Summary
As hacked information from the recent Insomniac Games ransomware attack implies, the studio’s success withMarvel’s Spider-Manhas turned it into Sony’s go-to Marvel game developer. Most of Insomniac’s upcoming games involveSpider-Manor theX-Men, so it’s fortunate that it has proven capable of doing these major Marvel IPs justice. The next announced title isMarvel’s Wolverine, but it could be beaten to market by a smaller leaked game tentatively known asVenom: Lethal Protector. Given the character’s popularity, a soloVenomgame makes a lot of sense, especially if it bridges the gap toMarvel’s Spider-Man 3likeMiles Moralesdid forSpider-Man 2.
Details onVenom: Lethal Protectorare scarce, which is for the best, but give a good idea of what the game will be. After being seemingly dealt with by the end ofMarvel’s Spider-Man 2, Venom returns to New York City, but this time is fighting to save it from Carnage’s Symbiote invasion instead of leading his own. Considering the stable ofSymbiote powers built up inMarvel’s Spider-Man 2, Venom should be a good fit for a larger playable role — even though his solo outing may not entirely be his own.
Venom’s Game Could Still Have A Lot of Spider-Man In It
The other main detail from theVenom: Lethal Protectorleak is that Peter and Miles will both return as playable characters. It makes sense that these two are around, especially if New York is threatened again, but aVenomtitle could get cluttered with that many heroes.Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Moraleswas noteworthy for featuring Miles as the only playable character. After Miles andMary Jane’s controversial segments inSpider-Man 1, this was enough of a selling point that the game’s creative director, Brian Horton, confirmed it shortly beforeMiles Morales' launch. But now, it seems Venom won’t be extended that level of independence.
Advantages of Venom: Lethal Protector Having Three Protagonists
This isn’t necessarily bad forLethal Protector, as the character-switching system inSpider-Man 2was unobtrusive and resulted in lots of fun character moments for both Spider-Men. It also givesLethal Protector’s gameplay something to fall back on when Venom isn’t available for story reasons. How the Symbiote will return and to whom is unclear, so Peter and Miles could steer the game’s opening before Venom is playable. Finally, keeping this arrangement could demotriple-character switching forMarvel’sSpider-Man 3, which was implied to include Silk. There are advantages to keeping Miles and Peter around, even if the game’s title clearly states the spotlight should belong to Venom.
A Shorter Venom Game Can’t Waste Time On Other Characters
Of course, the disadvantage of having the Spider-Men around is thatLethal Protectorhas less time for Venom. Even within the popularSpider-ManIP, Venom is an especially beloved character and a game named after him needs to do him justice. If Peter and Miles get too much screen time, then it will feel likeMarvel’s Spider-Man 2again, even withCarnage, or another villain, replacing Venom as the antagonist.Lethal Protectorcan’t repeatUltimate Spider-Man’s mistake of only letting Venom into the open world in its post-game, despite dividing missions between him and Peter.
How To Keep Venom In Lethal Protector’s Main Role
The best way to avoid Peter and Miles stealing the show is to maintain control of Venom for as long as possible. Exploring the open world as the Symbiote anti-hero will definitely be a part of this, and should feel distinct considering Venom’s powers and poor public image. There could also be stretches where Venom cannot switch to other characters, as even a nicer Venom can’t tolerate Peter Parker forever. If Peter and Miles’ playable time is short, potentially asbrief as Venom’s was inMarvel’s Spider-Man 2, thenVenom: Lethal Protectorshould earn its name.
