Insomniac, the studio behind hits Ratchet & Clank and Resistance, return with some of their best work to date in Marvel’s Spider-Man.

What’s new Web-heads?

There’s one thing that all Spider-Man games share in common, though some do it better than others, and that’s web-swinging. Prior to Insomniac’s latest release, Spider-Man 2 (PS2) did this best, but what that game lacked in atmosphere, Marvel’s Spider-Man has in droves. From the Avengers-esque music that kicks in as soon as the player leaps into the air, to the bustling city streets below, there’s just something special about touring Manhattan in style, swinging from the skyscrapers of the Financial District, to the trees of Central Park, to the apartment blocks of Hell’s Kitchen, in the crisp clarity of PlayStation 4.

Web-swinging is easily one of the most fun parts about the game, as players can glide from building to building effortlessly. Running across windows that reflect the glistening afternoon sun, pulling up at the last second after diving off of the Empire State Building, and utilising the boost jump, all help to make the player truly feel like a superhero. The level of detail here is astonishing, as webs actually stick to buildings (you can see this in the photo mode), affecting how high or far Spidey can go, and the day/night cycle also adds to the already impressive scope and realism of this reimagining of New York.

The main story follows an already established Spider-Man as he takes down crime-lord Wilson Fisk, aka Kingpin. After being jailed at a highly secure facility known as The Raft, which also houses some of Spider-Man’s greatest adversaries, a gap in the crime market is left wide open, ready for a new player to step in.

The game allows the player to dive into the world of Peter Parker too, as he balances trying to make enough money not to get evicted from his apartment, with saving the city on a daily basis. Here Pete has left the Daily Bugle (as has Jameson, who now ridicules Spider-Man on his talk show), is having relationship issues, helps May at a homeless shelter, and is a laboratory assistant. Talk about being spread thin.

MJ Watson and Miles Morales are also playable in tension-filled, if slightly simplistic, stealth sections. These help to break up the constant having to save people’s lives, with a direct contrast to Spider-Man’s gameplay.

Along with the interesting and original story, the player is also able to clear bases, fight street crime, interact with civilians, complete side-missions, and find hidden collectables. The game does a fantastic job of making these collectables fun to track down, scattering old school bags containing nostalgic references all across the city, turning even the most casual gamer into a completionist.

There are nearly 30 suits to unlock, each with their own unique abilities, as well as skills and gadgets. L3 and R3 can be used to activate this power, to even the score against the most overwhelming of odds. This also isn’t locked to the suit you are wearing, so the player is able to find their favourite look, as well as their favourite special ability, and can mix and match. Personal favourites include the Homecoming suit, Infinity War suit (complete with robotic arms), the classic look, and the comic book style suit. The studio has also hinted that the missing Symbiote suit may make an appearance later down the line, in either DLC or a sequel.

The gameplay borrows heavily from other successful superhero games like Batman Arkham City, both in how the player can traverse the city, and in the style of combat. Spider-sense helps the player to dodge incoming attacks, and gadgets, such as impact webbing and spider-drones, combined with special moves, help the player to deal with thugs. These include Fisks’ men, the Demons, Sable, and escaped convicts as well as petty criminals.

Late game enemies can be a challenge, especially when they surround the player in large groups, so a few gadgets or special moves are needed to take them down effectively. Swapping gadgets on the fly also helps to keep players in the action without taking hits, and the ability to upgrade them means that fights never feel stale. Combat is fast-paced and fluid, and there’s usually a stealthy approach, taking enemies such as snipers out one by one using attacks like the perch takedown. The game is just about having fun, and although it does get a little repetitive when dealing with street crime, the many tools in Spider-Man’s arsenal keep it feeling fresh.

The game also features a plethora of boss fights, which are integrated into gameplay perfectly, and also leave Marvel’s Spider-Man open for more in the future. These are not only fun to play through, offering up different challenges, but also make the game feel familiar whilst providing new experiences.

Insomniac has officially joined the likes of Rocksteady in setting the bar for superhero games. If you have a PS4 and are a self-proclaimed web-head, then Marvel’s Spider-Man is a must own. Even if you’re just looking for a solid third-person action game with a great story and gameplay, it’s for you. It’s just a shame that it is only available on PlayStation as an exclusive title.

Final Thoughts

Marvel’s Spider-Man is an almost perfect game, almost, as there are a few nagging issues, especially towards the end of the game. Simply put, more of the game would’ve been nice, and there is, with The Heist DLC already being announced, but more side missions done in the same way as the Arkham series; where the player has to find clues as to a villains whereabouts, would’ve worked well. I also encountered a small bug in the final boss fight, but thankfully this was easily remedied by the game’s checkpoint system.

Thoughtful writing and masterful voice acting, complemented by amazing attention to detail, result in a deep and unique story, backed up by satisfying combat and an array of interesting villains, both new and old. Marvel’s Spider-Man truly is the best Spidey game ever made, one that both fans and newcomers alike can enjoy.

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