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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

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

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Critics rave about Marvel's Spider-Man 2 story for its deep character development, emotional themes, and exciting villains like Kraven and Venom. While some point out flaws like pacing issues and lack of emotional depth, overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, praising the game for its engaging narrative and compelling plot twists.

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 story of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 has garnered significant praise from the majority of critics, with many highlighting its engaging and well-developed narrative. Critics such as IGN and Trusted Reviews commend the storytelling for delving into themes of personal growth, mental health, and the complex relationships between characters like Peter Parker and Miles Morales. The introduction of iconic villains like Kraven and Venom, as noted by TierraGamer and Gamepressure, adds depth and excitement to the plot, creating a compelling and emotionally charged experience. The intertwining narratives for both protagonists, as mentioned by KeenGamer and CGMagazine, showcase a well-crafted story that keeps players invested in the characters' journeys. On the other hand, some critics expressed reservations about certain aspects of the story in Marvel's Spider-Man 2. Metro GameCentral and LevelUp criticized the choice of villains and the lack of connection between plotlines, citing flat storytelling and forced stealth sections as drawbacks. Gamer.no and Gamer.nl noted repetitive themes and a hectic final act that affected the pacing of the game, while Dexerto and Washington Post mentioned a lack of emotional depth compared to the first game. These criticisms point towards issues with script moments, pacing, and emotional resonance that detracted from the overall storytelling experience for some reviewers. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the story of Marvel's Spider-Man 2. The majority of reviewers found the narrative to be engaging, emotionally charged, and well-written, with a strong focus on character development and compelling plot twists. The game successfully balances the personal struggles of Peter and Miles while introducing new adversaries and exploring themes of heroism, friendship, and love. Despite some minor criticisms regarding pacing and emotional depth, the overall sentiment is that Marvel's Spider-Man 2 delivers a captivating and immersive storytelling experience that resonates with fans of the superhero genre.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Critics loved the gameplay of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 for its fun combat, seamless traversal, and satisfying progression system. Some critics found aspects repetitive and lacking innovation, but overall, the majority praised the game's exciting combat, diverse abilities for Peter and Miles, and engaging mechanics.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

83%

Mixed (50-79)

17%

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Marvel's Spider-Man 2, highlighting various positive aspects. Forbes commended the combat for being very fun and allowing players to mix powers with gadgets for both Miles and Peter. God is a Geek appreciated the enjoyable combat with different abilities for each Spider-Man and the smooth traversal through the city, along with the option for stealth takedowns. TheGamer noted the excellent combat, especially with symbiote attacks, and the depth added by gadgets and stealth mechanics. KeenGamer described the gameplay as seamless and polished, emphasizing improvements in traversal mechanics and combat fluidity. The Loadout and CGMagazine both highlighted the satisfying progression system, distinct playstyles for Peter and Miles, and the fun acrobatic combos in combat. However, there were some criticisms among the reviewers regarding the gameplay of Marvel's Spider-Man 2. IGN mentioned that while the combat remains enjoyable with new moves and abilities, it lacked innovation, and the open-world activities felt repetitive and in need of evolution. Eurogamer pointed out that the stealth mechanics and certain missions could have been improved to offer more depth and Variety. LevelUp mentioned that while the combat was polished and challenging, it could become repetitive and too easy, especially in boss fights. IGN France noted that the mechanics were similar to the first game, with some additions and improvements, but they were accessible and not overly challenging. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Marvel's Spider-Man 2. Critics like Shacknews praised the introduction of new skills and abilities for both Spider-Men, making combat more exciting, while Worth Playing appreciated the different skills and abilities for Peter and Miles, enhancing the overall experience. The game was commended for its fluid traversal mechanics, engaging combat system, and the Variety of activities available. Despite some minor criticisms about repetitiveness and lack of innovation in certain aspects, the majority of critics found the gameplay to be a real joy to play, with seamless transitions between web-slinging and combat, satisfying progression systems, and a wide range of abilities and gadgets that added depth and excitement to the overall experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 wowed critics with its groundbreaking graphics and visual design, earning praise for its attention to detail, vibrant environments, and impressive character models. While some critics noted minor bugs and facial animation issues, the consensus was overwhelmingly positive, with many calling it a visual masterpiece that sets a new standard for video game graphics. Critics hailed it as one of the best-looking games of all time, showcasing the full potential of the PlayStation 5 and raising the bar for future titles.

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 majority of critics unanimously praised the graphics and visual design of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 as a masterpiece. They highlighted the stunning attention to detail, vibrant environments, and impressive character models. Critics like Everyeye.it and Power Unlimited appreciated the clean and fluid visuals, cohesive world design, and the love for the franchise evident in the beautiful murals and mini-games throughout New York. Eurogamer and Pocket-lint commended the visually stunning city of New York, with beautiful lighting and detailed environments, showcasing the best of the PlayStation 5's capabilities. The Games Machine and Gamepressure specifically mentioned the detailed art direction, sensory experience, and the dynamic city that changes as the story progresses, enhancing the overall visual experience. While the overall sentiment towards the graphics and visual design of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 was overwhelmingly positive, some critics did mention minor drawbacks. Gaming Age noted occasional bugs and crashes, which could impact the gameplay experience for some players. The Loadout mentioned minor criticisms of facial animations, which could potentially detract from the immersion in certain cutscenes. SECTOR.sk highlighted some bugs like invisible walls and skin changes during important cutscenes, which may disrupt the player's engagement with the game. Despite these minor issues, the general consensus among critics was that the positives far outweighed the negatives in terms of the game's graphics and visual design. In conclusion, the critics' opinions collectively paint a picture of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 as a visually stunning masterpiece that pushes the boundaries of what is achievable in video game graphics. The game's attention to detail, vibrant environments, impressive character models, and overall visual spectacle were widely praised. With the majority of critics expressing admiration for the graphics and visual design, it is evident that Marvel's Spider-Man 2 has set a new standard for visual excellence in the gaming industry. Critics like Worth Playing and Game Rant even went as far as to call it one of the best-looking video games of all time, emphasizing the jaw-dropping detail and high level of visual fidelity that the game offers. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with Marvel's Spider-Man 2 being hailed as a visual masterpiece that showcases the full potential of the PlayStation 5 and sets a new benchmark for future titles to aspire to.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics unanimously loved the sound design and music in Marvel's Spider-Man 2, with praise for its immersive qualities and impactful contributions to the gaming experience. Some minor criticisms were raised, but overall, reviewers highlighted the well-executed sound design, top-tier voice acting, and stellar soundtrack that enhanced the game's cinematic appeal and atmosphere.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

95%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of critics unanimously praised the sound design and music of Marvel's Spider-Man 2, highlighting its immersive and impactful qualities. Atomix and CGMagazine both emphasized the effective utilization of the DualSense controller's features, such as haptic feedback and speaker audio, which enhanced the overall gaming experience. Checkpoint Gaming and COGconnected commended the stellar sound design, with Checkpoint Gaming specifically noting the immersive audio that captured the bustling atmosphere of New York City. Additionally, Digitally Downloaded and Hobby Consolas lauded the soundtrack for enhancing the cinematic aesthetic and providing heroic and recognizable themes, respectively. While the overwhelming sentiment towards the sound design and music of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 was positive, there were a few minor criticisms raised by some critics. TierraGamer mentioned occasional issues with the camera and character positioning, which could potentially detract from the overall immersive experience. Despite this, the general consensus among reviewers was overwhelmingly in favor of the game's sound design and music, with critics like Destructoid and Forbes highlighting the well-executed sound design and top-tier voice acting as standout features that elevated the overall gameplay experience. In conclusion, the critical reception towards the sound design and music of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 was overwhelmingly positive, with a vast majority of reviewers praising its immersive qualities and impactful contributions to the overall gaming experience. Critics such as Everyeye.it and Impulsegamer commended the impressive direction, music, and performances that enhanced the cinematic and immersive elements of the game. The consensus among critics is that the sound design and music of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 played a crucial role in elevating the storytelling, character development, and overall atmosphere of the game, solidifying its position as a standout title in the superhero genre.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics praise the exceptional voice acting in Marvel's Spider-Man 2, highlighting top-notch performances that bring characters to life. While some critics note minor flaws in writing, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with standout work from actors like Yuri Lowenthal and Nadji Jeter. The voice cast's talent adds emotional depth and enhances the gaming experience, earning widespread acclaim from reviewers.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

92%

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 garnered widespread praise from the majority of critics, with many highlighting the performances as excellent and top-notch. CGMagazine commends the heartfelt interactions between characters and the memorable performances delivered by veteran cast members. Checkpoint Gaming and Digital Chumps also laud the cast for delivering witty, funny, and charming performances that add emotional weight to the narrative. Critics like Destructoid specifically praise Yuri Lowenthal and Nadji Jeter for their chemistry and emotional delivery as Peter Parker and Miles Morales, respectively. Additionally, COGconnected singles out Jim Pirri's performance as Kraven the Hunter as integral to the game's success, showcasing the depth of talent in the voice cast. Despite the overwhelming positive sentiment towards the voice acting in Marvel's Spider-Man 2, a few critics did point out minor flaws or areas for improvement. New Game Network mentions some flaws in the writing, such as flimsy character actions and motivations, which may have impacted the overall delivery of the voice acting performances. However, these criticisms seem to be overshadowed by the numerous accolades given to the voice cast for their exceptional work in bringing the characters to life. It's worth noting that the vast majority of reviewers found the voice acting to be a standout aspect of the game, with performances that resonated with the emotional depth and complexity of the characters. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the voice acting in Marvel's Spider-Man 2. The performances are widely regarded as superb, with standout moments from major cast members like Yuri Lowenthal, Nadji Jeter, and Tony Todd as Venom. Critics like TheSixthAxis and Shacknews emphasize how the voice acting brings the characters to life in a resounding fashion, while IGN Brasil highlights Diego Marques' excellent portrayal of Peter Parker. The collective opinion of the reviewers underscores the importance of voice acting in enhancing the overall gaming experience, with the majority agreeing that the performances in Marvel's Spider-Man 2 were indeed very good and played a significant role in immersing players in the game's world.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Critics lauded Marvel's Spider-Man 2 on PS5 for its impressive technical performance, including fast loading times and stunning visuals. While some minor technical issues were noted, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with praise for seamless gameplay, next-gen features, and innovative execution.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

70%

Mixed (50-79)

30%

Negative (0-49)

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

In terms of the technical performance of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 on the PlayStation 5, the majority of critics were highly impressed with the game's capabilities. Atomix praised the game for taking full advantage of the PS5's capabilities, offering fast loading times and seamless transitions. CGMagazine also commended the seamless and immersive experience, highlighting the loading times and draw distance. Trusted Reviews noted the improved visuals and instantaneous loading times thanks to the power of the PS5, with the utilization of the SSD resulting in seamless fast travel and no loading screens. VGC mentioned the visually stunning New York and the game's technical triumph with performance and quality modes. Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, there were some minor technical issues mentioned by a few critics. For instance, COGconnected highlighted minor technical issues, while Cultured Vultures mentioned various glitches impacting the overall experience. Game Rant pointed out occasional hiccups such as cut-scenes not triggering and enemies glitching into objects. Player 2 experienced launch-day technical troubles, including hard crashes and progression-breaking glitches. TierraGamer encountered occasional issues with the camera and character positioning, as well as missing subtitles and distorted villains. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 on various gaming platforms is overwhelmingly positive. The game was praised for its seamless performance, fast loading times, brilliant visual performance, and utilization of next-gen features like ray-tracing and DualSense controller support. While some critics mentioned minor technical issues such as glitches and occasional bugs, the general sentiment is that the game is a technical marvel that showcases the capabilities of the PlayStation 5. Critics like The Loadout appreciated the game's exceptional performance with no dropped frames or stutters, while Eurogamer Germany mentioned minor issues with controls and interactions. In conclusion, the technical performance of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 received high acclaim from critics, with the majority recognizing it as a standout title in terms of technical execution and innovation.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics praised Marvel's Spider-Man 2 for its diverse side activities and swinging mechanics, but raised concerns about repetitive side missions and lack of innovation impacting replay value. Mixed opinions on the game's overall appeal for long-term replayability.

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.

In terms of positives, several critics highlighted the Variety of side activities and challenges available in Marvel's Spider-Man 2. Critics like MMORPG.com and TierraGamer praised the game for offering a plethora of activities and rewards in New York, providing players with plenty to do. The swinging mechanics were also commended for being enjoyable, as mentioned by MMORPG.com. Additionally, the inclusion of side quests and a 100% completion route, as noted by MGG and Gamepressure, added to the overall replay value. The game's open-world exploration, combat, and traversal systems were also mentioned as enjoyable aspects by LevelUp and Dexerto. On the other hand, some critics pointed out negatives regarding the replay value of Marvel's Spider-Man 2. Metro GameCentral highlighted the lack of distinct scenarios for each protagonist and the absence of co-op or multiplayer as conceptual issues affecting the game's replayability. IGN and Gamer.nl mentioned that the side activities can feel repetitive and lack depth, with generic side missions becoming tedious over time, reducing the overall appeal for replay value. SECTOR.sk and GamePro Germany criticized the game for lacking innovation and repeating elements from the previous installment, limiting the overall replay value. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the replay value of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 leans towards a mixed reception. While some critics appreciated the Variety of side activities, challenges, and additional content that extended the gameplay experience, others found the side missions repetitive and lacking depth, impacting the overall replayability of the game. Critics like Player 2 and Impulsegamer highlighted the riveting side quests and improved plotlines as positive aspects that could hook players for future games. However, the general sentiment suggests that while the game offers a substantial amount of content and activities, the lack of innovation, repetitive elements, and generic side missions may hinder its long-term appeal for replay value, as noted by critics such as Metro GameCentral and SECTOR.sk.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

92%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 has garnered widespread praise from critics for its numerous positive aspects. Many reviewers highlighted the game's stunning visuals, solid action, and enjoyable side quests, making it a highly enjoyable experience. Metro GameCentral considers it the best thing Insomniac has ever done and possibly the best superhero game ever, showcasing the game's overall quality. IGN Brasil commends the game for delivering the biggest adventures for Miles and Peter, with the best adaptation of Venom, while also praising the charm and charisma of the main characters. Additionally, PCMag lauds the game for its great characters, combat, and traversal mechanics, earning it the Editors' Choice award. On the flip side, some critics did point out a few shortcomings in Marvel's Spider-Man 2. Wccftech mentions the need for a greater shake-up in future installments to prevent the franchise from becoming stale, indicating that there may be some repetitive elements in the game. Push Square also notes minor criticisms about the story and combat becoming repetitive, suggesting that there might be some areas where the game could have been improved. However, these criticisms seem to be minor in the grand scheme of things, as the overwhelming sentiment from the majority of critics is highly positive. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority of reviewers praising Marvel's Spider-Man 2 as a triumph and a must-play game. Impulsegamer describes it as bigger and better than the original, while TheGamer hails it as the future of polished, competent, elevated sequels. The game is lauded for its compelling story, stunning visuals, fun gameplay, and exceptional superhero experience. Critics like GGRecon even give it a perfect 5/5 rating, emphasizing the game's triumphant continuation of the series. In conclusion, Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is widely regarded as a towering achievement, the best superhero game to date, and a masterpiece that captures the essence of the comic books, making it a standout title in the gaming landscape.

TL;DR

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 earns high praise for its stunning visuals, solid action, and enjoyable side quests, with critics calling it a triumph and possibly the best superhero game ever. Some critics note minor shortcomings like repetitive elements, but the overwhelming sentiment is highly positive, hailing the game as a must-play experience that captures the essence of the comic books and sets a new standard for superhero games.

MONSTER

Reviews

272 reviews found

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VG247

PlayStation 5

Oct 16, 2023

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

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is exceptional, the best a superhero game has ever felt

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100

Shacknews

PlayStation 5

Oct 16, 2023

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

The reviewer is impressed by the improvements in both story and gameplay, considering it one of the greatest superhero games of all time. They believe Insomniac Games has created the ultimate superhero simulator.

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