Marvel's Spider-Man 2

Insomniac Games

PlayStation 5Premium single purchase

Health Score

GOOD

Official Website Watch Gameplay

About This Game

Super Review

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 offers a polished, action-packed superhero adventure for PlayStation 5. Players web-swing through a vibrant NYC, engaging in satisfying combat and a compelling story featuring both Peter Parker and Miles Morales. While intense moments with the Venom symbiote and open-world design can encourage long play, it's a strong narrative experience for fans, best with some screen time limits.

Super Review

Parent verdict

This sequel is a good fit for superhero fans, particularly those who enjoyed the previous Spider-Man games and are ready for a more intense narrative. The 'Good' health score of 61 reflects its high production values and engaging story, balanced against moments of dark themes and combat intensity. Parents should be aware of the mature storyline elements and the potential for extended play sessions in its expansive open world.

What players actually do

Players web-swing and glide across a large, detailed city, mastering acrobatic traversal and exploration.
Players engage in fast-paced, fluid combat using a variety of gadgets, punches, kicks, and special superhero abilities to defeat various enemy types.
Players follow a compelling story, completing main missions and side quests that involve dialogue, puzzle-solving, and confronting villains like Venom.

Where it shines

The game excels in its exhilarating traversal mechanics, making web-swinging across New York City feel incredibly fluid and satisfying.
It delivers a strong, character-driven story that thoughtfully explores themes of responsibility, friendship, and managing anger through the lens of two iconic heroes.
Combat is highly polished and enjoyable, offering players diverse abilities and strategies for engaging multiple enemies.

Parent watch-outs

Some story sequences feature intense, dark moments involving the monstrous Venom symbiote, which can be frightening for younger or more sensitive players.
The open-world design and wealth of activities can easily encourage prolonged play sessions, making it difficult for players to stop.
Occasional mild language and blood splatter during combat are present, consistent with its Teen rating.

Family rules worth setting

Set clear time limits for play sessions before starting the game, as the open world encourages extended engagement.
Discuss the game's more intense and darker story elements with players, especially those involving the symbiote and themes of anger.

Talk about this

How do Peter and Miles handle the immense responsibility of being Spider-Man, and what does that teach us about our own responsibilities?
The game explores how anger can affect characters like Peter Parker. How do the characters cope with strong emotions, and what lessons can we learn about managing our own anger?

Play style

This is a single-player, narrative-driven action-adventure game that blends structured story missions with an expansive open world. Sessions can be as short as completing a single side activity or as long as a full story chapter. Difficulty is adjustable, allowing players to tailor the combat challenge. Players will not need help with core gameplay, but navigation through the city's numerous objectives can encourage longer sessions.

Score Breakdown

Positive Aspects

Educational Value

3/5

Creativity

3/5

Pro-Social

2/5

Risk Factors

Addictive Monetization

1/5

Time Pressure / FOMO

2/5

Social Risk

1/5

Content Intensity

3/5

Why this rating

Educational Value

3/5

While not directly educational, the game subtly explores themes of responsibility, friendship, and dealing with intense emotions through its narrative. These elements provide opportunities for discussion and reflection on character choices.

Addictive Monetization

1/5

As a premium single-purchase title, the primary business model is straightforward. The 'In-Game Purchases (DLC)' mentioned by ESRB refers to additional content packs, not exploitative or 'addictive' monetization mechanics within the core game, warranting a low risk score.

Content Intensity

3/5

The game features frequent superhero violence, including impactful combat and occasional blood. More significantly, the story includes dark and intense sequences involving the menacing Venom symbiote, which can be visually frightening and emotionally disturbing, justifying this moderate risk score.