Marvel's Spider-Man 2 Gameplay Revealed at PlayStation Showcase 2023

Spidey fans rejoice! BIG news hit the PlayStation Showcase 2023 today as lucky viewers were treated to the first-ever gameplay of Marvel's Spider-Man 2. One of the most highly anticipated games of the year, the next installment in the original Marvel's Spider-Man franchise will arrive on PlayStation 5 in Fall 2023.

We caught up with Aaron Jason Espinoza, Senior Community Manager at Insomniac Games, who gave us a breakdown of the big gameplay reveal.

Read on for highlights from the new footage!

KRAVEN THE HUNTER

Back in 2021, Spider-Man fans went wild when they realized a classic villain was making his way to the scene—Kraven the Hunter!

"This version makes his debut appearance in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and he’s in search of an equal. That spells bad news for the inhabitants of Marvel’s New York including a rogue’s gallery of villains and the Spider-Men, Peter Parker and Miles Morales. Between the start of Kraven’s Great Hunt and an all-new Symbiote threat to Earth-1048, our heroes have their work cut out for them."

Things heat up quickly when Kraven’s Hunters, a new enemy faction, are in pursuit of Dr. Curt Connors, AKA The Lizard, and Peter needs to stop him. The story opens at Connors’ home across the East River in Queens, one of the all-new playable and explorable boroughs being introduced in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. 

SYMBIOTE SUIT

"We don’t waste any time: bursting through basement doors is Peter Parker, our original Spider-Man in this story, who needs no introduction. But what he’s wearing perhaps deserves one: he’s donning the highly coveted, iconic, and beloved Black Suit and he’s more than ready for a fight."

Beyond serving looks, our Symbiote-bound hero has some new tricks up his sleeve. We’re no stranger to Spider-Man knocking heads, but never like this: he’s much more aggressive and punches certainly aren’t being pulled. Symbiote tendrils aggrandize Spider-Man's silhouette, slamming foes against hard surfaces, dealing no mercy to Kraven’s Hunters.

Espinoza adds, "My advice: get cozy with the L1 button because you’re gonna love it."

The super-popular suit can strike fear in almost anyone who comes face-to-face with it, but Kraven isn’t just anyone and his highly trained Hunters aren’t afraid of a brawl. Fret not! New combat abilities can neutralize our new headstrong opponents with a little finesse. Strike back with aggressive parries to gain the upper-hand, or cast a web to shunt enemies between a hard place and a harder place. You can also activate a classic dodge to get out of danger—but don’t get too comfortable; some attacks can’t simply be dodged and will require a parry to properly evade them!  

"Our animators put the work in to deliver a much more impulsive Peter Parker, fitting for the symbiote bonded to his person, without sacrificing his combative finesse," Espinoza explains. "New takedowns humble even the most rugged enemies, and new combat animations push Spider-Man’s limits. I mean, did you see what Spider-Man did to this guy?"

"In Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, we’re putting respect on the Black Suit and giving it the story it deserves. In this installment, we’re really delving into Peter’s personal relationship with the Symbiote and how it affects those closest to him…"

MILES MORALES

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 features not one but TWO playable Spider-Heroes, as Miles Morales returns in the sequel and is a key player in the story. In this demo, Miles is in Harlem hot on Lizard’s tail. Speed is of the essence in more ways than one.

First, get a glimpse at the near-instant switching between both our playable Spider-Men. And if that wasn’t enough, traversal gets a significant speed boost in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2! Cue the Web Wings, which can be deployed by either Spider-Man to move about the city swiftly and urgently.

Use wind tunnels between skylines to move with haste and behold the capabilities of the PS5 console’s SSD as you soar above the concrete jungle, zipping past all manner of cars, buildings, and people (and pigeons). If you thought traversal in the first two games was exhilarating, just wait until you experience it firsthand in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. 

DIFFERENT COMBAT PLAYSTYLES

After a brief flight across town, Miles has tracked Connors inside the Harlem Fish Market. By the looks of it, Kraven’s hunters are making a move on him, so it’s time to clear them out.

In Marvel’s Spider-Man fashion, players can approach encounters with stealth or fists of fury, or both. Regardless of your approach, there are new gadgets and abilities that complement different playstyles. One of the most exciting new gadgets is the Web Line, a new way to sneak around the environment to get the drop on enemies. Cast a line over a couple of Hunters and watch as Spider-Man performs a dual takedown...a Marvel’s Spider-Man first! 

Like his mentor before him, Miles Morales also has some new abilities and gadgets at his disposal. On the gadget front, we see the Web Grabber, a new gadget that pulls enemies together to an isolated spot. This allows Miles to chain one of his new abilities, the Thunder Burst, unleashing an electrifying ground-pound against a group of foes. You also see a glimpse of the Chain Lightning ability, which has a shocking radius of effect on any nearby enemies.

Between Peter’s new Symbiote abilities and Miles’ newfound blue bioelectric powers, each Spider-Man has their own unique set of skills that can be upgraded via an all-new individual Skill Tree. Our heroes share technology and train together, too, so a shared Skill Tree offers parallel upgrades for both.  

IMMERSIVE LANDSCAPE

As Miles tracks Lizard through the Fish Market, the environments are sure to activate your Spidey senses: the world is richer, denser and packed with details from particles to improved textures. Lighting also gets an upgrade, casting more dramatic shadows and reflections along walls and pipes; meanwhile spatial 3D audio creates unique soundscapes all around you. Further, immersion gets an upgrade in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 with the signature use of the DualSense Wireless Controller, including a range of haptic feedback and spectacular use of the adaptive triggers. 

Whether you’re sneaking through interiors or exploring the city streets, Marvel’s New York is brought to life in ways only possible on PlayStation 5 console.  

Be Greater. Together.  

Working together, the Spider-Men must pursue Lizard and fight the Hunters who seek his capture. Unfortunately for them, Kraven is well-equipped: boats, aerial transports, and weapons are all-eyes on Lizard. The Great Hunt continues along the East River, one of the new areas you can traverse in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, and the action is tight: Miles dismantles vehicles in his wake while Peter Parker leads the chase from afar.  

You’ll seamlessly switch between both Spider-Men across a variety of story moments in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. Players can bask in the iconic team-ups elevated by signature set piece moments, and experience the story from the POV of each Spider-Man. 

TO BE CONTINUED...

"There’s no combination of words that can wholly convey how excited we are to finally show you Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 after all this time," beams Espinoza. "We’re excited to give you this first-ever glimpse at what we’ve been working on all these years, and we hope you’re as thrilled as we are."

Stay tuned for future updates on Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, including release dates, edition information and pre-orders.

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