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Marvel's Spider-Man 2

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

2023

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

AvailableOct 20, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 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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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

92%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of multiple videogame reviewers regarding the story of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praised the story for its development, script, surprises, and emotional depth. Destructoid and Easy Allies appreciate the engaging storyline and the introduction of the mentorship dynamic between Peter Parker and Miles Morales. The chemistry between the voice actors, Yuri Lowenthal and Nadji Jeter, is also praised. Areajugones commends the story for being more developed and better than previous entries, while COGconnected describes it as an intricate, expertly woven narrative that is both comical and heart-wrenchingly devastating. Eurogamer mentions the well-executed appearances of various villains, which are tonally consistent with the Spider-Man universe. Forbes specifically highlights the gripping main storyline and the exceptional realization of Venom. However, there are some criticisms mentioned by certain reviewers. Dexerto points out the lack of emotional depth compared to the first game, while Gamer.no mentions repetitive themes and a hectic final act that affects the pace of the game. LevelUp criticizes the game for absurd script moments and forced stealth sections, and Metro GameCentral finds the storytelling and characterization to be flat and lacking internal conflict. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is highly enjoyable and well-crafted. The majority of the reviewers praised the story for its complexity, character development, emotional moments, and engaging plot. The presence of multiple villains, such as Kraven and Venom, adds a dark and ever-present threat. The story successfully explores the struggles and relationships of Peter Parker and Miles Morales as Spider-Man, while also delivering surprises, twists, and show-stopping spectacle. The storytelling integrates well with the mechanics of the game, providing a deeper connection with the characters. While there are some minor criticisms, the positive reception from the majority of the critics indicates that the story of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is a standout aspect of the game.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics rave about Marvel's Spider-Man 2 story, praising its development, emotional depth, and engaging plot. They appreciate the mentorship dynamic between Peter Parker and Miles Morales, as well as the chemistry between voice actors Yuri Lowenthal and Nadji Jeter. The appearance of various villains is well-executed and tonally consistent. While some reviewers note criticisms like lack of emotional depth and repetitive themes, the overall consensus is that the story is highly enjoyable, well-crafted, and a standout aspect of the game.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

84%

Mixed (50-79)

16%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praised the game for its polished and enjoyable combat mechanics, with new abilities, gadgets, and combos that add depth and excitement to the fights. Carole Quintaine from Variety commends the gameplay for offering a Variety of abilities for both Spider-Men, including symbiotic and bio-electric powers, as well as the addition of a parry mechanic that enhances the combat system. The game also introduces new traversal abilities, such as Web Wings, which enhance the fluidity and speed of movement. The addition of new playable characters, as mentioned by Variety, adds a new dimension to the gameplay, expanding the possibilities for each encounter. The combat is described as tight, engaging, and satisfying by critics like Twinfinite and PlayStation LifeStyle, with the ability to mix powers and gadgets on both Miles and Peter, as noted by Forbes. However, there are some criticisms regarding the gameplay. Some critics, like SpazioGames and IGN, mention that certain gameplay mechanics, such as quick-time events and scripted action sequences, can become repetitive. The side missions are also criticized for lacking depth and feeling like filler content, as mentioned by SpazioGames. The stealth sections, according to Atomix and Metro GameCentral, feel forced and unnecessary. While the majority of the critics did not find significant flaws in the gameplay, Power Unlimited mentions that there haven't been significant changes or improvements compared to the previous games, resulting in a slightly lower score for the gameplay. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is very good. The positive aspects of the gameplay, such as the tight and polished combat, the Variety of abilities and gadgets, and the improved traversal mechanics, are highlighted by multiple critics. The addition of new features, like the ability to switch between Miles and Peter, the introduction of Venom Abilities, and the revamped boss battles, are also praised. The negative aspects, such as repetitive quick-time events and scripted sequences, lackluster side missions, and forced stealth sections, are mentioned by a few critics but do not significantly detract from the overall positive reception of the gameplay. The gameplay of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is widely regarded as enjoyable, engaging, and a significant improvement over its predecessors, as noted by critics like GameSpot and WellPlayed.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics rave about Marvel's Spider-Man 2 gameplay, praising its polished combat mechanics, new abilities, and exciting combos. The addition of diverse powers for both Spider-Men, enhanced traversal abilities, and new playable characters elevate the gaming experience. While some critics find quick-time events and side missions lacking, overall, the gameplay is tight, engaging, and satisfying, with minimal flaws. The consensus is that Marvel's Spider-Man 2 delivers an enjoyable, improved gaming experience that surpasses its predecessors.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

99%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praised the game for its stunning visuals and attention to detail. The city of New York was particularly highlighted as being brought to life with minute detail, increased density, and enhanced lighting. Critics such as Daily Star, Easy Allies, and Guardian specifically mentioned the immersive and beautiful reproduction of New York City, with additional boroughs like Brooklyn and Queens adding to the overall visual experience. The game was also commended for its impressive character models, photo-realistic graphics, and solid performance on the PlayStation 5 hardware, as noted by GameSpew and Player 2. The use of ray tracing and diverse visual options, including different modes for resolution and frame rate, were also mentioned positively by PCMag. The visuals were described as visually ravishing, visually stunning, and visually appealing by critics like Pocket-lint, Gfinity, and The Loadout, respectively. While the majority of critics praised the graphics and visual design of Marvel's Spider-Man 2, there were a few minor criticisms. Eurogamer mentioned that up-close objects lacked visual detail compared to other next-gen blockbusters, and Twinfinite noted that some character models could be awkward during certain scenes. Gaming Age also mentioned occasional bugs and crashes, although these did not significantly impact the overall visual experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Graphics and Visual Design of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 are exceptional. The majority of critics were impressed by the game's visuals, with many considering them to be some of the most impressive of the modern era. The stunning visuals, attention to detail, and immersive depiction of New York City were consistently praised. The game's graphics and visual design were seen as a major highlight, contributing to the overall enjoyment and immersion of the Spider-Man experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics unanimously praise Marvel's Spider-Man 2 for its stunning graphics and visual design, highlighting the immersive depiction of New York City with minute detail and impressive character models. While some minor criticisms were noted, the overall consensus is that the game's visuals are exceptional and among the best of the modern era, enhancing the overall Spider-Man experience.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

97%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (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 received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the critics. Many critics praised the immersive and impressive sound design, which enhances the overall experience of the game. Atomix commends the game for utilizing the features of the DualSense controller, providing immersive haptic feedback and impressive 3D audio. COGconnected describes the sound design as spectacular, creating an immersive city atmosphere. Checkpoint Gaming also highlights the stellar sound design, capturing the bustling atmosphere of New York City. The sound effects and haptic feedback from the DualSense controller are particularly praised by GGRecon and VideoGamer. The soundtrack is also highly regarded, with critics like Hobby Consolas and IGN Brasil praising its heroic and recognizable themes, while MGG commends the skillfully composed music that creates a suitable atmosphere for the main villains. The soundtrack is said to complement the gameplay and enhance the emotional moments of the game, as mentioned by Meristation and NPR. In terms of negatives, there are no specific criticisms mentioned by the critics regarding the sound design and music of Marvel's Spider-Man 2. This suggests that the overall quality of the sound design and music is consistently good, with no major flaws or issues identified by the reviewers. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 are exceptional. The game is praised for its immersive audio, stunning sound effects, and impressive use of the DualSense controller's features. Critics like Gaming Nexus and The Games Machine describe the production value as Hollywood-level, with compelling characters, excellent writing, and exceptional voice performances. The soundtrack is commended for enhancing the mood and evoking the themes of the character's cinematic adventures. The majority of the critics agree that the sound design and music greatly contribute to the overall immersive and cinematic experience of Marvel's Spider-Man 2.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about Marvel's Spider-Man 2's top-notch sound design and music, praising its immersive qualities and use of DualSense features. The soundtrack is lauded for its heroic themes and emotional impact, with no major criticisms noted. Overall, the consensus is that the game's audio enhances the cinematic experience, with exceptional sound effects and music that elevate gameplay to Hollywood-level production value.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

94%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

The voice acting in Marvel's Spider-Man 2 has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the critics. Many critics praised the performances of the voice actors, highlighting their ability to bring the characters to life and add emotional weight to the narrative. Checkpoint Gaming described the voice acting as "top-notch" and mentioned that the cast delivered witty, funny, and charming performances. IGN Brasil specifically mentioned Diego Marques' excellent portrayal of Peter Parker, showcasing different nuances of the character. The voice performances of Yuri Lowenthal and Nadji Jeter as Peter Parker and Miles Morales were highly praised by multiple critics, including Destructoid, The Loadout, and Shacknews. The chemistry and emotional delivery of these actors were highlighted as standout aspects of the voice acting. Additionally, the voice acting was commended for its ability to capture the flawed and relatable nature of the characters. Gamepressure mentioned that the cast breathed life into characters that were not only flawed but also relatable. The Games Machine simply described the voice acting as "highly praised," indicating the overall positive sentiment towards the performances. The voice acting was also noted for its ability to enhance the character development and make the cutscenes and dialogue engaging, as mentioned by Digital Chumps and Gaming Nexus. While the majority of the critics expressed positive opinions about the voice acting in Marvel's Spider-Man 2, there were few specific criticisms mentioned. New Game Network pointed out some flaws in the writing, such as flimsy character actions and motivations. However, these criticisms did not overshadow the overall positive reception of the voice acting. In conclusion, the voice acting in Marvel's Spider-Man 2 received widespread acclaim from the critics. The performances were described as top-notch, exceptional, and superb, with the ability to bring the characters to life and add emotional depth to the narrative. The chemistry and emotional delivery of Yuri Lowenthal and Nadji Jeter as Peter Parker and Miles Morales were particularly highlighted. While there were some minor criticisms regarding the writing, the overall consensus among the critics was highly positive, with the majority praising the quality of the voice acting in the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics rave about the exceptional voice acting in Marvel's Spider-Man 2, praising the actors' ability to bring characters to life and add emotional depth to the narrative. Standout performances by Yuri Lowenthal and Nadji Jeter as Peter Parker and Miles Morales were highlighted, with only minor criticisms about the writing mentioned. Overall, the voice acting received widespread acclaim for its top-notch quality and engaging delivery.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

72%

Mixed (50-79)

28%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Technical Performance of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 on the PS5 were overwhelmingly positive. The game was praised for taking full advantage of the capabilities of the PS5, offering fast loading times and seamless transitions between characters and locations. Critics like Atomix and Hobby Consolas highlighted the game's utilization of the DualSense controller and its support for ray-tracing, which enhanced the overall gaming experience. The level of polish and attention to detail by Insomniac Games was also commended by Checkpoint Gaming and Gaming Nexus, who mentioned the consistent framerate of 60FPS and minimal bugs. While the majority of critics had positive opinions, there were a few minor issues mentioned. Eurogamer Germany and Gamer.no pointed out some minor issues with controls and interaction, while Game Rant and Player 2 mentioned occasional hiccups such as cut-scenes not triggering and enemies glitching into objects. However, these issues were considered inconsequential and did not significantly impact the overall gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics was that the technical performance of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 on the PS5 was excellent. The game was described as a technical marvel, showcasing the potential of the PS5 and delivering a seamless and immersive experience. Critics like Digital Trends and The Games Machine praised the game's seamless performance, instantaneous fast travel feature, and utilization of the PS5's capabilities. The game's smooth frame rates, high-quality visuals, and utilization of the PS5's SSD for fast loading times were also highlighted by critics like Trusted Reviews and Push Square. With minimal bugs and glitches, Spider-Man 2 on the PS5 was considered a technical triumph by VGC and ZTGD. In conclusion, the majority of critics had a highly positive opinion of the technical performance of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 on the PS5. The game showcased the capabilities of the PS5, with fast loading times, seamless transitions, and impressive visuals. While there were a few minor issues mentioned by some critics, they were overshadowed by the overall positive consensus. Insomniac Games' attention to detail and the smooth gameplay experience contributed to the game's technical excellence. Overall, Spider-Man 2 on the PS5 was praised as a technical marvel and a showcase of the potential of the next-generation console.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics raved about Marvel's Spider-Man 2 on the PS5, praising its use of the console's features like fast loading times and DualSense controller support. Insomniac Games' attention to detail impressed, with a consistent 60FPS framerate and minimal bugs. While some minor issues were noted, the game was hailed as a technical marvel, showcasing the PS5's capabilities and delivering a seamless and immersive gaming experience.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

34%

Mixed (50-79)

64%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 are varied, with some positive aspects highlighted. Critics such as GamingBolt, Inverse, and Press Start Australia all mention the presence of side missions, activities, and collectibles that contribute to the game's replay value. These additional content and challenges offer a substantial playtime, with some critics noting that achieving 100% completion can take around 30 to 40 hours (MeuPlayStation). The open world of New York is described as packed with activities, mini-games, and puzzles (Daily Star), providing a wide range of distractions and exploration opportunities (GamesRadar++). The inclusion of meaningful side content, evolving side quests, and rewarding time and effort (COGconnected) also adds to the game's replay value. However, critics like GAMINGbible and IGN mention repetitive side missions and lack of Variety in the open world as drawbacks. Some critics find the random crimes in New York to be uninteresting (Power Unlimited, Press Start Australia), while others mention that the side activities lack creativity and become tedious over time (Gamer.nl, SECTOR.sk). The lack of distinct scenarios for each protagonist and the absence of co-op or multiplayer are also mentioned as conceptual issues (Metro GameCentral). Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Marvel's Spider-Man 2 offers a significant amount of additional content and challenges, contributing to its replay value. The game provides a Variety of side activities, missions, and collectibles that keep players engaged outside of the main story (GamesRadar++, TheSixthAxis). The open world of New York is praised for its packed content and opportunities for exploration (Daily Star, TierraGamer). However, some critics highlight repetitive side missions and a lack of Variety in the open world as drawbacks (GAMINGbible, IGN). Despite these criticisms, the majority of critics acknowledge the game's replay value and recommend it to fans of the Spider-Man franchise (Hobby Consolas, Player 2).

TL;DR

replay value

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 offers a mix of opinions on replay value. Critics praise the game for its side missions, activities, and collectibles that enhance replayability, with some noting up to 30-40 hours for completion. The open world of New York is packed with distractions and exploration opportunities. However, criticisms include repetitive side missions, lack of variety in the open world, and uninteresting random crimes. Overall, critics agree that the game provides significant additional content and challenges, making it worth replaying for fans of the Spider-Man franchise.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

98%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of critics regarding Marvel's Spider-Man 2 are overwhelmingly positive. The game is praised for its exceptional gameplay mechanics, engaging storyline, stunning visuals, and immersive open-world environment. Critics like Destructoid, Easy Allies, and Game Informer highlight the game's successful expansion on the strengths of its predecessor, with improved traversal, combat, and stealth mechanics. The addition of playing as both Peter and Miles adds gameplay Variety and a sense of individuality, as mentioned by Easy Allies. The voice acting performances are also commended, with GameSpew noting that the game delivers a delightful story. The game's adherence to the Spider-Man franchise and its ability to capture the essence of Spider-Man's story and tone are also highlighted by Eurogamer and Guardian. The game is described as a genuine pleasure to play, lovingly envisaged, and true to its source material, as stated by Guardian. However, note that IGN mentions that while the game has a well-written story, it falls short in terms of innovation and open-world design. Dexerto mentions that the game falls just shy of greatness due to an overstuffed main campaign and a lackluster interpretation of Venom. Push Square also notes minor criticisms about the story and combat becoming repetitive. PCMag mentions that the game can get messy with multiple antagonists and that the open-world filler feels like chores. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment remains positive. The majority of the critics agree that Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is a highly enjoyable and well-crafted game. It is considered one of the best superhero games ever made, with some critics even calling it the best game of the PS5 era so far. The game's strengths lie in its engaging storyline, improved gameplay mechanics, stunning visuals, and the ability to capture the essence of the Spider-Man franchise. While there are some minor criticisms regarding the game's pacing, interpretation of certain characters, and repetitive elements, these do not detract from the overall positive consensus. Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is highly recommended for fans of the first game, Spider-Man, or action games in general, as stated by Forbes. The game is praised as a triumphant continuation of the series, delivering a compelling and enjoyable experience for players, as noted by GGRecon.

TL;DR

Critics unanimously praise Marvel's Spider-Man 2 for its exceptional gameplay, engaging storyline, and stunning visuals, calling it one of the best superhero games ever made. The game successfully expands on its predecessor with improved mechanics and the addition of playing as both Peter and Miles. While some critics note shortcomings in innovation and open-world design, the overall sentiment is highly positive. Despite minor criticisms about pacing and repetitive elements, the game is lauded as a genuine pleasure to play and a triumphant continuation of the series. Highly recommended for fans of action games, Spider-Man, and the first game.

MONSTER

Reviews

236 reviews found

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

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

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

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

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

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

IGN Adria

PlayStation 5

Oct 16, 2023

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

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is a must-play game for fans of superhero and open-world games, with its fluid movement, engaging combat, memorable villains, emotional story, and fantastic visuals.

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100

Digital Chumps

PlayStation 5

Oct 16, 2023

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

Insomniac Games has done transformative work with Spider-Man 2, creating a game that is bigger, better, and tighter than its predecessor.

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100

GamesRadar+

PlayStation 5

Oct 16, 2023