Life has been hard for most people lately. The Xbox layoffs and Microsoft’s focus on AI are too relatable, as companies aggressively replace hard-working people with machines. It’s enough to drive most sane people mad, as we wonder if there’s a way to fight this madness or just live on in misery.
When things get a bit too hard for me, I’ve discovered that playing Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on my Steam Deck is a good way to relax and have fun. This was a birthday gift from a friend after the region locks on certain PlayStation games were lifted, so being able to play it on Valve’s PC handheld has been a stress-reliever.
If any difficult situations arise for me in life, there’s nothing quite like turning the Deck on and web-swinging as Marvel’s iconic superhero. Swinging was usually enough for this writer, especially after completing the first game a ton, but the added web wing gliding has been a revelation. Combining swinging and gliding to explore New York has been a ton of fun, especially when it leads to crimes against small-time thugs or Kraven’s hunters.
Beyond the amazing traversal options, the combat in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 has also seen a nice upgrade. Keeping that same excellent Batman Arkham combat, Insomniac managed to add to that system with plenty of small tweaks. Using Miles’ electric abilities or Peter’s spider legs has led to satisfying combos. It’s also good to see both Spider-Men have basic yanks that can pull most enemies, making them feel a bit more powerful than they were in their solo games.
The combat and traversal in this game are so good that I’ve managed to reach Level 50 a lot earlier than I should have. I’m actually not that far into the story yet, as Peter just got the black suit, but that’s because this title’s general gameplay is just so fun. Just being able to swing, glide, and punch thugs has been a fairly relaxing loop that I’ve yet to tire of.
Of course, I’m not going to call Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 a perfect game. It feels like the story is constantly trying to be epic, which makes each escalating situation feel ridiculous, sometimes. The various set-pieces always feel like this game is trying too hard, especially compared to the natural scale Insomniac’s first game had with its story.
Still, the gameplay has gotten me through an existential crisis or two. As the world becomes a harder place to live and be kind within, doing good as these Marvel heroes can put a smile on my face. I’m not even mentioning those tearjerking side quests, which are just too good to spoil here.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 has a special place in my heart right now. I’ll probably replay the first game after beating this, just to get more of that Spidey feeling.
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