Warning: Spoilers ahead for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.In a surprising turn of events, manyMarvel’s Spider-Man 2players have turned on the game, with the series’ main subreddit and other social media platforms filled with posts about the critically acclaimed game being a disappointment. The complaints range from non-issues like Peter and MJ’s face models to overblown controversies like Miles Morales’ Evolved Suit, though among all the nonsense some legitimate complaints can be found.Marvel’s Spider-Man 2’s new game plusupdate will aim to address complaints like a lack of replayable content, though another big criticism will surely go uncorrected: Venom’s lack of screen time:
The hulking Symbiote may have shined when he did appear in the story ofMarvel’s Spider-Man 2, with his gameplay segment being particularly great, but he did not interact with the friendly neighborhood heroes all that much. This has led many to argue that it felt like the final act of the game was rushed, and though it is unclear if that was the case behind the scenes, the lack of Venom remains one of the biggest complaints from fans. While his Kraven interaction, final boss fight, and playable section all shine, only 10% of Tony Todd’s dialogue being used says a lot about how little Venom featured. However, even if players are disappointed by the character’s limited screentime, Doc Ock’s role in the first game shows that this is a pattern for Insomniac.
Marvel’s Spider-Man and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Use Their Villains in a Similar Way
When looking at how Insomniac Games used Doctor Octopus, players will likely see a trend of sorts where the final villain is only around for a few missions. In the originalMarvel’s Spider-Man, Otto Octavius is present throughout the game, and his frustration with Norman Osborn as well as his condition are simmering under the surface before they eventually push him to snap. When the proper tentacle-wielding Doctor Octopus does finally debut, he throws around Peter alongsidethe Sinister Sixand then moves into the background until the scenes just before his final boss fight. Given how little the “true villain” ofMarvel’s Spider-Manfeatured, it is odd that players were caught so off guard by Venom’s lack of screentime.
To be clear, it is entirely fine for players to be frustrated and let down that Venom had a smaller role than they had hoped, but the originalMarvel’s Spider-Mandeserves that same criticism if players are bothered by the approach. Just like with players watching Otto descend into villainy, they get to see Harry’s struggles throughout the game before he finally bonds with the Symbiote. Though this late payoff means players do not get to see much of Venom, the transformation itself is strong because Insomniac Games takes it slow and properly builds up to that moment. At the same time, it means that Kraven is the main threat for a majority of the game, just likeMr. Negativewas in the original title.
Fortunately for Venom fans, the massive Insomniac leak confirmed that a solo title is in the works, and it will supposedly be around the same length asMiles Morales. This spin-off could make use ofTony Todd’s other dialogueand address any complaints about Venom being underused.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 3 Will Likely Not Have Any Villain Problems
With some players clearly disliking that the game’s most exciting villain is only around for the last few hours of the story,Marvel’s Spider-Man 3should aim to address this complaint. Fortunately, it already seems poised to do just that given its two main villains. First, there is Norman Osborn, who is expected to becomeGreen Goblinin the sequel. Since he has been built up slowly across the first two mainline games, and evenMiles Morales’ post credits scene, his transformation can happen early in the story instead of occurring too late. Additionally, Doc Ock, the other main villain teased for the game, does not require any more setup since that was already done in the original game. Though Insomniac taking the time to build up its villains may have led to them feeling underused in their initial appearances, now it will be able to come out swinging and give them plenty of time to shine in their next appearances.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Spider-Men Peter Parker and Miles Morales face the ultimate test of strength inside and outside the mask as they fight to save the city, each other and the ones they love, from the monstrous Venom and the dangerous new symbiote threat.Explore an expansive Marvel’s New York with faster web-swinging and the all-new Web Wings, quickly switching between Peter and Miles to experience different stories, epic new abilities and high-tech gear.Wield Peter’s symbiote abilities and Miles’ explosive bio-electric powers in battle against new and iconic Marvel Super Villains – including an original take on a symbiote-infused Venom, the ruthless Kraven the Hunter, the volatile Lizard, and more from the Marvel Rogues’ Gallery.
