Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Review – Outstanding on PC

After the launch of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on PC at the end of January, the whispers echoed across the Steam forums was that the game’s performance was shaky. I held off diving in straight away as I am utilising an RTX 3080 Super so assumed my PC wouldn’t have performed well. However now having seen Imsomniac Games release six major PC patches since then, I finally swung into action and can report the game is running like a dream.

The game’s performance is remarkably smooth, with consistent frame rates and minimal noticeable hiccups, even during the most chaotic combat encounters and breathtaking cityscapes. This optimisation is a testament to the developers’ dedication to refining the PC port, and it’s a breath of fresh air for those of us who were hesitant to take the plunge initially.

One of the aspects I really appreciated was the inclusion of a story recap. Having missed both the movie and Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales game, I was a bit behind on the narrative. The concise and well-produced recap video provided upon starting the game was an absolute lifesaver. It brought me up to speed on the key events and relationships, allowing me to dive straight into the heart of the story without feeling lost or overwhelmed. This addition is a fantastic way for both newcomers and those who might need a refresher to jump into the action seamlessly.

Speaking of action, the moment I took control of Spider-Man, the sheer joy of swinging through the vibrant cityscape of New York City washed over me. It’s a feeling that never truly gets old. The fluid and intuitive web-swinging mechanics are a cornerstone of the Spider-Man experience, and Insomniac has perfected them. Launching myself from building to building, effortlessly navigating the urban jungle, is not just a means of traversal; it’s an exhilarating and incredibly satisfying gameplay loop in itself. The sense of speed and momentum makes every swing feel dynamic and engaging.

A good thing too because I was immediately thrown into the deep end with the electrifying first boss battle against Sandman. This served as a fantastic introduction to the game’s combat system. It’s a dynamic, active, and thoroughly enjoyable experience being able to switch between the two playable characters. The ability to utilise each character’s gadgets and incorporate the environment into combat makes every fight feel impactful, and the variety of enemy types keeps the gameplay fresh and challenging. The feedback of landing a well-timed punch or web-strike is incredibly satisfying.

Once the initial tutorial and the Sandman encounter concluded, the game world truly opened. Each district of the map is brimming with activities to complete. From side missions and challenges to collectibles and random encounters, there’s always something to keep you engaged and exploring. These activities are well-integrated into the world and often tie into the overarching narrative or provide valuable resources for upgrading your abilities and gadgets. The sheer amount of content on offer ensures that you’ll be spending a significant amount of time immersed in this digital playground.

Beyond the gameplay, the story in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is highly engaging. It delves into the personal lives of both Peter Parker and Miles Morales, exploring their relationships, struggles, and responsibilities as Spider-Men. The narrative is filled with compelling character moments, emotional depth, and thrilling plot twists that kept me invested from beginning to end. The voice acting is superb, and the writing is sharp and well-paced, holding my attention all the way through.

The graphics in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 are phenomenal. The level of detail in the character models, the intricate design of the city, and the stunning visual effects are truly breathtaking. The ray tracing implementation adds a layer of realism and visual fidelity that elevates the entire experience. Even on my RTX 3080 Super, the game looks absolutely stunning, showcasing the power of modern graphics technology. The PC port offers a range of graphical options to fine-tune the experience to your liking, ensuring that you can find the right balance between visual fidelity and performance.

Overall, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on PC exceeded my expectations with great performance, intuitive web-swinging, dynamic combat, engaging story, and phenomenal graphics. If you, like me, were hesitant to jump in on PC due to initial performance reports, I can wholeheartedly recommend taking the plunge now. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is a must-play for fans of the franchise and action-adventure games alike.

This review utilised a key provided by PlayStation AU and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is available now on Steam and PlayStation.

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