Insomniac’sMarvel’s Spider-Mangave fans of the webslinger nearly everything they could ask for in a high-budget superhero game. A fantastic movement system, dynamic combat, and rich narrative made for one of the best games of 2018, and the beginning of a new era for Marvel gaming. WithMarvel’s Spider-Man 2on the horizon, many fans are wondering how it can raise the already very high bar it set for itself. As one of the most highly-anticipated games of 2023,Marvel’s Spider-Man 2will have to balance what fans already love with exciting new reasons to swing through New York City all over again.
One of the most anticipated parts ofMarvel’s Spider-Man 2isits introduction of Venom. The fan-favorite character was teased inSpider-Man, andSpider-Man 2’s reveal trailer gave gamers their first look at the symbiote and a snippet of his voice provided by horror icon Tony Todd. Insomniac seems to be emphasizing the frightful side of Venom with its design choices, and it opens up an opportunity forMarvel’s Spider-Man 2to embrace the darker corners of Spidey’s world. Peter Parker has thrived in horror-inspired situations in past comics, and leveraging that could help the sequel feel distinct from its predecessor.
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How Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Can Show The Darker Side Of The Comics
While Spider-Man as a character has never come off as particularly frightening, many of the characters around him have origins in common horror tropes. The Lizard is one Spider-Man villain straight out of classic horror films, as the scientist Curt Connors undergoes a startling transformation after an experiment gone wrong. Many Spider-Man fans have already seen what can be done with the Lizard thanks totheAmazing Spider-Manfilm, but Insomniac could up the scares with its own intimidating character design and suspenseful interactive sequences.
Another villain that could inject some horror intoMarvel’s Spider-Man 2is everyone’s favorite living vampire, Morbius. The character has, for better or worse, reached the forefront of many comic fans' minds thanks to the trials and tribulations of his 2022 film starring Jared Leto.Morbius was also recently introduced toMarvel’s Midnight Sunsas DLC, though he aligns himself with the heroes more than he likely would in other depictions.Marvel’s Spider-Man2could use Morbius similarly to Lizard, stalking Peter and Miles through the night and giving players a general sense of unease throughout the game.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Could Find Horror Inspiration In the Batman Arkham Series
Insomniac’s formula forMarvel’s Spider-Manhas been compared toRocksteady’sBatman Arkhamseriesnumerous times over, but one wayArkhamstands out is with its various unsettling moments. Several Scarecrow sequences frightened and fascinated players, andBatman Arkham Knight’s treatment of Man-Bat gave more than a few gamers a good scare.Marvel’s Spider-Man 2has an opportunity to take a similar approach to its gameplay sequences, whether it’s Venom unexpectedly jumping out of the shadows or the player feeling as if they’re being watched at every turn by Lizard or Morbius.
Not much is known about the tone ofMarvel’s Spider-Man 2even as the game is set to release later this year. If the reveal trailer is any indication, however, players may be seeing a darker side of Spidey’s world from what the first game showed. With Venom voice actorTony Todd letting it slip thatSpider-Man 2may be releasing in September, some horror inspirations would certainly fit the release’s proximity to Halloween. Whatever Insomniac does have in store,Marvel’s Spider-Man 2should be in good shape if it’s even half as good as the first.
