Hopes are high for the nextMarvel’s Spider-Mantitle after the resounding success ofMarvel’s Spider-Man 2—a game that, while not reinventing the formula established by its two predecessors, adds to it in meaningful and exciting ways. But as beloved as theMarvel’s Spider-Mangames have been, they certainly still leave some room for improvement and evolution. Shaking things up with unexpected and exciting inclusions from the comics is one path forward.
TheMarvel’s Spider-Mangames aren’t necessarily dark, but they also arguably lack some of the absurdity and humor that is so important to their source material. Indeed, more than most other superheroes, Spider-Man features in stories that could almost be considered comedies, with the wall-crawler himself being fundamentally wry and witty. Wisecracks and quips are common staples of his various encounters.Insomniac’sSpider-Mangames take steps in this comedic direction, but the tone of their stories is much more wholesome and dramatic in nature. With three games covering fairly serious and sober topics,Marvel’s Spider-Man 3could stand to borrow some of the more ridiculous aspects of its mythology.
A Stilt-Man Setpiece Would Be a Welcome Addition to Marvel’s Spider-Man 3
Marvel’s Spider-Man 3 Would Benefit from an Injection of Levity
Marvel’s Spider-Manhas showcased a lot of villains, including series icons like Doctor Octopus, Venom, and Kingpin. But again, these have all been presented as fairly serious and no-nonsense threats. The only true ‘joke villain’ that the series has featured is Screwball, but even she is relegated to a series of side missions, with very little screentime or opportunity to make an impact.
Spider-Manmedia is everywhere these days; from the still-ongoing comic releases to box office hits like theSpider-Verseand MCU films, the web-slinger has arguably never been more popular.Insomniac’sSpider-Mangames carry a lot of cultural relevance, even asSpider-Manadaptations threaten to become an oversaturated market, but the comedic relief and charm of the games isn’t quite on-par with its movie and TV counterparts. Something likeAcross the Spider-Versemanages to get a lot of mileage out of D-list villains like The Spot, so perhapsMarvel’s Spider-Man 3could learn from this approach with a character like Stilt-Man, using him as both a cheeky in-joke for comic fans and for a bit of schadenfreude or subversion.
Across the Spider-Verseends up making The Spot into a bigger threat than expected, so perhapsMarvel’s Spider-Man 3could go a similar route with Stilt-Man or another ridiculous villain.
There’s Already a Perfect Spot for Stilt-Man In Spider-Man 3
Insomniac’sSpider-Mangames have great intros, which serve as effective combat and traversal tutorials, expository segments, and bombastic setpieces simultaneously.Miles MoralesandSpider-Man 3both manage to integrate great web-swinging and spectacle into their intros due to the nature of the villains they feature: Rhino and Sandman are both uniquely suited for large-scale destruction, justifying high-octane action and movement, which synergizes with the aforementioned goals of these introductory fights. Stilt-Man would be perfect for this treatment, with his eponymous stilts allowing him to tower over the city and wreak destruction from above.Spider-Man 3could even channel a bit ofShadow of the Colossus, with players climbing up Stilt-Man as part of the fight.
Overall, a Stilt-Man intro would be exciting and novel in terms of both gameplay and narrative, with just enough absurdity to keep things light and entertaining from the outset, before the story inevitably gets darker. Like the introductory villains of the previous three games, Stilt-Man wouldn’t be themain antagonist ofSpider-Man 3, just the star of a thrilling, high-speed action setpiece and a breath of fresh air for a series that is at its best when exploring outlandish concepts.
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.
