Marvel's Spider-Man (video game)

Did You Know?

• The game's music was composed by John Paesano, who worked on the project for over two years and aimed to make the score its own character.
• The game features an optional fast travel system that uses the New York City Subway system.
• Customers who pre-ordered the game received instant access to alternative costumes including Spider-Punk, Iron Spider, and the Velocity Suit designed by comic book artist Adi Granov.

Synopsis

Marvel's Spider-Man features a large ensemble cast drawn from the history of Spider-Man comics. Peter Parker, a 23-year-old research assistant, gained superhuman abilities after being bitten by a genetically modified spider and has operated as Spider-Man for eight years. He struggles to balance his superhero and personal lives, assisted by Daily Bugle reporter Mary Jane Watson and NYPD captain Yuri Watanabe. In civilian life, Peter is supported by his Aunt May, who volunteers at the F.E.A.S.T. homeless shelter run by philanthropist Martin Li, and is employed by scientist Dr. Otto Octavius. The story involves Spider-Man confronting the superhuman crime lord Mister Negative, who orchestrates a plot to seize control of New York City's criminal underworld and threatens to release a deadly virus. Spider-Man's mission brings him into conflict with several supervillains, including Wilson Fisk, the Inner Demons, Electro, Rhino, Scorpion, Vulture, Shocker, Taskmaster, Screwball, and Tombstone. Other characters include Miles Morales and his parents, Mayor Norman Osborn, Silver Sable, and Harry Osborn. Spider-Man co-creator Stan Lee appears in a cameo role as a short-order cook.

Development

Development of Marvel's Spider-Man began in 2014 and took approximately four years. It was the first licensed game by Insomniac in its then-22-year history. The project came about after Sony Interactive Entertainment's Vice President of Product Development Connie Booth visited Insomniac and discussed the idea of working on a game based on a Marvel Comics property. Marvel allowed Insomniac to choose any character to tell an original story; the team chose Spider-Man for his appeal to employees and the similarities in traversal gameplay to their previous game Sunset Overdrive. Creative director Bryan Intihar said Spider-Man was the most relatable hero because Peter Parker makes mistakes and has ups and downs in his career, relationships, and family. Art director Jacinda Chew saw opportunity in the character's extensive history and consulted online references and Marvel staff. The game design took inspiration from the history of Spider-Man across all media, and Insomniac created a unique universe known as Earth-1048 that has since appeared in novels, merchandise, and comics.

Marketing

The game was promoted through various media. A 90-second advertisement titled "Be Greater" aired during the 2018 NFL Kickoff Game, reaching approximately 19.5 million viewers; PlayStation marketing head Eric Lempel said it was among the most expensive advertisements the company had ever run. Videos narrated by characters including J. Jonah Jameson were released, and artist Alex Ross painted a custom cover for an issue of Game Informer. In New York City, a subway train was fully converted with Spider-Man marketing materials. Shortly before release, some fans criticized marketing images showing a smaller puddle of water in a later build; Insomniac community director James Stevenson confirmed there was no visual downgrade, and the company later parodied the criticism by offering cartoon puddle stickers for use in the game's photo mode. Titan Books published two tie-in books: Marvel's Spider-Man: Hostile Takeover, written by David Liss and released on August 21, 2018, and Marvel's Spider-Man: The Art of the Game, written by Paul Davies.

Reception

Marvel's Spider-Man received generally favorable reviews according to review aggregator Metacritic. Critics praised its gameplay, graphics, narrative, and characterization, but criticized its familiar open-world tropes and lack of innovation. It was called one of the greatest superhero games ever made. The web-swinging traversal received unanimous acclaim; reviewers said it conveyed speed and movement effectively. Combat was praised for its speed and fluidity, with a range of gadgetry and environmental options. Some critics compared the movement system to the Batman: Arkham series, while others said the extent of gadgets made it unique. Stealth scenarios were described as highlighting Spider-Man's talents, though some found the stealth options shallow but rarely mandatory. The game was criticized for its auto-lock system making it difficult to hit intended targets in larger enemy groups. Overall, it was considered to have raised the bar for Spider-Man games.