After video game developer Insomniac Games released “Spider-Man” on PlayStation 4 in 2018 earning critical acclaim and selling copies worldwide, they worked on a spin-off focusing on Peter Parker’s protege, Miles Morales. This time the latter fills in Peter’s role to protect New York City while on vacation with Mary Jane Watson. It’s up to Miles, his best friend Ganke and his uncle Aaron Davis/The Prowler to put a stop to an organized crime led by The Tinkerer.
“Spider-Man: Miles Morales” was released as a launch title on PlayStation 5 in 2020 (same year Demon Souls remake came out) and PlayStation 4. It received positive reviews from critics, fans and gamers alike. Besides good reception, the game sold copies in both physical and digital format. A sequel to the 2018 game is currently in development. We’re gonna have to wait until 2023.
“Spider-Man: No Way Home” is out right now. Tom Holland confirmed he’ll be in a new trilogy reprising his role as Spidey. Jared Leto’s “Morbius” will be out in January 2022. One more thing, “Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse” is split into two parts. Part One is slated for a 2022 release. Part Two is slated for a 2023 release.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS.
Great & Dumb Elements
Great: Nadji Jeter & Yuri Lowenthal reprise their roles as Miles & Peter. They both did a great job for their respective voiceover performances.
Troy Baker voices Simon Kruger. He factors in as a businessman with ties to Roxxon.
Chemistry between Miles, Ganke, Aaron & Phin serve as the main highlight. As the game progresses, you care for Miles and the people close to him.
Gameplay from the last game is retained allowing you to web swing from Point A to Point B. Fight bad guys standing in your way using melee and range attacks. If I you’re in a sticky situation, gadgets definitely come in handy.
Graphics are beautiful bringing character models, environmental locations, fluid animations among many other stuff to life.
PS5 features ray tracing. A significant feature of Sony’s console. By the way, loading time is extremely fast. Meaning. you get to play immediately without looking at your clock.
As you level up, Miles is upgraded with unique skills. You can also unlock suits using the right materials. Some suits have a special perk.
Enemy variety never gets old. A certain baddie can be tough unless you know how to beat a certain one.
Like the comics, Miles has two unique powers. One, he turns invisible. Two, he unleashes a powerful electric attack. Use them to your advantage.
Besides Miles’ unique powers, new features are added including Ganke’s app allowing you to accept requests from citizens. Remote Mines can be used by attaching remote panels or enemies. Holographic clones assist you in combat. Gravity Wells traps your foes.
The game is filled with twists and turns. I don’t wanna give away anything. You’re gonna have to play the entire game to find out.
Collectibles including time capsules, tech boxes and postcards (available after beating the main story) are scattered across New York. Some tech boxes can be found in Roxxon bases.
Challenges involving combat, traversing and stealth can be completed awarding you a free skill.
Photo Mode gives you the opportunity to take a cool snapshot.
A Mid-Credits Scene & Post-Credits Scene sets up the upcoming 2023 sequel.
After you complete the main story, New Game Plus is optional. Think you’re up for challenge?
Dumb: Unlike the last game, this one lacks a number of Spider-Man’s villains. There’s only three boss fights. Where are the notable ones like Mysterio, Chameleon, Alistair Smyte, Spider-Slayers, Sandman & Hydro-Man?
The duration of the game is short. It could’ve added more side based missions from Miles & Peter’s rouge gallery. There’s no pizza delivery mini-game from “Spider-Man 2.” I hope it makes a comeback in 2023.
The Final Verdict: B, FOR BRIGHT!
Spider-Man: Miles Morales is a decent launch title for the PS5. Despite two issues, I actually enjoyed Miles’ first video game as the main protagonist. I hope he and Peter are giving the co-op treatment in the sequel. Allowing you and a friend to play as both old and new Spider-Men. I can’t wait for the next installment.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 