Insomniac Games’ Spider-Man on PS4 was released in 2018 (same year God Of War 2018 came out) and the remastered edition was released in 2020. (same year Ghost Of Tsushima came out) Both versions earned critical acclaim from critics, fans and gamers alike. In addition to universal praise, the game sold millions of copies as one of Sony’s best selling games. A spin-off focusing on Miles Morales was released around the same time as the PS5 version.
Spider-Man: No Way Home will be released this Christmas with Tom Holland reprising his role as the character. “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” is slated for an October release with Tom Hardy reprising his role as the character. Jared Leto’s upcoming “Morbius” is scheduled for a 2022 release.
This review contains no SPOILERS. Feel free to read my non-spoiler article.
Friendly & Unfriendly Elements
Friendly: Yuri Lowenthal did an amazing job for his voiceover performance as the titular character.
Graphics are the most realistic Spider-Man game to date. A massive improvement of that disastrous pooper “The Amazing Spider-Man 2.”
Web Swinging mechanic makes you feeling like Spider-Man shooting his web and performing acrobatic maneuvers. You can Fast Travel from Point A to Point B.
Combat is gorgeous. It flows perfectly with a balance between acrobatic hits and shooting web. Definitely on the same level as fight scenes from “The Matrix Trilogy.”
Spider-Sense is allows you to dodge a enemy’s attack. This originated in “Spider-Man 2.”
Stealth elements are included giving you an opportunity by silently taking down foes one by one.
Boss Battles are unforgettable. Each member of The Sinister Six are given a unique battle. There’s so many in the main story, side missions and DLC. In the words of Gary Oldman’s character Norman Stansfield from “Leon: The Professional,” “Bring me everyone, EVERYONE!”
Spidey’s rouge gallery are given updated backstories in modern times retaining their lore from the comics.
Martin Li/Mr. Negative factors in the main story.
This interpretation of Peter Parker is a college graduate. He’s an experienced superhero. His interactions with Mary Jane Watson, Miles Morales, Otto Octavius & Aunt May move the story forward building up missions.
Spider-Man’s costume with the white spider symbol is organic. Doesn’t look ridiculous like Pepsi Man.
Besides the original costume, familiar suits like Tom Holland’s costumes from “Homecoming,” “Infinity War,” & “Far From Home” are available once you complete certain tasks. Sony launched a free update on Tobey Maguire & Andrew Garfield’s outfits. My personal favorite has got to be the former. Brings back childhood memories. I used to play Spider-Man 2 on the PS2 all the time. I’m giving Sony Bonus Points for including Tobey’s suit, because I can relive my childhood.
If you equip a specific suit, it’ll be shown in cutscenes.
Taking notes from the “Batman Arkham” series, gadgets aid you in battle.
Miles Morales & Mary Jane Watson are only playable in a certain mission.
Side Quests features a ton of things to do such as solving puzzles at Otto Octavius’ lab, taking photos of landmarks, collecting backpacks, deciphering a portion of the map, research stations, seizing Kingpin’s activities, liberating Silver Sable’s outposts, beating up criminals, rescuing citizens in prison camps, catching pigeons, tracking down Black Cat’s whereabouts and partake in Taskmaster’s challenges. Every single one levels you up.
An upgrade system gives you options to upgrade Spidey’s abilities.
Like “God Of War” 2018, Photo Mode gives you the opportunity to take snapshots. Here’s a tip, make sure you have good timing on taking an awesome photo.
Quick Time Events are used sparingly.
If you finished the main story, a “New Game Plus” allows you to restart the game carrying all your upgrades and suits, but difficulty has significantly increased. Think you’re up for a challenge?
Stan Lee (god bless his soul) makes a cameo appearance.
The Ending sets up a sequel.
Former Daily Bugle boss, J. Jonah Jameson is now a podcaster whose purpose in life is ranting about Spider-Man.
I first played the game on the PS4 back in 2018. It was awesome. I borrowed a relative’s PS5 to compare and contrast the what the latter console improved. It slightly upgraded the graphics, ray tracing showing reflections of Spidey whenever a window from a building shows a reflection of him. Loading Screen is reduced. 3D Audio support.
If you purchase the DLC bundle, “The City That Never Sleeps,” it continues where the main story left off told in three separate storylines titled, “The Heist,” “Turf Wars” & “Silver Lining.”
If you’re a pure hearted Spider-Man fan, there’s a truckload of Easter Eggs.
Peter’s face is redesigned on the PS5 edition. I didn’t Sony changing it to resemble Tom Holland’s appearance. I would’ve love to see a feature changing Peter’s face to Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield. Heck! Have them as costumes while wearing their signature outfits without a mask.
I lost count how long I’ve played the game. Probably took me a month to complete everything. Worth earning a platinum trophy.
Unfriendly: A Plot Hole involving why didn’t a genetically engineered bite Mary-Jane. Just uses her like some sort of delivery girl to bite a certain character in a contrived way you can possibly imagine.
An optional con is the game lacks a pizza delivery mini-game from Spider-Man 2. Cue the words, “Pizza Time!” That would’ve been the icing on the cake. Maybe next time.
The Final Verdict: A-
Insomniac Games’ Spider-Man is worth every penny. If it weren’t for one problem, above, I would’ve given the game my highest grade an A, FOR APEX. An A- will do. Spider-Man on PS4/PS5 is my second favorite Spidey game. Spider-Man 2 is my personal all time favorite. I’m so happy Sony included Tobey Maguire’s outfit. Made me feel like a kid again. If you’re very excited to see Spider-Man: No Way Home, I highly recommend the PS5 edition. I haven’t played Miles Morales’ solo game. Someday I’ll write about it.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 