Videogame Review: ‘Marvel’s Spider-Man 2’

Back when Stan Lee created him in 1962, everybody’s favorite web-slinger was one of the first superheroes to whom adolescents could relate. More than six decades later, that theme continues to be highlighted in “Marvel’s Spider-Man 2” (Sony Interactive Entertainment).

With its generally restrained combat and dialogue that only sporadically lapses into vulgarity, this addition to the wall-crawler’s saga is acceptable for teens. This is not, however, a suitable Spidey outing for younger kids.

Extending a series that kicked off in 2018, the game teams the respective protagonists of the two titles that preceded it, Spider-Man alter egos Peter Parker (voice of Yuri Lowenthal) and Miles Morales (voice of Nadji Jeter). They combine to go up against Kraven the Hunter (voice of Jim Pirri), a villain who preys on those endowed with superpowers as well as ordinary people.

The duo is aided by an ensemble of familiar franchise characters. These include Peter’s girlfriend, Mary Jane Watson (voice of Laura Bailey), Miles’ best friend, Ganke Lee (voice of Griffin Puatu), and Aaron Davis, the former Prowler (voice of Ike Amadi).

The narrative is exceptionally well-done and features both moral subtlety and the Gospel-congruent belief that conversion is always possible and redemption always within reach. Graphics are equally impressive with the thrill of swinging through New York City high above ground level effectively conveyed via the central pair’s fluid motions.

Additionally, gameplay showcases an array of ethnically and otherwise diverse characters, including those with disabilities. In fact, Miles and other characters are shown conversing in American Sign Language, an unusual sight in a video game.

While the frequent mayhem inherent in the story is occasionally bloody, it’s never excessively explicit. There is a cutscene depicting a dead body and another showing someone being choked to death. But the protagonists prefer to employ nonlethal means in their effort to protect the innocent.

Playable on PlayStation 5.

The game contains mostly stylized violence with some blood effects, at least one use each of crude and crass language and a narcotics theme. The OSV News classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. The Entertainment Software Rating Board rating is T — Teen.

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