Marvel's Spider-Man 2

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 offers exceptional gameplay mechanics with fluid traversal, satisfying combat, and engaging character abilities that many players find addictive and fun. The game expands on its predecessors with more suits, a larger map, and the inclusion of both Peter and Miles as playable characters, enhancing the overall experience. The story, while decent, is often described as rushed and less impactful compared to earlier entries, with some players feeling it lacks depth and originality. Side missions and character development received mixed reactions, with some criticizing repetitive or shallow content.

However, the PC port suffers from severe optimization issues, including frequent crashes, stuttering, frame rate drops, and graphical glitches even on high-end systems. Many players report unplayable performance on various hardware, including Steam Deck, leading to widespread frustration. Despite these technical problems, the game’s core gameplay and story elements still receive praise, but the current state of the port significantly hampers enjoyment for many users.

Highlights

Players praise the game’s fluid and addicting traversal and combat mechanics, considering it the best Spider-Man gameplay yet. The graphics are generally appreciated for their quality and detail, especially on high-end PCs and consoles. The dual protagonist approach with Peter and Miles adds variety, and the story, while sometimes criticized, includes impressive set-pieces and character moments. Side missions and collectibles are well-designed without being overwhelming, contributing to a balanced open-world experience.

Criticisms

The primary criticism centers on poor optimization and technical issues on PC, including crashes, stuttering, and graphical glitches that make the game unplayable for many. The story is often described as rushed, repetitive, and lacking emotional depth, with some side missions viewed as filler or propaganda. Players also note that the city feels lifeless, and certain gameplay elements like stealth or mini-games are underwhelming. The port is considered inferior to previous Spider-Man games, with downgraded visuals and inconsistent performance.