Marvel's Spider-Man 2 Review Roundup

Ahead of its release later this week, reviews for Marvel's Spider-Man 2 have gone live. Following on from the events of 2018's Spider-Man and 2022's Spider-Man: Miles Morales, the sequel teams both of New York's resident arachnid-themed heroes up for a tale that pits them against the likes of the Lizard, Kraven the Hunter, and Venom. Like previous Spider-Man stories, the Venom symbiote is first introduced as a powerful and corruptive force that attaches itself to Peter Parker, transforming the noble hero into a darker and more brutal vigilante before the two eventually separate and the alien organism finds a new host--and also gets much more swole in the process.

So far, reviews range are all highly positive. While some critics have pointed out that the game is more refinement than evolution and that the open world is full of the usual busywork associated with the genre, outlets have also praised the story, pacing, and improvements across the board to the established gameplay.

"There's quite a bit of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 that can be summed up as 'more of the same.' Granted, that's a good thing--both the original game and the Miles Morales-focused follow-up feature fantastic reimaginings of their respective Spider-Men, exhilarating web-swinging, and superb combat mechanics," Jordan Ramée wrote in GameSpot's Marvel's Spider-Man 2 review. "Who wouldn't just want more of that? And sure, more of what came before does mean that Spider-Man 2 retreads less successful ground, like the first game's buzz-killing science puzzles. However, the good far outweighs the bad, and a few new gameplay mechanics freshen up aspects of both traversal and combat. Altogether, it's a great game and one well worth seeing all the way through from its bombastic beginning to its emotional end."

On GameSpot's sister site Metacritic, Marvel's Spider-Man 2 currently has a metascore of 91 from 91 reviews, or "universal acclaim" from outlets that puts the game on par with several of 2023's biggest hits. For a quick look at what critics have to say, you can read through several reviews listed below. Marvel's Spider-Man 2 launches on October 20 for PS5. Be sure to also check out how to unlock all of the suits in Spider-Man 2.

• Game: Marvel's Spider-Man 2
• Platforms: PS5
• Developer: Insomniac Games
• Release Date: October 20
• Price: $70

GameSpot -- 8/10

"All in all, Marvel's Spider-Man 2 may largely give us more of what we've played in Insomniac's previous Spider-Man games, but that winning formula is still so damn fun that it really doesn't matter. The story's exploration of loneliness is fantastic, creating gripping new narratives for the two heroes, Peter and Miles, as well as the two main villains, Kraven and Venom. Spider-Man 2 unites all four characters in a riveting narrative throughline you'll want to see all the way through and has the gameplay hooks to keep you engaged the whole ride." -- Jordan Ramée [Full review]

IGN -- 8/10

"As a sequel in a spectacular series, Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is both blessed and cursed. Its story of two Spider-Men is a great time and a Spidey fan's dream to play through as comic book pages are brought to life, elegantly walking the tightrope between light humor and heavier themes. Meanwhile, Insomniac refines a successful formula of combat and web-swinging without revolutionizing either in major ways, making them comfy and familiar with just enough new tweaks and abilities to elevate them to fun new heights." -- Simon Cardy [Full review]

Game Informer -- 9.5/10

"Insomniac has nailed that rarest of video game development feats. The team has landed a trilogy of games that all stand strong on their own merits but unite into a sweeping saga made better by experiencing its entirety. While more Spider-Man games will inevitably expand this mythology in new directions, there's no need to wait. With Spider-Man 2, the developer has found what makes superhero stories worth telling--and retelling--and given its likable heroes the journey they deserve." -- Matt Miller [Full review]

VGC -- 5/5

"Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is an incredibly confident sequel and one of 2023's best games. Incredibly fun to play, fast-paced and full of heart, it takes the best of the Spider-Man lore, and the best of Insomniac's penchant for excellent gameplay sequences, and combines them for arguably the best Marvel game ever." -- Jordan Middler [Full review]

GamesRadar -- 5/5

"Marvel's Spider-Man 2 improves on its predecessor across the board, while saluting the superhero genre over the last 30 years as a whole. With a captivating narrative and unrivaled spectacle, it's the quintessential superhero game, in story and mechanical terms." -- Joe Donnelly [Full review]

VG247 -- 5/5

"Spider-Man 2 is exceptional. In your hands, it’s the best a superhero game has ever felt. On your eyes, it's a pure tour de force of what the PlayStation 5 can do. On your heart, it's heavy, enticing, exciting. The open world is a tonic, the characters are a riot, the villains are unbelievable in the best way. Suspend your disbelief in a neat little web above your head, dive in with your mask pulled tight over your face, and prepare yourself for the daftest, most earnest action game of 2023. It’s a 20-or-so hour hoot you're not going to be able to put down until the post-credits scene has rolled." -- Dom Pepiatt [Full review]

Forbes -- 8.5/10

"For fans of the first game, or Spider-Man, or action games in general, Spider-Man 2 is an easy recommendation. There are about five dozen teasers and Easter eggs by the end so I'm sure we’re in for more, whether that's another Miles-sized game or another sequel down the road. But for now, yes, this is all the Spider-action you need for a good long while." -- Paul Tassi [Full Review]

Gaming Bible -- 9/10

"This is an amazing fantasy come to life and realized like never before. Insomniac Games has crafted yet another heartfelt Spider-Man story bursting with twists, turns, and show-stopping spectacle. While I wish it had taken a few more risks in changing up its open-world formula, it's tricky to remember those criticisms when I’m diving from the top of the Empire State Building and firing out a web line at the last second as I swing away in search of ass to kick." -- Ewan Moore [Full review]