Spider-Man 2 Coming This Fall

To close out today’s PlayStation Showcase, Sony and Insomniac pulled out the big webs for a new look at Spider-Man 2. A long-awaited Spider-Man 2 sequel will be released this autumn, as shown by an extended gameplay segment.

The opening cinematic gives some insights into Kraven, the Hunter’s villainous character. After becoming tired of easy targets in the deep jungles, Kraven the Hunter’s minion suggests moving to New York. There, Spider-Man Black Cat and Tombstone will provide more challenging prey.

The action jumps to six months later in Queens, as a black-suited Peter Parker bursts from a basement to battle off some of the Hunter’s goons. The gameplay sequence that follows is impressive, showing off Spider-Man’s new symbiote abilities, which allow for an array of tentacle attacks that can often bring down many opponents at once.

After the battle, Peter learns that Kraven’s team is hunting Doctor Connors, otherwise known as the Lizard. And since the hunt is happening in Harlem, he won’t be able to get there in time. The perspective shifts when he calls Miles. This suggests that, even though the single-player mode is available, the gameplay allows the player to switch between Spider-Man’s two leads.

Miles is a master of new tricks. He has slick, high-speed wingsuits that allow him to zip between buildings at high speeds, as well as web lines which let him plot his own route for taking out enemies from above in stealth passages.

In a scene where Connors is trying to locate the Lizard’s location, it becomes clear that Connors sheds his skin, and has grown into a reptilian-like creature with a large appetite. After linking up with his friend, Ganke, and the ominous arrival of Peter in his black symbiote suit, a thrilling chase sequence ensues down the East River, where Peter and Miles are taking down drones, jet skis, and boats as Kraven’s team chases the Lizard.

While it’s not clear why Peter and Miles are so interested in saving the Lizard (traditionally a villain in the stories), there seems to be some information they need from him, making his survival a must.

The gameplay is also exciting. From a collision into the water, to an escape headlong along the water while The Lizard attacks from below. From animation to pacing to camera work – the entire sequence looks like it wouldn’t feel out of place in the next Marvel Cinematic Universe film. Spider-Man 2 has a completely interactive aspect where you control both Spider-Men.

As the extended demo winds down, we see Peter acting in a very un-Peter way, doubling down on aggressive and dangerous tendencies he’s been showing throughout the sequence, leaving Miles worried about his friend and mentor.

Spider-Man 2 was one of many notable videos and announcements that were made during the PlayStation Showcase today. It stood out because it had a high level of polish and uncut sequences. It looks amazing and will be worth watching closely as it approaches its launch in later this summer.