Back in July, we got the chance to attend the media preview event for Marvel’s Spider-Man. There was a presentation, a chance to have hands-on experience with the game as well as a question and answer session with James Stevenson, Insomniac Games’ Community Director.
But that’s not what most of you are after is it? You guys want to know the answer to a simple question. Game good or not ah? Well, let’s just say I’m not going to be doing anything during September other than being in my room playing Marvel’s Spider-Man. Good bye social life. I’ll see you later.
Now that’s out of the way, let’s talk about why I’m going to be locked away in my room playing this game. As we all know, there’s been many, Spider-Man games that have been released. Some of them were okay but only a few of them can be called great. Without a doubt, Marvel’s Spider-Man will be added to the list of greats. Coming out from two hours of hands-on gameplay, our impression is that Insomniac has managed to lock down the three pillars that stand at the core of any Spider-Man game and will propel Marvel’s Spider-Man to great heights.
Web-Slinging
One of the core pillars of any Spider-Man game has to be the web-slinging. It defines the character after all. Who wants to play a Spider-Man game if you can’t web-sling properly around the city? But, no worries ah. Insomniac Games nailed the web-slinging in Marvel’s Spider-Man. Not only does it look good (evident from the E3 2018 demo) but it feels good. Moving around the city is great. It’s fast when you want it to be. It can be slow when you wish as well. The balance is perfect and traveling the city is such a pleasure while taking in the sights as well.
Acrobatic Combat
There’s been a lot of noise online that the combat in Marvel’s Spider-Man is similar to the Batman: Arkham series. I would agree, in so far as they both have a system that incorporates punching and dodging into its mechanics. When you actually play Marvel’s Spider-Man, you would realize that the combat between the two games is different. Marvel’s Spider-Man makes you feel like you’re Spider-Man. That means acrobatic combat combined with a hefty load of web slinging gadgets. You’re less of a bruiser like Batman. You dodge and weave and its a different experience. Most importantly, when you fight in Marvel’s Spider-Man, you feel like you’re Spider-Man, complete with corny quips as he beats up bad guys. That’s right, the corny quips are back and they’re better than ever. Lame enough that you’ll groan but not that bad that you’ll hate Spider-Man. Just perfect sia.
The Story
One of the great things Insomniac Games has done is moved away from sources like comics and games. Instead, they’ve created their own universe and worked from there. That means this game isn’t an origin story. It’s Peter Parker when he’s 23 years old after he’s graduated from college and working as a scientist at a lab.
We’ll also get to play as Peter during work. As a researcher and a scientist, Peter will have to complete tasks and tech puzzles. That’s right, we’ll have to work our brains a little. Being able to play as Peter Parker is actually important. I’m sure some will argue that it slows down the pace of the game since we aren’t Spider-Man 24/7 but that’s the whole point isn’t it? Peter can’t be Spider-Man all the time. He’s as much Peter Parker as he is Spider-Man. This gives players a unique look at the other side of Spider-Man’s life, allowing a better understanding of how his two worlds continue to collide.
Marvel’s Spider-Man Limited Edition PS4 Pro
Game aside, we also got a chance to take a closer look at the Marvel’s Spider-Man Limited Edition PlayStation 4 Pro. Decked out in red with Spider-Man’s iconic emblem embossed on its side, this is one PlayStation 4 set waiting to be picked up. Swee bo?
Marvel’s Spider-Man will be coming to PlayStation 4 on 7 September. Don’t say bo jio!
