As October 20 approaches, Spider-Man fans around the world are preparing for the release of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on the PlayStation 5. The hype surrounding this title is at a fever pitch, further buoyed by the release of the launch trailer, the “universal acclaim” from critics, and now, a recent and very positive revelation.
Going gold in late September, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 has had fans salivating at what’s coming. Post this announcement, Insomniac hasn’t rested on its laurels. Instead, it has worked diligently to add “notable enhancements” to further elevate the gaming experience, as per their X account.
The day-one update, labeled as version 1.001.002, is the fruits of such labors. While the game is entirely playable as it is with no internet requirement, Insomniac advises its installation for an optimal experience. In particular, it polishes the opening sequence significantly. Along with these improvements, it will also usher in additional accessibility options. Digital buyers need not fret about this update; Insomniac seamlessly integrated in into their preloaded game.
Keep up with the latest updates for Marvel's #SpiderMan2PS5! #BeGreaterTogether pic.twitter.com/Z8ZDjscyB4
— Insomniac Games (@insomniacgames) October 17, 2023
TLDR; those opting for a physical copy of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, they have the luxury of playing straight from the disc. But Insomniac suggests downloading the update before diving into the opening mission for a richer experience.
Accessibility in games is vital, ensuring that a broad spectrum of players can enjoy the narrative and gameplay. While Insomniac hasn’t divulged exhaustive details about these new accessibility features, prior reports hint at the inclusion of an option to skip puzzles. Given that the original game presented various puzzles, this feature can be a boon for players who wish to bypass them.
The acclaim around Spider-Man 2 isn’t merely built on the reputation of its predecessor or the iconic status of its central character. Preliminary reviews of the game are already dubbing it as the best superhero game ever. A testament to this is its outstanding rating, with a score of 91/100 on platforms like Metacritic and OpenCritic. Such high praise is not new for Insomniac Games, which previously basked in similar acclaim for 2004’s Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal.
The significance of Spider-Man 2’s launch extends beyond its fans. Its release coincides with a Nintendo stalwart, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, for the Switch. While both games cater to differing audiences and consoles, they both carry the weight of their predecessors’ legacies. The Spider-Man character witnessed a renaissance in the 2000s with blockbuster movies, which subsequently propelled the character to the forefront of video gaming from 2018, under Insomniac’s aegis for Sony. This collaboration proved lucrative, resulting in a whopping 33 million copies being sold by May 2022.
Sony’s strategy with Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is two-pronged: leveraging the PS5’s cutting-edge graphics to bring to life the dynamic battles between Peter Parker, Miles Morales, and villains like Kraven the Hunter, and banking on the game’s appeal to drive sales, much like its predecessor did for the PS4.
More importantly, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 celebrates diversity. Players can step into the shoes of not just the classic lead protagonist, Peter Parker, but also embody the persona of Miles Morales, the Hispanic-African-American teenager introduced in 2011.
Insomniac deserves praise for its approach with Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. The studio has crafted a game that, even in its unpatched version, promises a complete experience. The update only serves to heighten the already impeccable quality, ensuring players enjoy every swing, jump, and battle.
If Square Enix’s lead with Final Fantasy 16 is anything to go by, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 will be just as memorable, and, quite possibly, as much of a magnet to backlash.
