"Something Never Experienced Before": Marvel's Spider-Man 2 Review

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 delivers an incredible story about heroes and villains grappling with loneliness.

Throughout , the life of the original Spider-Man, Peter Parker, is put in perilous jeopardy on numerous occasions. The web-shooting, wall-climbing superhero has seemingly never been so vulnerable in any of his previous bouts, including the showdown with the Sinister Six in Insomniac's first title. Despite the plethora of threats in, Peter is a remarkably resilient character, though at one point his toughness and durability are tested to the extreme. Though an iconic figure, he is far from immortal, a fact that has led many to wonder what happens to Spider-Man in — could he really be killed by Kraven or Venom?

Although Kraven was briefly hinted at occupying the role of the ultimate antagonist in , in reality, that distinction goes to one of the most universally recognized antagonists from the Spider-Man franchise, the amorphous sentient alien symbiote, Venom. While numerous figures have held the unenviable role of playing host to Venom in the franchise's numerous movies, comics, and video games, in the dishonor belongs to Peter Parker and MJ's friend, Harry Osborn.

Mary Jane Watson plays a significant role in , both from a narrative perspective as Peter's girlfriend, but also as a temporarily playable character, and most interestingly as part of one of the game's more surprising twists. MJ was introduced to the Spider-Man canon in 1965; since then she has gone on to become Peter Parker's main love interest and the principal beneficiary of his affection in the franchise's many movies, comics, and video games.

, while telling its own complete narrative, has set up plenty of plot points for a future entry in the acclaimed superhero series. Although a new entry has yet to be officially announced by Sony or Insomniac Games, it seems inevitable after 's impressive sales, in which the game became the fastest-selling PlayStation Studios game in its first 24 hours.

continues many of the stories seen in its predecessors, from Peter and Miles grieving the loss of loved ones to the return of Harry Osborn and the long-awaited Venom symbiote. However, one character's transformation within the series may come as a surprise when they return in the recent sequel, at least for those who didn't play 's story DLC.

Spider-Man 2's director, Bryan Intihar, has acknowledged that Sandman's inclusion in the sequel is a bit of a plothole thanks to a collectible that could be found in the first game.

Taking place in New York, is an enormous game with a justifiably large map full to the brim with content to be explored. features a plethora of interesting, entertaining, and simply brilliant quests; although the vast majority of the game's main quests, side quests, and side adventures don't offer tangible rewards beyond EXP, tech parts, or tech points, a few questlines reward the player with some excellent prizes.

is replete with additions and improvements to the previous titles from developer Insomniac Games, but one feature that isn't present is a huge missed opportunity. The newest entry expands on its predecessors by putting both Peter Parker and Miles Morales at the forefront, testing their mettle and web-slinging prowess against threats new and old. From a world with increased density and scale to developments like seamless fast travel that can jump to any point on the map, Insomniac Games pushed the envelope in many ways while failing to implement an age-old option that generates fun.

Like the first, features a vast array of villains and several exceptional bosses; however, not all of the interactions with bosses are equal in excitement, fun, or difficulty, some of the game's boss battles are far more challenging than others. Though each boss battle in presents a unique set of challenges, a few of these fights will push the player's ability to its very limits.

Spider-Man 2 fans are wondering where the heck Taskmaster is during the events of the campaign, as he can be spotted on Kraven's hunting list but isn't seen or mentioned anywhere else.

In , Peter Parker and Miles Morales team up together to fight crime in New York, and they will need the best gadgets to do it. Throughout the game, players will control both Peter and Miles and can switch between them during certain downtime moments. Additionally, the gadgets players unlock can be used by both of New York’s Spider-Men.