Opinion: Spider-Man experience
The character of Peter Parker fills a special place in my heart. In a lot of ways, he and I relate. Spider-Man is the most unique and beloved character in Marvel history. The new Spider-Man video game brought my superhero to life like never before, and it personalized the experience unlike
anything before.
For the first time, I truly felt like Spider-Man.
The long wait for the new “Marvel’s Spider-Man” video game officially ended Sept. 7, 2018. The excitement resulted in 3.3 million copies sold within the first three days, and it was the most-downloaded PlayStation 4 game in September, according
to playstation.com.
Like previous Spider-Man video games, the new installment features a vibrant Manhattan map, packed with crime, collectibles and enormous skyscrapers. The game’s versatility and lively, open world speaks to its credentials as the best Spider-Man game ever, and arguably one of the best games of the year.
IGN Entertainment, a video game and media website, rated the game 8.7 out of 10, a score edging the line of greatness.
Swinging from building to building — Spider-Man’s primary means for transportation and one of the most crucial in-game mechanics — felt dauntingly realistic. Though it took a few minutes to master the controls, swinging eventually became a graceful,
fun experience.
Unlike the old games where on-the-ground combat consisted of random button pressing resulting in obscure punches and kicks, this new game integrates a variety of web gadgets, combos and interactive elements to help Spider-Man tackle his foes.
Exploring the open world and diving off tall buildings proved exhilarating on its own. You do not need to conquer the campaign or wrestle through side missions to enjoy your experience. Even without the main mission, the game would still be worth its
$60 price tag.
Insomniac, the creators, executed the story well. Unlike some of the previous Spider-Man games, this one begins years after Peter Parker realizes his spider-like attributes. Mary Jane Watson, fully aware of Parker’s identity, holds a secure journalism job. Parker works with Otto Octavius as a laboratory assistant, and through it all, our protagonist struggles to cope with his double life as a young working adult and the superhero of New York City.
Nostalgia plays an important role throughout the game. Familiar villains like Rhino, Vulture, Black Cat, Shocker and Norman Osborne all make appearances. Even the Avengers Tower stands tall amidst the jungle of skyscrapers. The creators even brought a fresh cast to the table, including Yuri Lowenthal as the voice of Spider-Man, Laura Bailey as Mary Jane Watson and Nadji Jeter as Miles Morales, who also voiced in the ground-breaking PlayStation phenomenon, “The Last of Us.”
Insomniac did a good job separating this stand-alone Spider-Man game from the Avengers movies. Although the Avenger’s Tower occupies a section in Manhattan, it is only present for nostalgia. Sorry, folks, Captain America, Iron Man and Thor do not make appearances. This was a smart move. It gave players a modern taste of our favorite web-slinger, while mirroring the original Spider-Man movie trilogy, a period when Spider-Man was New York’s sole superhero.
The game’s pace balances the excitement. Nothing disappoints a gamer more than a constant stream of endless fighting. Thankfully, this game interacts with Peter Parker’s character in various segments, providing room for players to breath. The game also contains countless side missions across the map to satisfy gamers who prefer a faster pace.
Overall, Marvel’s Spider-Man is a fantastic game. If you have been considering the purchase, do yourself a favor and buy it. If you’re light in the wallet, consider waiting a month or two after the price drops a couple dollars. I even had a friend contemplate purchasing a PlayStation 4 solely to experience this game.
Video games act as a means for escape. Life will occasionally throw curve balls, and much of your existence will consist of difficult work. Regardless, it is never too late to pull out the ole’ console and kick back for a few hours with your favorite game. I advise both casual and serious gamers to purchase this one-of-a-kind PlayStation 4 exclusive masterpiece.