In the short time since its release on October 20, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 has enjoyed universal acclaim, set a new sales record for PlayStation, and become the standard bearer for comic book video game adaptations. And, while Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is a near flawless game, there are sections that, well could’ve done better. Specifically, Mary Jane’s stealth missions. No longer a damsel in distress, Insomniac Games gave Mary Jane an entirely new set of skills that have led the internet to compare her and meme about how she’d become Mary Jane Wick, a play on the titular lead character of the John Wick franchise. Amid this divisive reception, the game’s creators have weighed in on their reasoning for these choices.
MJ’s missions from the first installment of the game were, to put it mildly, not the most beloved segments. They weren’t fun to play and tad inconsistent with the game’s otherwise dynamic pace. Recognizing this feedback, Insomniac Games did deliberate omitting these missions in the sequel. However, in the spirit of embracing challenges and the diversity of perspectives, they chose to amplify her capabilities instead. The idea was to represent MJ not just as a character in Peter Parker’s life, but as a hero in her own right.
In a recent sit down with IGN, Insomniac Games’ Senior Creative Director Bryan Intihar voiced out the studio’s ambitions for MJ. He acknowledged the criticism from the first game but defended the sequel’s missions, explaining that the goal wasn’t just to enhance gameplay, but also to elevate MJ as a hero. Her newfound prowess, especially with her stun gun that incapacitates foes with remarkable efficiency – even more so than Spider-Man himself – was a deliberate choice. Intihar put it rather bluntly, “If she’s a little OP, I don’t give a s***. She’s fine. I don’t care.”
The idea of MJ wielding significant power (responsibly, if we might add) isn’t a random decision; it traces its origins to the game’s early development. Intihar reminisced about a cut storyline from Marvel’s Spider-Man 1’s where Peter gets injured, prompting MJ to step in and use his web shooter in a defensive capacity. While that plotline didn’t see the light of day, it seems the idea of MJ being assertive and proactive stuck around.
Many gamers have embraced this new-look MJ. Her agility and combat capabilities, bolstered by her training from the expert marksman and combatant, Silver Sable, have made her a formidable presence in the game. Her once annoying stealth missions are now replete with action, amplified by her upgraded weaponry. In contrast to the original’s slow-paced stealth segments, these missions in Spider-Man 2 are punctuated by moments of intense action, reminiscent of shootouts from games like Mass Effect.
Insomniac Games’ choice to transform MJ’s role in the game can be seen as a bold statement on heroism. The Spider-Man narrative has always centered on the notion that heroism isn’t solely the domain of those with superpowers. Peter Parker and Miles Morales began their journeys as ordinary teenagers, transformed by the bite of a radioactive spider. In a similar vein, Mary Jane’s evolution underscores the idea that heroism is a choice, an act of will. Her story and character development is testament to the idea that one doesn’t need superhuman abilities to make an impact. It’s about courage, tenacity, and the will to act.
Regardless of what your take on this shift in narrative, the memes, commentaries, and fan reactions suggest that Mary Jane’s transformation has indeed made an impression.
Ultimately, while the return of MJ’s missions and her John Wick-esque capabilities might polarize opinion, it’s clear that Insomniac Games has been unafraid to reinvent and challenge established norms. The first-party PlayStation studio has turned a previously criticized element of their game into a talking point, furthering discussions about representation, heroism, and game mechanics.
Whether loved or debated, Mary Jane’s evolution in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is undeniably significant, not just in terms of gameplay, but in the broader narrative of what it means to be a hero.
Who knows? Maybe in Marvel’s Spider-Man 3, it’s not Peter Parker or Miles Morales who’ll come to save the day – it will be Mary Jane.
As for John Wick, the franchise’s long-time director apparently has ideas for more films in the franchise.
