The trick to being a hero is to think of it as being a parent. You’re responsible for every person in the region (in this case the city) you are looking after. Taking care of, and nurturing a city filled with civilians who, some of them are peaceful, and some are just unpredictable. It’s Spider-Man's job to take care of, parent, and nurture the place they are protecting. Insomniac making a second Spider-Man in the first game and having the stories flow so effortlessly into each game created powerful storytelling and captivating dynamics between Miles and Peter.
La familia lo es todo:
Family and a sense of belonging are the very things Miles fights for the entirety of the game. While Peter Parker is on vacation, Miles steps up to the plate being THE Spider-man. The story picks up right where the first Spider-Man game left off, even giving nods to the enemies that were fought and pieces of the storyline so the player doesn’t feel lost. The interaction with the characters, especially Phin and Miles was so organically done, that’s how you know that Insomniac has amazing narrative designers. Casual and impactful dialogue isn’t easy to do, and I feel as if it was done so effortlessly.
The relationship and familial companionship Miles and his mother had was raw, it was significant, and it was relatable. No, I don’t think anyone can relate to getting bit by a spider and turning into a superhero, but the bond between Miles and his mother reminded me of the bond I have with my family. The strength and weight of having a close bond with your family carries meaning and value and that was something which was beautifully captured. Even the friendship connection, and the connection Miles had with his uncle, however sorted it may be. It was still powerful and gave the whole game humanity. Instead of just being Spider-Man saving people, and fighting crime, we see a life brought into the character that was wonderfully articulated in the first game, and now the DLC.
The hero you were meant to be:
Throughout my time with this game, the traversal is something that will always bring a smile to my face. If seven-year-old me saw that this was in a game, I would be bouncing off the walls in excitement. Going through Manhattan, Harlem more specifically was a joyride and while yes you can fast travel with the subway system, I much prefer flying around the city. Spider-Man being my favorite superhero, I got a kick out of how Toby Maguire’s Spider-Man made such a huge impact on the current culture and the way each Spiderman is tackled. From the narrative design bringing witty dialogue into really heavy moments, or how Miles, much like Peter will make the offhand comments when enemies talk to him. The dialogue and how each Spider-Man is approached is on a human level, so we can associate with it realistically.
Even the photo mode was a place where I spent most of my time and loved snapping pictures mid-fight to see what I could catch. Since this game came out on the PS4 first, there is currently a free PS5 upgrade available, and this title is also available on PC. The graphics, the controls everything held up well and played without any graphical glitches, or issues with maneuvering through the world. It played very smoothly, and would recommend getting the PS5 upgrade (if that’s what you’re playing on) just so everything is up to date. But even if you don’t have the update, the game still runs like a dream.
“You’ve got the costume. You’ve got the power. You’re Spider-man. Act like it”
Miles Morales IS Spiderman. Just the way into every generation a Slayer is born, there is a new Spider-Man to take care of things. One day Peter won’t be around, same with Miles. There will always be a new Spider-Man to grace the story and concept that brings this hero to life. This game was so much fun to play, from traversing around the city to fighting hoards of enemies, to the heartfelt story that captured my mind. While this game was short, finishing it at around eighteen hours, it felt perfect in its length since it was a DLC to continue the story of Miles and his becoming Spider-Man. Some would say it's too short of a game, but I disagree. I feel as if a game doesn’t have to be long to be good. It can be short and have an impactful message with a lot embedded within it. There’s so much to do, so many side quests, and an adorable Spider-Man kitty to pet. So trust me, you will be kept busy for a while making sure the streets of Manhattan are safe for all.
Comments