-driven structure and the 25–40 hour 100% completion route, which they argue provide a strong foundation for replayability. Additionally, the dynamic gameplay and the ability to switch between Peter and Miles’ storylines, as noted by Cultura Geek, create a sense of exploration and discovery that keeps players invested beyond the main narrative. However, several reviewers express concerns about repetition and lack of innovation in side content, which could diminish long-term engagement. Metro GameCentral criticizes the absence of a New Game+ mode and co-op multiplayer, while SECTOR.sk and GamesBeat highlight that side missions and boss battles feel formulaic, reducing the desire to revisit them. ZTGD and The Jimquisition describe activities like photo opportunities or side stories as tedious or underwhelming, and Gamer.nl and GAMINGbible note that optional content lacks creativity or depth. Power Unlimited and Trusted Reviews mention that random crimes and open-world distractions become monotonous after extended play, and some critics, like Gameblog.fr and WellPlayed, acknowledge that the game’s replay value is somewhat limited by its repetitive core mechanics. These critiques suggest that while the game offers a lot, its reliance on familiar structures may not sustain interest for all players over time. The consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward a moderate assessment of replay value. While many agree that the game’s open world, collectibles, and skill progression systems provide enough content to justify multiple playthroughs (as noted by GGRecon, Gaming Age, and Daily Star), others argue that its repetitive side missions and lack of post-launch features like co-op or New Game+ could hinder long-term appeal. Notably, Gameblog.fr and WellPlayed mention that a New Game+ mode will be added later, which tempers some of the criticism, and reviewers like Player 2 and Toisto describe the game as “comfort food” that’s enjoyable to revisit. Ultimately, the game’s replayability is seen as dependent on individual preferences—those who value exploration and customization may find it rewarding, while others might feel the content becomes stale. The balance between its expansive world and repetitive elements leaves the replay value as a nuanced factor, with most agreeing it’s solid but not exceptional.