Marvel's Spider-Man 2, released in 2023 for the PlayStation 5, offers a compelling and refined open-world experience that distinguishes itself from contemporary titles. Unlike many sprawling, time-consuming open-world games, Insomniac Games' latest installment in the Spider-Man series embraces its inherent structure, providing a satisfying and streamlined journey through a vibrant, albeit reimagined, New York City. The game masterfully balances its core narrative with a wealth of diverse optional activities, ensuring that players remain engaged without feeling overwhelmed by an endless to-do list. This approach creates a refreshing take on the genre, prioritizing player enjoyment and efficient progression.
The game builds upon the established storylines from its predecessors, 2018's Spider-Man and 2020's Spider-Man: Miles Morales, further expanding the Insomniac-created universe, which is also slated to include the forthcoming Wolverine title. The January gaming period, often characterized by a slower release schedule, provided the perfect opportunity to revisit this acclaimed title. Many critics and players have lauded Spider-Man 2 for its exceptional quality, praising its gameplay mechanics and narrative depth. The article's author, initially late to experience the game, found its open-world design to be surprisingly elegant, setting it apart from other large-scale releases that often demand extensive time investment.
Open-world games typically fall into two categories: those that emphasize exploration and intrigue with minimal guidance, such as Elden Ring or The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and those that feature icon-dense maps and direct players through a series of objectives, akin to Assassin's Creed Shadows. Spider-Man 2 firmly belongs to the latter, yet it cleverly subverts expectations by fully owning its checklist-driven nature. Instead of attempting to mask its structure, the game leans into it, making the process of completing tasks an integral and enjoyable part of the experience rather than a chore.
The meticulously crafted alternate New York City in Spider-Man 2 serves as a dynamic playground for both Peter Parker and Miles Morales. While taking some geographical liberties, this urban landscape is populated with iconic Spider-Man villains like Sandman, Mysterio, and Kraven the Hunter. These antagonists often serve as catalysts for a variety of optional activities, ranging from straightforward combat encounters to more intricate stealth missions, environmental puzzles, and high-speed aerial pursuits. The diversity of these smaller tasks keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting, providing constant opportunities for engaging action and problem-solving.
Beyond the bite-sized activities, Spider-Man 2 features a robust collection of side quests that are far from mere afterthoughts. One compelling storyline sees Peter Parker collaborating with a character from the first game to investigate an arsonist cult. Another thread involves Miles Morales assisting his classmates with personal challenges. Both Spider-Men also respond to "Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man App requests," which unfold as charming vignettes offering glimpses into the lives of ordinary citizens within this vibrant NYC. These include a blind woman seeking a service animal despite allergies, and an elderly man looking for a good home for his birds. These meticulously designed side missions enrich the game's world and characters, demonstrating a commitment to quality that extends beyond the main narrative.
A notable feature that enhances player progression is the game's transparent tracking system. Players can easily view a percentage indicating their overall completion progress on the world map. Detailed menus outline the exact number of instances required to complete each activity, and in some cases, even disclose the specific rewards for finishing tasks like clearing all 12 Hunter's Blinds, allowing players to strategically prioritize their efforts. This level of clarity empowers players to make informed decisions about how to spend their time within the expansive city.
Navigation within Spider-Man 2 is also thoughtfully designed. Fast travel to specific neighborhoods is only unlocked after players have completed a sufficient number of optional objectives in that area, effectively encouraging natural exploration before shortcuts become available. The exhilarating web-swinging mechanics, amplified by the PS5's tactile DualSense haptics, remain a highlight. Additionally, the introduction of literal wingsuits for each hero, coupled with New York City's notorious wind gusts, creates "wind tunnels" that significantly boost flight speed. Whether swinging through skyscraper canyons or gliding down Fifth Avenue, both methods of traversal are engaging and superior to simply fast-traveling.
Every element of Spider-Man 2's design seamlessly integrates to create a fluid and enjoyable open-world experience. A particularly praised feature, often criticized in other first-party PlayStation titles, is the character quips. When faced with the decision of whether to pursue main missions or side quests, Peter or Miles will often provide verbal cues, such as "I’ve ignored the city for too long" or "I should see who I can help," guiding players toward relevant activities. This subtle yet effective narrative intervention helps players manage their objectives without feeling lost or overwhelmed, adding another layer of polish to the overall design. Spider-Man 2 deliberately diverges from the trend of open-world games designed to consume endless free time, instead offering a more focused and rewarding experience that respects player time and engagement.