Spider-Man 2 is, without a doubt, one of the greatest superhero video games ever made. We say "one of" because Spider-Man and Spider-Man: Miles Morales pose some serious competition to this amazing sequel.
Like many of you, we've completed the game and you best believe we have some thoughts! Reviews have been largely positive, but some of the complaints about its story and just how immersive this expanded version of New York is (an undeniable highlight we didn't have room to mention below) now make more sense.
In this feature, we're taking a closer look at Spider-Man 2's highlights - there are plenty to mention, but these really stand out - while also delving into some of the decisions and moments which sadly didn't strike a chord in quite the same way.
To take a look at this spoilery Spider-Man 2 breakdown, you simply need to click on the "Next" button below.
DID WORK: A Bold New Take On Venom's Origin Story
No, Eddie Brock is not Venom in Spider-Man 2. In fact, the character never even appears! It's a decision which will understandably upset some purists, but the reveal that Harry Osborn's illness has been cured by the symbiote works well, as does the moment he discovers it's granted him superhuman abilities.
He initially suits up as an Agent Venom-style hero, only for the alien to later choose Peter while saving his life. This leads to a compelling arc where we see Spider-Man head down an increasingly darker path and, by the time he rejects the costume and it returns to Harry, Venom is unleashed...and you get to (briefly) play as him!
It's a big change to Venom's origin story and one that hits the right notes and works well as the story being told is so personal. Later in the game, Insomniac attempts to introduce much of the character's recent Symbiote-related mythology, a decision which doesn't work quite as well. We'll get to that soon.
DID WORK: Amazing Performances From Start To Finish
Make no mistake about it, Spider-Man 2's entire cast is firing on all cylinders. Yuri Lowenthal delivers a career-best performance as Peter Parker, cementing himself as one of the greatest Spider-Man actors of all time. Nadji Jeter, meanwhile, is nothing short of spectacular as Miles Morales.
Laura Bailey as Mary Jane, Graham Phillips as Harry Osborn, Jim Pirri as Kraven the Hunter, Mark Rolston as Norman Osborn, Stephen Oyoung as Mister Negative...the list goes on and on. This is a terrific cast from top to bottom.
Honestly, our only very minor disappointment was Tony Todd as Venom. It feels like his performance was hyped up to be more than what it was; yes, he's a good Venom, but the villain doesn't say enough to allow the actor to make his mark on him.
DIDN'T WORK: Not Enough Variety
There's heaps to do in Spider-Man 2. If you take your time and don't rush it, don't be surprised if you find yourself nearing the 30-hour mark when all is said and done. However, in terms of variety, it does feel like the sequel is lacking somewhat.
The street crimes not only feel a tad too sporadic, but they're largely uninspired. You'll chase cars in a pared-down version of what we got in the previous games and trust us when we say there will be a lot of fires to put out. Beyond that, you're just beating up thugs or Symbiotes, saving the same buses and civilians over and over. It felt like we got a lot more last time.
In terms of side missions, there's only one thread - which sets the stage for Carnage in DLC or a future game - which proves to be anything more than a breezy diversion. This makes Spider-Man 2 feel almost incomplete and it's as if Insomniac didn't have time to flesh this world out as much as the last two times.
DID WORK: Kraven's "Great Hunt"
Aaron Taylor-Johnson can bite off all the noses he wants, but he's going to have a tough time beating Spider-Man 2's portrayal of Kraven the Hunter in next year's movie. This brute of a villain is near-unstoppable and a complete psychopath.
Pirri is superb as the character and, as the story progresses, we learn he's come to New York for one final "Great Hunt" because he's dying and looking for someone to defeat him in battle. Ironically, that's neither Spider-Man as Venom is eventually the one to take him down...by taking off his head!
In many respects, Kraven steals the show from Venom and feels both intimidating and a genuine threat to our heroes. He's also responsible for some of the sequel's most shocking reveals, including the fact he killed The Vulture, Scorpion, and Shocker.
DID WORK: Miles Morales IS Spider-Man
In case it wasn't already obvious, there's no longer any need to argue over whether Miles Morales is worthy of being Spider-Man alongside Peter Parker. It was apparent he deserves the mantle after playing Spider-Man: Miles Morales (not to mention what we've seen in the Spider-Verse movies) but this game just cements that as fact.
Without ever diminishing Peter's role in the story or as a superhero, we see Miles make the right decisions when his mentor doesn't and ultimately take the lead in the fight against Venom when the original Spidey is left overwhelmed by the prospect of losing another important person in his life.
When Spider-Man 2 ends, Pete entrusts Miles to take over for him as New York's sole Spidey (don't worry, there will surely be plenty of reasons for him to come out of retirement, including Carnage, Doctor Octopus, and Green Goblin). Honestly, the only negative is that awful final costume the teenager dons.
DIDN'T WORK: Venom's Master Plan
We've praised Venom's origin story - and the insanely badass level which sees you lay waste to countless Oscorp agents before fighting Kraven - but we weren't quite so pleased with what came later in the story.
Largely under the Symbiote's control, Harry decides the best way to heal the world is to make everyone like him. New York becomes borderline post-apocalyptic and Venom realises he wants Peter by his side for what comes next, with much of the mythology lifted from Donny Cates and Ryan Stegman's Venom comic books. However, it's massively condensed (and largely glossed over), with this all feeling too much like what happened when Devil's Breath was unleashed on Manhattan.
There's still plenty of emotion to be found and that ultimately saves this. However, had Spider-Man 2 made it so that Peter and Miles just wanted to stop and save Harry from staying the monstrous Venom who devoured Kraven's head, we think it would have been enough. The world-ending stakes feel more superfluous than epic.
DID WORK: New Powers
Heading into Spider-Man 2, we could have never guessed both Peter and Miles would each be granted a whole new host of powers. With the former, you initially get to play around with his extra arms, though when the Symbiote comes along, the wall-crawler becomes an absolute beast of a character to control.
With Miles, he too has plenty of awesome new Venom abilities, and both characters can unleash blasts which lay waste to enemies. Unfortunately, this comes at the expense of gadgets which, while useful, feel neither essential nor particularly exciting to play with (especially during stealth missions).
Oddly, Miles' invisibility is no longer as important as it once was, and this takes us back to the game feeling a little unfinished and underdone in places. Overall, though, trust us when we say you'll be grinning from ear to ear making use of their respective power upgrades. Also, gliding rules.
DIDN'T WORK: It's Too Rushed In Places
Spider-Man 2 is a fantastic game but we'd argue that Insomniac tries to cram too much story into this adventure. While the tale they're telling here resonates as a great comic book adventure and a compelling character piece, certain elements aren't given enough room to breathe.
It may come down to how you approach playing the story; however, Harry stops being Anti-Venom almost as quickly as he first suits up. We'd have also liked to wear the Symbiote for longer - don't worry, you get a second chance with the Anti-Venom suit - and the final act plays out at a breakneck pace.
Harry becomes Venom, you embark on a few very short missions, and then it's time for the final battle. Don't get us wrong, that lasts a good 45 minutes or more and is suitably epic but, as conclusions go, we'd say Spider-Man and Spider-Man: Miles Morales did it better.