Spider-Man is one of pop-culture’s most iconic characters alongside such big names as Batman and Superman. He’s had his fair share of video games – some good, some bad – throughout the years, none of which came as close to feeling like the web-slinger himself; until Insomniac Games took the reigns.
Marvel’s Spider-Man is a unique take on the mythos of the comic’s characters and themes. Playing like a seasoned Spider-Man, one who isn’t in high school, but is instead a 23-year old working under the wings of his boss Otto Octavius. What follows is a decent story that really excels on the merits of the characters within. The relationships between each of the characters really stand out. Most notably – but unsurprisingly – Peter and Mary-Jane Watson’s.
The story feels well-paced with the exception of a few notable stealth sequences featuring M.J. that feel tacked-on and unnecessary. It’s fun to play as M.J., but these stealth sequences are one two many. The same can be said for the boss battles. Not every boss battle can be as epic as the Souls series. That being said, boss battles in Marvel’s Spider-Man are either hit or miss. I found the set pieces in which I faced each boss felt more of an “experience” compared to that of participating in the actual fight.
It’s no surprise that the most fun thing about Marvel’s Spider-Man is the web-swinging. Traversal over and around the many building’s and skyscrapers of New York City is a blast. Never before has there been a Spider-Man game that feels as good as this. It’s not a shocker given Insomniac’s skill with traversal in their previous title: Sunset Overdrive.
Traversal is one of the key ingredients when it comes to making a good Spider-Man game. Besides the usual web-swinging, bouncing off rooftops and running on walls also feel – and look – incredible. The same can be said for the game’s combat. Combat and stealth draw heavily from Rocksteady’s Arkham series (and that’s a good thing).
Spidey’s combat feels fast and fluid, utilizing a variety of gadgets, move-sets, and takedowns that get the job done – especially in situations where multiple enemies show up on screen. Thankfully there’s a spidey-sense indicator above Spidey’s head whenever a strike or object is heading towards him. Special combos also enhance combat by filling up the focus meter in order to achieve certain finishers.
Stealth plays in a vertical manner. Enemies throughout the story gradually become more difficult, so it’s in the players best interest to utilize stealth to dispatch enemies in a quiet manner to thin the herd. Again, like the Arkham series, perch take-downs are a necessity to get the drop on enemies. It also further solidifies the fact that, and makes you feel, just like Spider-Man
Insomniac’s take on New York City is one of the most detailed and beautiful in any game I’ve played. Instead of seeking out hidden quests like other games in the open-world sandbox genre; quests and collectibles seek the player out. Presenting the world map with a variety of things to do. From collecting Peter’s previous backpacks and taking landmark photos, to enemy base takedowns and challenge missions. There’s a surprising amount of variety that further unlocks as the story progresses.
These various collectibles encourage the player to collect them. As each type of collectible is represented by a token that can be used to upgrade gadgets, buy new suits and abilities. Around almost every turn there are things to collect. It further expands the game’s longevity, while also adding world-building.
Marvel’s Spider-Man is a blast to play. Web swinging has never felt so good, and tight combat, as well as an enjoyable representation of New York City, make playability endless.