Spider-Man 2, developed by Insomniac Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, is the highly anticipated sequel to Marvel’s Spider-Man (2018) and Miles Morales (2020). Released in 2023 exclusively for the PlayStation 5, this sequel builds upon the foundation of its predecessors with a deeper story, improved gameplay mechanics, and the much-requested ability to switch between Peter Parker and Miles Morales. It stands not just as a continuation, but as a bold reimagining of what a superhero game can be.
In this in-depth 2000+ word review, we explore every aspect of Spider-Man 2 — from its narrative brilliance and refined web-swinging mechanics to its villains, open-world activities, combat enhancements, and overall polish. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer curious about the hype, this review offers everything you need to know about one of the PlayStation 5’s defining titles.
1. The Evolution from Spider-Man (2018) to Spider-Man 2
Insomniac’s original Spider-Man title was a surprise hit that blended emotional storytelling with fast, fluid traversal and combat. Spider-Man: Miles Morales further refined the formula but was more of a standalone expansion. With Spider-Man 2, the studio had the chance to combine both heroes in a single, full-length adventure.
From the very beginning, the sequel feels more ambitious. The narrative is larger in scope, and the map has been doubled to include both Manhattan and parts of Queens and Brooklyn. This time, the stakes are higher — and the tools available to players are more powerful than ever.
2. Storyline and Emotional Depth
The core of Spider-Man 2’s success lies in its storytelling. The game explores themes of responsibility, trauma, and identity. Players follow Peter Parker and Miles Morales as they navigate both personal struggles and city-wide threats, especially with the emergence of Venom and Kraven the Hunter.
Peter is coping with grief and mentoring Miles, while Miles is coming into his own as a hero and student. Their arcs are interwoven seamlessly, with impactful cutscenes, side missions, and dialogue that deepen player investment.
Emotional moments land hard, and the game doesn’t shy away from tragedy, sacrifice, and growth — elevating the narrative to match some of the best Spider-Man films and comics.
3. Dual Protagonists: Peter and Miles
One of the standout features in Spider-Man 2 is the dual-character system. Players can switch between Peter and Miles almost instantly, both in the open world and during certain missions.
Each character has unique abilities:
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Peter wields Spider-Arms and later Symbiote powers.
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Miles controls bio-electricity (Venom powers) and stealth-based gadgets.
This system adds variety without redundancy. Side quests are character-specific, and their individual arcs complement the main story. The seamless switch feature also encourages exploration and experimentation.
4. Web-Swinging and Traversal Upgrades
Traversal has always been a defining feature of Spider-Man games, and Spider-Man 2 takes it to new heights — literally. The introduction of Web Wings allows players to glide across the expanded cityscape, working in tandem with traditional swinging for maximum momentum.
Improvements include:
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Wind tunnels to boost speed.
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Web-zip targets for quick precision.
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Enhanced physics for fluidity.
Whether you’re soaring over Queens or zipping through alleyways in Brooklyn, the sheer joy of movement in this game is unmatched. Few open-world games make travel as fun as Spider-Man 2.
5. Combat System and Skill Trees
Combat in Spider-Man 2 feels familiar but deeper and more strategic. Both characters share a basic move set — punches, dodges, and finishers — but differ in their special abilities and skill trees.
Key additions include:
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Symbiote powers for Peter (heavy, crowd-control moves).
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Upgraded Venom abilities for Miles (stuns, AoE attacks).
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Parry system to counter certain enemy attacks.
Skill trees are divided into three categories: Peter, Miles, and Shared. This allows players to develop both heroes in distinct ways, tailoring combat to their preferred playstyle. The new enemy types also demand varied strategies and smart gadget use.
6. Villains and Antagonists
Spider-Man 2 features some of the most iconic villains from the Marvel universe. The main antagonists are:
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Kraven the Hunter: A ruthless predator seeking worthy foes.
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Venom: A monstrous, tragic figure tied deeply to Peter’s arc.
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Lizard (Dr. Curt Connors): A former ally turned threat.
These villains are given narrative weight and cinematic set pieces that rival any blockbuster film. Boss fights are visually stunning, emotionally grounded, and mechanically engaging — especially when tied to the character's story.
The game also includes minor villains and random crimes, ensuring that danger lurks throughout the city.
7. Open World Design and Side Activities
The open-world map of Spider-Man 2 is roughly twice as large as the original, featuring a detailed version of Manhattan, along with new boroughs like Queens and Brooklyn. Each district has its own unique layout, architecture, and atmosphere.
Activities include:
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Prowler Stashes
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Photo Ops
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Hunter Blinds and Bases
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EMF Missions
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Symbiote Nests
These aren’t just filler tasks; many side missions are fully voiced and come with rich storytelling and unique gameplay. EMF missions, for example, explore Peter’s scientific mind and environmental themes, while Prowler missions deepen Miles’s family backstory.
8. Visuals, Sound, and Technical Performance
Built specifically for the PS5, Spider-Man 2 is a technical showpiece. The visuals are stunning, with ray tracing, dynamic lighting, detailed character models, and incredibly lifelike animations. Whether it's rain glistening on a rooftop or the subtle facial expressions during a quiet moment, the game exudes polish.
Audio design is equally top-notch:
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Voice acting is emotional and believable.
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Soundtrack blends orchestral and electronic elements uniquely for each Spider-Man.
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City ambience and effects ground you in the experience.
Performance-wise, the game runs smoothly in both Fidelity and Performance modes, with minimal bugs or frame drops.
9. Accessibility and Customization
Insomniac continues to lead the industry in accessibility. Spider-Man 2 offers a wide array of features to help players of all abilities enjoy the game:
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Adjustable difficulty levels.
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Colorblind modes and visual cues.
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Quick-time event skips.
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Auto-heal and simplified combat toggles.
On top of this, the game includes costume customization, allowing players to unlock dozens of alternate suits from comics, movies, and original designs. Many suits also have color variants, giving fans creative freedom to define their look.
Conclusion
Spider-Man 2 is more than a sequel — it’s a love letter to everything fans adore about the character and superhero games in general. Insomniac has crafted a compelling narrative, introduced powerful new gameplay systems, and built one of the most immersive open-world environments on console. Every web-swing, emotional dialogue, and hard-fought boss battle showcases the care and passion poured into this title.
While it’s not without its minor flaws, Spider-Man 2 sets a new standard for what superhero games can be. It’s emotional, cinematic, action-packed, and deeply personal. For both Peter Parker and Miles Morales, this game feels like the defining chapter in their journey — and for players, it’s a must-play.
