Do you remember where you were during Sony’s 2016 E3 presentation? If you are reading this article, you were likely right in front of your computer, smartphone, or television waiting to see greatness. Maybe you heard the rumors, or perhaps you were surprised. Either way, you likely lost it when Spidey himself was announced to have his own title. It has been four years since the abysmal The Amazing Spider-Man 2, and fourteen years since Spider-Man 2, a game many consider to be one of the best games involving the fan favorite Marvel hero. For the last two years, gamers and fans alike have been hoping that Spider-Man PS4 will finally redeem the gaming world that involves Mr. Peter Parker.
Unfortunately, it looks like this might not be the case. While the graphics —depending on whom you ask—are decent, and the game allows gamers to glide through the air, there are still some issues Insomniac Games did not iron out before the game’s recent release. This is the game studio’s first licensed game that they will have a hand in developing, the story is not connected to any previous Spider-Man material, and there is still controversy regarding a supposed graphics downgrade. Should you be worried? Maybe. So, what do fans need to watch out for if they are going to enter New York City as the famed web-slinger in Spider-Man PS4? Check out this list of the worst things about Marvel’s new journey into the gaming world.
25 It’s Too Short (And Repetitive)
Another reviewer commented on the fact that they have been playing the game for four hours and still had not tapped into a lot of Spider-Man’s Rogue Gallery. Spider-Man is a long game, but is the length justified? Other Spider-Man games have been picked on because of their repetitive nature involving combat and side missions.
The game can clock in at around 15 hours.
The longer the game is, the more likely it will show to be repetitive. There are scenes where you play as Peter Parker and Mary Jane. If the game is too long for you, you may wonder if these Non-Spider-Man scenes are warranted.
24 The DLC Marketing…ALREADY?
Before Spider-Man PS4 even hit the shelves, a trailer for the upcoming DLC entitled “City That Never Sleeps,” was released. While a lot of the response was favorable, many were confused as to why Sony, Insomniac, and Marvel would release a trailer for a DLC before the main storyline of the game was even available for gamers to play. There is no context, and it looks as if Sony is trying to push players into purchasing the Spider-Man PS4 deluxe edition that includes the DLC when it releases in October. It feels a little like overkill, and it even may make some think the game itself is not enough to hold gamer’s attention.
23 Graphics Downgrade?
The amount of graphics comparison videos on YouTube would make your head spin. Most show how the game currently looks with a split screen of earlier playable footage. Many gamers have felt that the graphics between E3 2016 and E3 2017 (where they seem to have currently stayed for the final game) have been downgraded. While the changes are not obvious, some could argue that the resolution was much sharper on earlier versions of the game. It looks like that PlayStation 4 Pro may come in handy after all.
22 The PS4 Pro Version Looks Better (And That’s Just Expensive)
Well since the previous entry broached the topic of the PlayStation Pro 4, let’s dig a little deeper. Spider-Man PS4 has also been released as a PS4 Pro bundle. Some have made a graphics comparison of the game to reveal that the Pro version has a much clearer and pristine look than that of the regular PS4.
Just another reason to get that bank account in order.
If gamers want to enjoy the look of the game and feel the “graphics downgrade” is too much to ignore, they may have to spring for the more expensive Pro.
21 Some Of The Acting Is Way Too Cheesy
Video game performances have gotten a lot better over the years, but there are still some that leave more to be desired. A Redditor noticed that some of the voice acting is a bit cheesy and uninspired, especially among the villain Electro. We get it! Comic books have always been known to be a bit gimmicky, and Spider-Man has always played with this style and tone. However, considering how much the game is delving into “criminal mastermind territory,” you would think the voice acting would be a bit more compelling.
20 Wrong Combat Style — Spider-Man Is NOT Batman…
An interesting part about this game that one Redditor pointed out is that Spider-Man does indeed look like he is taking a page out of the hard combat of Batman. Many feel that Spider-Man should have more of a free-flowing acrobatic style of fighting instead of the hard-nosed punch-and-go style of Batman.
Peter Parker has always been muscular, but he looks like he has been training with Rocky in this one.
He is smaller in stature and known for creatively using the environment around him. Not only does this make Spider-Man PS4 look like an Arkham-clone, but it also takes away the realism of the game.
19 Useless Spider-Man Suits
Hey, we know that gaming studios have to fill out the arsenal, but are all of them necessary? Going back to that IGN review, it is noted that Spider-Man PS4 includes a variety of Spider-Man suits that have various powers. However, the reviewer pointed out that the ability to fill out the focus meter and restore health was all they needed to get throughout the game.
Such a fine line between efficiency and waste.
The environment did not call for the use of the others. How challenging is this game if only the first two powers were necessary to use?
18 The Side Challenges Are A Mixed Bag
While some challenging side missions will have you sitting up in anticipation, it seems the majority are a bit dull and lack creativity or imagination. Some include finding backpacks or landmarks around the city, while others require you to take out enemy outposts. Both are repetitive and feel uninspired. Because of their nature, superhero games can struggle with providing engaging side quests that keep you hooked beyond the main story, and it looks as if this outing is no different.
17 Does Mary Jane Look Right?
During the first showing of the game at E3 2017, Mary Jane was revealed to be a playable character. Recent showings of the character have riled some feathers as debates have sprung between fans of whether Insomniac Games worsened her looks from the E3 to the final game. The eye is sharp on female characters and the desire for them to “look a certain way.” Instead of focusing on the game itself, and Mary Jane’s storyline, the dialogue has been about her looks. Mary Jane’s role in the game is what should be discussed, not her looks.
16 First Time Jitters
Hey, there is nothing wrong with a studio taking on one of the biggest games they have likely ever put together. Insomniac Games has a history of producing Ratchet and Clank Interactions, Spyro games, and Sunset Overdrive. However, according to an article by Digital Trends, this is the most massive open world game this developer has created.
You can already see what they need to improve in the sequel…
Can they pull it off? Some are sighting their experience with Sunset Overdrive as evidence that they are capable, but Spider-Man lacks in the boss battle, combat, and pacing arenas. Some of this could be due to Insomniac’s lack of experience with a game this big.
15 Missing The Edginess?
Before release, the developers confirmed that you could not take the life of any villains in the game. This includes throwing a person off of a building. The developers stated that they nor Marvel would allow this, and do not want to take Spider-Man to a darker place. This has remained true upon release of the game. However, the game could have set itself apart by occasionally bucking up against “tradition.”
We are not saying go full Deadpool…but maybe 25 percent Deadpool
There are times in the comic books where Spider-Man intentionally or mistakenly destroys someone. andThat might have served them well to play with this here and add more of uniqueness to the story.
14 A Bad First Impression
If you are going to make a first impression in a game, make sure you come out swinging. Some have commented on the lackluster first boss you face in the game. One Redditor said that the first enemy stands in the middle of a platform and throws basic attacks at you. Some have accounts of players demoing this part of the game and speedrunning it. This could go in line with the villain difficult vagueness expressed in an earlier entry. The challenge might not really be there.
13 Is This A Date-Night Movie Or A Marvel Game?
So, realism in games is not a bad thing. It is welcomed. However, do we want to be privy to Peter Parker and Mary Jane’s relationship woes? Spider-Man PS4 could easily be as much a rom-com as it is an actual action superhero game.
We could see it now, “A Web of Love: Sleepless in New York.”
A review pointed out that we are shown Peter Parker’s apprehension when it comes to how Mary Jane interprets his text messages, and the couple routinely discusses their future together. Is this a date-night movie or a Marvel production?
12 Nothing Is Fun About Repetition
No one can deny that one of the most fun things about playing any superhero is fighting the bad guys. Having to use your hero’s skills with your brainpower to take out bosses is what makes the experience feel real. However, a recent review by IGN revealed this is likely not going to happen by playing Spider-Man PS4. Most of the fights are repetitive, lack imagination, and are front and backloaded into the game. So, much of the middle is devoid of any real action, a real bummer.
11 Spidey Is A Little Stiff
What is the most annoying thing in the world? Playing a game, and not having an authentic experience due to in-game glitches and stiff animation. Due to lackluster animation design, many of the automatic animations that are activated are incredibly sloppy and stiff.
Maybe The Wasp and Ant-Man made an appearance, but accidentally got caught in the web.
For example, some have noticed that during Spider-Man’s speed dive, his motions are mechanical as if the system is trying to think of which pre-animated moves to use in the animation and are not keeping up with the play. In some animations, the string does not even look as if it is attached to the wall.
10 So, How Do Enemy Threat Levels Work Again?
Earlier this month, a developer on Spider-Man PS4 was questioned by a Redditor concerning how enemy skill will progress over the game. They asked if enemies will scale to the level of the player. The developer responded that they will not, but that the threats from the enemies will grow throughout the game. Does it mean there will be more enemies to handle at a time? Will one of the enemies capture a family member or friend? Will they not upgrade in difficulty at all? It looks like these qualities are correct in the game. Players have no idea what combat difficulty situation they will be facing over time, and that could be a problem if the challenge does not rise in a way that makes sense while they are playing the game.
9 A Little Like Arkham
They say that mimicking something is the art of flattery, but even games can take this logic way too far. Some of the on-ground combat in this game looks a little similar to the Batman Arkham games. Because of this, it is not out of the question for fans of Spider-Man PS4 to see this as a knock-off or that it lacks a combat system that is unique to this particular hero. Because of Arkham’s success, Spider-Man PS4 is going to have the issue of being compared to the game inevitably. Something a YouTuber innocently did here when discussing the combat.
8 The Learning Curve Is High…If You Want to Zip Through the City
While nothing is fun if it is too easy, one of the coolest things about Spider-Man is being able to jump into helping him fly throughout New York City easily. However, that is likely going to take you a minute to become comfortable with inside this game.
Web swinging rapidly through the city is going to take some getting used to. While you press R2 to jump into web swinging, you will have to learn a lot to pick up your speed, maneuver around buildings, and become comfortable with primarily traveling this way. Some gamers may not want to spend the time to get good at a transportation method.
7 Original Story? Might Not Be Such a Good Idea
Spider-Man PS4 is an original story, something that has not been covered in a comic book or even a movie. While it may be cool to have something new and fresh, this is a bit of a gamble. To not give away too much of the story, Peter Parker finds out that a couple of respected philanthropists in the city are villains that are heading up a criminal empire. A community center where his Aunt May volunteers is even connected to one of the criminal masterminds (queue a Peter Parker rescue). At least the comic books are tested material, and the game now has the burden of not only being great to play but also pushing a new story that involves too many villains and sentimental characters.
6 Groundbreaking? Maybe Not
A reviewer who had the opportunity to play an early copy of the game noted that while the open world feel is more than appropriate and makes the game even more fun to play. It is not breaking any new ground. While his review was before the game came out, it looks as if this does hold true for the final release.
Unlike Batman Arkham Asylum and other PS4 exclusive, God of War, this game is not breaking any new ground
It would have been nice to see them bring anything creative to gaming or the Spider-Man universe. Someone is in trouble, Spidey investigates as Peter Parker and saves the day. Nothing new here to see.
