I’m not one to buy a video game the weekend it releases. However, I made an exception for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 by Insomniac Games. I played Marvel’s Spider-Man back in 2018 shortly after my trip to New York City. Part of the fun was playing the game and slinging around New York City. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 has been on my radar, and I feel like I waited so long for this game to come out. I have been playing this game non-stop, and wanted to share some first thoughts I had about the game.

There may be spoilers for both Marvel’s Spider-Man and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 below

The first thing that I noticed was how cinematic this game is. Watching the cutscenes, it feels like I’m watching a movie. I forget at times that I’m supposed to be playing the game. Shifting into the story, I am enjoying Kraven being introduced as one of the main villains in the game. I like how they designed Kraven with the fur vest and the shark tooth necklace that he’s wearing. Kraven is seriously jacked, which I think helps to make him menacing. While Peter and Miles have their powers, Kraven carries his strength, which is something that I don’t think Peter and Miles are prepared for. I’m looking forward to the final confrontation between them.

In between the story missions, there is so much to explore in NYC. The map is larger than the first game. I’m only a fifth of the way through the game because I keep getting distracted by all the side content. There are side missions and collectibles throughout each area of the city. I like completing the side quests in between the main story because it helps level up Peter and Miles. Once they level up, they can unlock skills to aid them in the story. I’m sure some gamers will complete the story first, but I like being able to alternate between the story and the collectibles.

One thing that I think is interesting is how there isn’t a New Game Plus mode in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. For those who didn’t play the first game, New Game Plus was unlocked after completing the game for the first time. In this game mode, players can take their leveled-up Spider-Man with all the gadgets; however, the villains and enemies are also tougher. This game doesn’t have New Game Plus as an option, and I’m curious if Insomniac is going to respond to that and add it in later.

As a side note, as of March 2024, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 has added New Game Plus. This post was published in 2023, edited on May 10th, 2026, to include this.

I’m absolutely loving Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, and I try to play every chance I get, as I don’t want to get spoiled for the main story by accident. I can safely say that Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 was worth the five-year wait.