Insomniac's decision to diversify their game portfolio has indeed paid dividends. If before the company was known to produce cartoonish child friendly games like Spyro The Dragon and Ratchet & Clank, things changed in 2016 when they announced the development of Marvel's Spider-Man for the PlayStation 4. It was no easy task as Insomniac will have to deal with the added pressure that Spider-Man had a solid run in the gaming industry during the hay days of PlayStation 2.
But they never succumbed to the pressure and this was clearly seen with the release of Marvel's Spider-Man. Audiences were wowed with the game, dubbing it to be not only the best Spider-Man game but also one of the best superhero games. Their efforts heralded them as the real heroes for bringing Marvel beyond the Cinematic Universe.
By 2019, it was clear that Sony valued the efforts of Insomniac and acquired them as one of its first-party developers. Their involvement as well as the timely release of PlayStation 5, increases the expectations of Insomnia to deliver a Spider-Man game that can rival its predecessor.
With the game's release looming by, fans are eagerly excited with what it brings to the table especially since the main character offers a different take with the game's narrative.
Here are things you need to know before the game's release on November 12.
THE STORY
Fans expect that the sequel will revolve around Peter Parker's battle with his nemesis Norman Osborn aka The Green Goblin given the game's ending with Miles Morales serving as a side character. However, the teasers reveal a different take in the sequel. Peter Parker will still be featured, however he'll be portrayed more on a mentorship role to pave way for Miles Morales.
Given the trailers, the plot may offer a storyline similar to the latest Spider-Man movie, Far From Home, as the main character struggles to deal with the comparisons from another hero, with the main difference of the game's protagonist being compared to a hero that is still alive.
Other than the challenges in living up to another's expectations, the story may likewise feature a conflict that has been a staple in the comic books, the balance between one's superhero life and daily life as Miles Morales will have to contend with saving the city while supporting her mother's political campaign.
THE VILLAINS
If the previous Spider-Man game featured iconic villains like Wilson Fisk, Scorpion, Doctor Octopus and Norman Osborn, the latest entry will revolve around a gang war between two enigmas namely Roxxon Energy Corporation and the Tinkerer. The latter will be commanding his own army known as, The Underground.” Though these two are unfamiliar, they have clashed with Marvel mainstays like the Fantastic Four, Iron Man, and Captain America. Maybe these superheroes will make an appearance as an Easter egg similar to what occurred in the previous entry.
Rhino will make a return appearance where the trailers suggest that he'll be suited more as a side character.
It's still unknown if Norman Osborn will make a significant appearance in this game, the same goes with symbiotic characters like Venom and Carnage, or other members of the sinister six like Electro, Scorpion, and Vulture. The big question mark will be centered on Norman Osborn if he will have a role in orchestrating the gang war, though this might produce a predictable outcome.
GAMEPLAY
There is a slight twist in Spider-Man's web slinging adventures as Miles Morales will feature a heavy emphasis on area-of-effect assaults as the game introduces the venom abilities. These new features offer a distinct set of combat abilities as Miles can pummel his opponents with electric powered fists, which wasn't present in Peter Parker's arsenal.
In terms of fighting style, the two characters reveal a massive contrast, as Miles Morales offers a slow paced brawler-esque combat whereas Peter Parker's relies a lot on his agility and speed. Given the lack of speed from Miles, the developers included new suit modifications and gadgets in order to compliment the area-of-effect assaults that allow the player to implement their brand of creativity in setting up combos.
OTHERS
If you have yet to purchase the latest PlayStation console, fret not as the game is likewise available on PlayStation 4.
For shoe collectors, Miles Morales will don Adidas' latest shoe entry which was decorated with Spider-Man's signature black and red colors. It will be released on November 19.
There is also a glitch where Miles Morales becomes a street lamp, something that can produce memes in the next few months. Let's hope that the developers do not immediately make updates.
The game has garnered positive reviews from critics, with some proclaiming it to be better than the first entry.
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