Despite both games starring characters from the same comic book universe,Marvel’s AvengersandMarvel’s Spider-Mancould not be any more different. While Crystal Dynamics’ game is a co-op RPG and a games-as-a-service title, Insomniac’s Marvel project is a story-focused open world game centered on a single hero. However, despite these differences in style and genre, a fresh take on Spider-Man is set to join theMarvel’s Avengersuniverse in the near future.
With Spider-Man supposedly coming to the game sooner rather than later, as he comes directly after Hawkeye in the leakedDLC roster’s release schedule, Insomniac may want to take notes on how the character is received. While the studio has mastered Spider-Man’s gameplay and nailed many of his characters, there is always room to improve. Likewise, theMarvel’s Avengers’ Spider-Man expansion may show Insomniac some things to steer clear from with their next game centered on the hero. While the Spider-Man expansion will be important for winning players back toMarvel’s Avengers, it could prove to be an equally important learning experience for Insomniac.
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Avoiding Potential Criticisms
There is no denying thatMarvel’s Avengershas problems, and one of the biggest issues is a lack of enemy variety. Both in terms of boss battles and regular enemies, players have been taking on Hulk clones or AIM bots for six months now. While it is possible thatthe Spider-Man expansionrectifies this, allowing Peter to take on civilians corrupted by the villain Carnage or enemies like the Spider-Slayers, it seems more likely that more AIM bots will be fought. If this happens, it could serve as a reminder that enemy variety is crucial to the success of the next Spider-Man game. While Insomniac has done well in this area so far, continuing to do so will be important.
Likewise, seeing anotherdisappointingMarvel’s Avengersbossencounter could push Insomniac to refine its own bosses. While the firstMarvel’s Spider-Mangame features solid clashes with well-known villains, andSpider-Man: Miles Moraleshas the same, one minor nitpick from most gamers was that they were too easy. This has been seen with the bosses inMarvel’s Avengers, too. While a few do have some unique attacks and abilities in their arsenals, they are easy to take down, with players only to have the necessary patience to take down their beefed-up health bars. Further, the lack of boss fights inMarvel’s Avengers(and likely the Spider-Man DLC as well) should motivate Insomniac to include plenty in the sequel.
WhileMarvel’s Avengerscould surprise with the villain and enemies of its Spider-Man DLC, one area it seems destined to fail in is its traversal. After all, the game’s Warzone missions are not designed with buildings for Spidey to attach his webs too, something that will likely lead to the immersion-breaking sight of Peter shooting his webs into the sky. Further, with all heroes kept at a slow speed, swinging from place to place will likely feel slow, something that should never happenwhen controlling Spider-Man. With Insomniac pretty much nailing the friendly neighborhood hero’s traversal mechanics already, hopefully it keeps this going in the sequel.
The final criticism that will likely become prevalent afterMarvel’s Avengers’ Spider-Man expansion arrives is XP-related. The controversial XP nerf has been explained by Crystal Dynamics, though the decision could only grow more unpopular while players progress through the levels on their way to maxing out the webslinger. With this in mind, Insomniac should ensure that the leveling system is quick, fair, and fully satisfying in the follow-up toMarvel’s Spider-Man. While theheroes inMarvel’s Avengersare fun to play, and their skills are fun to use, making them slower to obtain could have a negative impact on player enjoyment — something that Insomniac will want to avoid in its own system.
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Taking Note Of Potential Positives
While there is no shortage of criticism to be leveled in the direction of the game,Marvel’s Avengersdoes a lot well, too. What the game gets right could be shown clearly in the Spider-Man DLC, with Insomniac pulling from the positive reception to the content as well as the negative. Some special skins could go over incredibly well with fans, whether it bethe Ben Reilly suitor the brand-new white costume from Spider-Man’s current comic book run. The Symbiote suit could appear as well, giving Insomniac yet another reason to include it in the sequel.
Apart from alternate outfit ideas, though, the content could give Insomniac some ideas for fresh content inMarvel’s Spider-Man 2. For example, seeing Peter Parker beat downenemies inside HARM roomscould inspire a wave-based survival mode in the next Insomniac game, allowing players to practice their combos endlessly. Further, a cool skill for Crystal Dynamics’ Spider-Man could inspire a fresh mechanic in Insomniac’s next game. Whether it be a special piece of gear, different type of webbing, or a clever use of Spider Sense, there will likely be something cool about the way this new Peter plays — and Insomniac should add the tool to their Spidey’s arsenal, too.
Next,Marvel’s Avengers’ Operationfor Spider-Man could inspire a side mission or villain addition for the sequel. Perhaps Kraven someone like Kraven The Hunter is used brilliantly in the DLC, earning him a role in the next Spidey game due to how much fans loved him inMarvel’s Avengers. On top of that, this story could make great use of a character like J. Jonah Jameson, which could lead to Insomniac giving him a part to play inMarvel’s Spider-Man 2that sees him placed in the foreground rather than the background. One thing that Crystal Dynamics does very well inMarvel’s Avengersis storytelling, with strong voice acting making the characters stand out even more. As such, it is not out of the realm of possibility that this Spider-Man narrative influences a piece ofMarvel’s Spider-Man 2.
Finally, and most importantly,Marvel’s Avengerscan remind Insomniac of the strengths that come with superheroes interacting. After all, the bond between Kamala Khan and Bruce Banner was integral to makingMarvel’s Avengers’ story modework as well as it did. Peter Parker interacting with characters like Captain America and Iron Man, just like he does in the books andMCU, could prove to be the best part of his DLC. Whether it is conversations in elevators or banter during a fight, Spidey teaming up with other characters is all-but-guaranteed to put a smile on the face of fans. As such, a positive response could push Insomniac to have its version of Peter truly interact with the larger Marvel universe. While all the nods to characters like Doctor Strange, Black Panther, and Daredevil are fun, they could eventually become so much more.
WhileMarvel’s Spider-Man 2is already set up for success, Insomniac learning from its peers can only help to make it even better. With the sequel seeminglystill early in development, too, there is plenty of time to make changes, andMarvel’s Avengerscould serve as a prime example of what changes to make.
Marvel’s Avengersis available now on PC, PS4, Stadia, and Xbox One, with PS5 and Xbox Series X upgrades coming March 18.
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