Gamer’s Review: Spider-Man 2 (2023)

2018 was an epic year for Peter Parker & Miles Morales. “Avengers: Infinity War” became the highest-grossing film of the year. Insomniac Games made an awesome video game praised by critics and gamers. “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” became the first Marvel movie to win an Oscar for “Best Animated Feature.” In 2020, Insomniac Games released a spin-off focusing on Miles as a launch title for the PlayStation 5. They made a sequel set after the previous games. This time Peter & Miles team-up to combat Kraven the Hunter and Venom.

“Spider-Man 2” was officially released in 2023 (same year Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 came out) on PlayStation 5. Like the first game, the sequel became a critical and commercial success. The sequel was nominated for Game of the Year at “The Game Awards.” Unfortunately, it didn’t win anything. Anyway, Sony’s upcoming movies including “Madame Web,” “Kraven the Hunter” & “Venom 3” will be released around 2024. The aforementioned entries are set in Sony’s cinematic universe featuring Spider-Man’s allies and enemies. Insomniac’s also developing a Wolverine game.

This review contains no crucial SPOILERS.

Amazing & Fatigue Aspects

Amazing: Yuri Lowenthal & Nadji Jeter reprise their roles as Peter Parker & Miles Morales. They both did an excellent job for their respective voiceover performances.

Tony Todd (Candyman) did a superb job for his voiceover performances as Venom & Kraven the Hunter.

Graphics are gorgeous creating landmarks of the Big Apple, character models, lighting, fluid animation and high production value. Cutscenes are really good. Giving it a cinematic vibe.

Gameplay/Mechanics retain core elements from previous games. Here’s the new stuff.

• Parry enemies before they attack. Make sure you time your spider-sense when it’s red. Blue won’t work. So, be on your guard.
• Explore new sections Brooklyn & Queens.
• Switch between Peter & Miles.
• Skill Tree’s revamped in three branches. First two with Peter & Miles have their own upgrades. Third means they share one together.
• Glide with web wings.
• Boss Battles are harder than last time. Each one has three health bars.

Like the PS5 version of the first game and spin-off, no loading screens waste your time.

Combat’s still fun. You have two options. A stealthy approach, knock out or web up a thug. If you wish to go full-on John Wick against countless baddies, be careful.

Photo Mode’s back. It never gets old pausing the game at the right moment for a legit snapshot.

Enemy variety ranging from hunters, low-life thugs, robotic birds and Symbiotes. They really pack a punch.

Earning tokens and tech unlock Old & New Suits. My favorite ones are listed below.

• Sam Raimi’s red and blue suit. I’m happy to relive my childhood.
• Black suit from “Spider-Man 3.” Thank goodness a mini-game doesn’t recreate that silly dance scene.
• Black suit from the comics.
• Noir from “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.”
• Tom Holland’s red and blue suit from the MCU.
• Miguel O’Hara’s costume.
• Iron Spider from the comics (red and yellow) and “Avengers: Infinity War.”
• Miles’ Power Rangers outfit from the Digital Deluxe Edition.
• Marc Webb suits from “The Amazing Spider-Man” 1-2.
• Miles’ suit from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
• Wolverine outfit. Obviously setting up his solo game.
• Peter’s red and blue suit from “Spider-Man: No Way Home” ending.

You can only play as Venom in Story Mode. Sadly, you can’t free roam.

Besides Story Mode, Side Missions has a lot of stuff to do in the Big Apple.

• Taking photos of certain places.
• Blow up Symbiote nests.
• Obtain spider-drones scattered in random places.
• Chase robotic drones for important intel.
• Partake in Mysterio’s virtual reality challenges.
• Find a secure Prowler’s hidden “toys.”
• Grab Sandman’s crystals.
• Bust Kraven’s hunting camps/bases.
• Puzzle games center around the Emily May Foundation.
• Team-up with Wraith to find the leader of a fire cult.
• Help college kids do their chores.

Without giving anything away, a Side Mission is tied to “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.”

Playing the game on normal difficulty or higher is worth a challenge. I got my butt kicked by Kraven. Think you have what it takes to endure tough Boss Battles?

When complete certain tasks, a section of NYC unlocks fast travel.

Chemistry between Peter & Miles serve as the main highlight. Their partnership fleshes out the story. They also have legit chemistry with their friends.

If you purchased the Digital Deluxe Edition, you get five suits for Peter & Miles, more stuff in Photo Mode, three skill points and a gadget called, the web grabber.

A Mid-Credits Scene & Post-Credits Scene sets up a future installment.

Sometime around 2024, New Game Plus and DLC will be added.

Fatigue: Unlike the first game, Mary Jane’s face looks ugly. Why is Sony obsessed with making female characters unattractive? She doesn’t look anything like Kirsten Dunst. Look, I’m willing to accept the PS5 version of the first game with Peter’s face resembling Tom Holland. At least he didn’t worse than Mary Jane.

I didn’t like Mary Jane’s levels. I’m puzzled she easily tasers Kraven’s highly trained henchmen. To add another level of stupidity, she can equip a mod that shoots sound to weaken a symbiote.

The Final Verdict: B, FOR BREAKTHROUGH!

Although not flawless like my all-time favorite Spider-Man game from 2004 based on Sam Raimi’s version, I really enjoyed playing Spider-Man 2. If you’re a fan of the webhead, this is a must-buy worth your spare time. What’s your favorite Spider-Man game? Please leave a comment. I can’t wait for the Wolverine game.