Summary
Insomniac Games’Marvel’s Spider-Man 2got a lot of things right. Polished gameplay, true next-gen visuals, and a lively and engaging narrative are just some of the game’s strongest assets. It manages to successfully build on everything that the first game did so well while standing on its own two feet as a game with its own identity. While one of its more surprising qualities was the relatively modest length of the game’s main campaign, this arguably helps the narrative stay tight and impactful, ensuring it doesn’t outstay its welcome. In an industry becoming bogged down with games intent on content bloat, Insomniac should double down onMarvel’s Spider-Man 2’s approach in its upcomingWolverinegame, taking a quality-over-quantity approach.
Aside from numerous unceremonius leaks that began to surface several months ago off the back of acyber attack on Insomniac Games,Marvel’s Wolverinehas had precious little official information announced so far. The highly anticipated single-player action game does not yet have an official release date, but is still thought to be a ways off. Still, Insomniac has done a fantastic job building itsSpider-Manuniverse, and means the developer should be able to apply many of its learnings to the upcoming project. Fans will be hoping that they get a well-rounded game that tells a great story and gives them a fresh look at the veteran comic book hero, but it may be best if that game is on the shorter side.
17 hours
Approx. 30 hours
8 hours
Approx. 20 hours
15 hours
Approx. 26 hours
As video games have evolved over the past few decades, their size and scope have increased exponentially. With technical and graphical improvements have come bigger worlds, more complex mechanics, and most importantly, more content. Many video game developers seem to have directly linked value for money with volume of content, and while this can at times be true, it is not often the case. This can sometimes result inoverly bloated games which demand dozens of hoursof the players' time, in a world where time is probably the most precious commodity.
Over the years, games such as theAssassin’s Creedfranchise have been accused of being unnecessarily overloadedwith content just to pad out the game’s run time, and there’s no doubt that such tactics can severely impact the narrative’s effect on the player. Some gamers are beginning to tire of these huge time sinks, instead favoring shorter, more compact experiences, such as the recently releasedStellar Blade. Shift Up’s action-adventure game is by no means particularly short, but it doesn’t outstay its welcome and isn’t filled to the brim with filler content. Some content does exist for those that want to spend more time with the world, but those that don’t can simply continue with the main experience.
Marvel’s Wolverine Needs to Balance its Narrative With Gameplay
Insomniac has proved it knows how to handle the Marvel universe correctly, with each of itsSpider-Mantitles receiving varying degrees of critical acclaim. Taking into account all side activities, the two mainline games have clocked in around the 20-30 hour mark, but for those just looking to experience the story, this can be done for both titles in under 20 hours each. This feels like the sweet spot that balances value and quality of content. Each game has plenty of side activities for those who want to engage them, and importantly, none of this content feels forced. There’s no reason to believe Insomniac will deviate from this formula withMarvel’s Wolverine, nor should it. The variety in Wolverine’s gameplay is likely to be lesser than that of Spider-Man given the nature of his powers, so making sure that the game doesn’t overstay its welcome will be a must.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Spider-Men Peter Parker and Miles Morales face the ultimate test of strength inside and outside the mask as they fight to save the city, each other and the ones they love, from the monstrous Venom and the dangerous new symbiote threat.Explore an expansive Marvel’s New York with faster web-swinging and the all-new Web Wings, quickly switching between Peter and Miles to experience different stories, epic new abilities and high-tech gear.Wield Peter’s symbiote abilities and Miles’ explosive bio-electric powers in battle against new and iconic Marvel Super Villains – including an original take on a symbiote-infused Venom, the ruthless Kraven the Hunter, the volatile Lizard, and more from the Marvel Rogues’ Gallery.
