The executive producer of the upcoming The Amazing Spider-Man 2 game just released a blog entry discussing a few new additions/improvements to Spider-Man's virtual world. He begins by discussing their initial goals for the game. They hoped to "invigorate the experience with great variety in play, more focused storytelling, and more natural pacing; deliver a world worth protecting; and finally, give you all the tools you need to make it fun to do so."
New additions to the game include a new Hero or Menace system, which will reward players who save citizens and keep crime rates down through side activities — with some potentially meaningful consequences for those who disregard Spider-Man’s responsibilities. They've also added new crimes for Spider-Man to handle, like arson and hostage rescue crises, while further developing the existing challenges from the first game.
They've also made improvements to New York City, focusing on making it more diverse and a more fun environment to spend time in. They've made significant changes to Manhattan, getting it closer to the look and feel of the real thing, complete with more varied buildings and architecture, distinct districts, more realistic street sizes, and more reasons to explore. They wanted the changes to be more than simply aesthetic. More missions and side activities take place within the city, and many progress dynamically.
They've brought back the Web Rush, which was introduced in the previous game, and have added new abilities like dodges, rolls, and critical strikes. There will also be new upgrades and special powers. Web swinging has been changed a bit and now Spidey won't be able to just shoot webs into the sky, he'll need an actual building or object in the city to swing from.
Combat encounters have also improved, specifically Spidey's stealth capabilities. He'll have an increased number of opportunities to perform stealth moves as well as an increased prowess when striking from the shadows. If stealth isn't your thing, new enemies will also add greater depth and challenge to combat brawls. Players will be incentivized to use their whole arsenal. The pace of upgrades has also been changed. so that they’re something the player acquires appreciably throughout the adventure.
That improved sense of pacing also applies to the story, which Beenox has been crafting closely with Marvel with great attention to character. Taking place alongside the events of the movie this time (rather than after-the-fact), it takes on a more personal tone for both Spider-Man, on the hunt for Uncle Ben’s killer, and Peter Parker himself, who will have his own role to play in the narrative outside of the costume.
The game’s impressive cast of villains will also get their due, playing a more central role throughout the plot while providing some memorable boss showdowns.
The Amazing Spider-Man is back! This spring, take control of Peter Parker in an all-new adventure: use your strength, speed, and cunning to take on new foes and even greater challenges. The stakes are higher than ever… Are you ready to return to Manhattan?
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 game is expected to release in Spring 2014. It will be available on the
PlayStation 3,
PlayStation 4,
Xbox 360,
Xbox One,
Wii U,
Nintendo 3DS and
Microsoft Windows.