Spider-Man
As an avid fanatic of nearly every single Spider-Man title ranging from Maximum Carnage on the Sega Genesis to the more recent Shattered Dimensions that I personally experienced on PlayStation 3, as well as the comic book series and visual works, there are few games featuring the infamous webslinger that truly capture the essence of immersion quite like Spider-Man for the PlayStation 4 (SM4.) This recent installment in Marvel’s wallcralling odyssey by Insomniac Games retains the core concepts of excellent control layout, sublime writing akin to the comic books, excellent functionality of the Dualshock controller, and the webbing-pun intended-of all of these notions into a wholly enveloping experience.
Here are just a few reasons to start slinging in SM4:
Combat - Appropriating an uncomplicated control scheme of pressing Square to strike, Triangle to web-zip to opponents, and Circle to dodge oncoming attacks, SM4 utilizes a combination-based striking system that evolves as you progress through the game. A plethora of abilities are unlocked within three diverse skill trees which give access to additional attributes-such as snatching weapons from armed assailants and subsequently casting it back at the aggressor, disarming and damaging them-as well as by experimenting with unique gadgets the Webslinger has in his arsenal. The environment plays a critical role in skirmishes due to Spider-Man being able to launch nearby objects at provokers as well as apprehending adversaries by firing Web Shooters-mapped to R1-at them when they are lying prone on the ground or near a wall; these are not the exclusive tactics to achieve attachment, however. Utilizing the impressive combination sequences, webbing challengers utilizing any of Spider-Man’s gadgets and tossing them with said webbing intact into objects or structures may yield their defeat: experimentation is exacerbated by the world’s multitudinous logic. You may augment your playstyle further with Suit unlocks that grant powers such as-my personal favorite apart from Web Blossom-the Spider-Bro, a drone that stuns enemies with fire projectiles, and slotted passive skills. Another mechanic that plays a vital function in this title is the Focus system, which allows the player to earn points toward a rising meter for either a health point gain or to finish off nearby enemies. This Focus mechanic may obligate the player to discern the importance between gauging their own ability or instead increasing vitality to prolong defeat. I have heard in passing that SM4 is an ‘Arkham Clone’ but having played this title and the first two Arkham games, I have concluded that SM4 cements the fluid motions that Spider-Man portrays in his various media appearances rather than merely ‘following a formula’ present in other works; it is not a reproduction, rather a suave entry into the beat-em-up open-world fashion that is enjoyably challenging in its own right.
Webswinging - An essential staple as to why Spider-Man is referred to as the Web-Head, Webswinging mechanics were a major concern among Spidey fanatics prior to SM4’s release. From my perspective, said concern has developed into exuberance for every moment that I can utilize buildings for exhilarating near-flight. The maneuverability this title presents in its beautifully-crafted open world delivers a liberating experience of zipping above city streets, vaulting over massive edifices, and scaling walls. Fast Travel is presented as an option approximate to the game’s opening, but zipping around New York with Spider-Man’s wrist-fastened device is immensely gratifying. A select grouping of buttons are utilized for mobility, with R2 designed as the primary swinging button when nearby towering structures as well as the parkour feature displaying Spider-Man being able to run across the side of buildings, Cross benefiting a departure mid-swing to launch further through the air, and the combination of L2 and R2 to attach to points on buildings.
Story - SM4 takes place eight years after the events of the film Spider-Man: Homecoming, and presents a young Peter Park struggling to harmonize his duties as a superhero with the mundane activities involved in society such as aiding his Aunt May with the F.E.A.S.T. initiative overseen by Martin Li. As seen in the character’s other forms of media as well as associated games, Spider-Man combats assorted associations intent on profiting in diverse exploitations from the people of New York; one such mastermind behind this criminal combweb is Wilson Fisk, the Kingpin. As shown in advertising media, Martin Li also has a sinister secret hidden within his Mister Negative persona which threatens Parker’s common practices in the community. Without wishing to spoil too much in the way of plot, Insomniac Games implements Parker’s perspective sufficiently with several others from the known Spider-Man lore. There are also collectibles strewn throughout the city, as well as various challenges that are designed to reward equipment upgrades in the view of resources. Some of the side-missions may appear to be tedious in modern gaming standards, however these tasks net the theme of Spider-Man aiding the common man versus consistently pursuing global threats, and to cement the contrast of Peter Parker’s persona and the man behind it.
Immersion - Due to the brief inclusion of this topic in each of the prior discussion points, the immersion presented in this title is demonstrated in both obvious and finite aspects. For example, when navigating through the New York skyline by way of webswinging and vaulting between buildings, the Dualshock controller vibrates subtly when gliding through the air yet rumbles intensely when diving toward the ground at high speeds to simulate the fierce piercing of the air around you. Stealth segments and perspective swapping aide in allowing for a full story to be told at its own pace while also display alternative assumptions of various plot elements. Even the way Spider-Man rebounds off of walls during physical engagements and in travel calls back to the character’s known deftness. You can also peer into the windows of nearly every building in the overworld which merits praise for the developer’s dedication.
TL:DR - Although I have not yet experienced the downloadable content adventures to be released for this title, the base SM4 truly justifies purchase for Spider-Man and beat-em-up fans alike with its astounding combat mechanics, flexible maneuverability, absorbing story elements, and the culmination of all prior points being an immersive, captivating title. Personally, as someone who has grown-up with the Wall-Crawler in his film, animation, literary, and video game adaptations, I must say that this title stands among the greats in his collection of media, with uncluttered control schemes, and subtleties in hardware and writing, that exceeded expectations. Thanks for reading.
Do you feel this review helped in any way? Feel free to visit my Curator Page at Spearpoint Reviews.
Originally posted on September 13, 2018.
Here are just a few reasons to start slinging in SM4:
Combat - Appropriating an uncomplicated control scheme of pressing Square to strike, Triangle to web-zip to opponents, and Circle to dodge oncoming attacks, SM4 utilizes a combination-based striking system that evolves as you progress through the game. A plethora of abilities are unlocked within three diverse skill trees which give access to additional attributes-such as snatching weapons from armed assailants and subsequently casting it back at the aggressor, disarming and damaging them-as well as by experimenting with unique gadgets the Webslinger has in his arsenal. The environment plays a critical role in skirmishes due to Spider-Man being able to launch nearby objects at provokers as well as apprehending adversaries by firing Web Shooters-mapped to R1-at them when they are lying prone on the ground or near a wall; these are not the exclusive tactics to achieve attachment, however. Utilizing the impressive combination sequences, webbing challengers utilizing any of Spider-Man’s gadgets and tossing them with said webbing intact into objects or structures may yield their defeat: experimentation is exacerbated by the world’s multitudinous logic. You may augment your playstyle further with Suit unlocks that grant powers such as-my personal favorite apart from Web Blossom-the Spider-Bro, a drone that stuns enemies with fire projectiles, and slotted passive skills. Another mechanic that plays a vital function in this title is the Focus system, which allows the player to earn points toward a rising meter for either a health point gain or to finish off nearby enemies. This Focus mechanic may obligate the player to discern the importance between gauging their own ability or instead increasing vitality to prolong defeat. I have heard in passing that SM4 is an ‘Arkham Clone’ but having played this title and the first two Arkham games, I have concluded that SM4 cements the fluid motions that Spider-Man portrays in his various media appearances rather than merely ‘following a formula’ present in other works; it is not a reproduction, rather a suave entry into the beat-em-up open-world fashion that is enjoyably challenging in its own right.
Webswinging - An essential staple as to why Spider-Man is referred to as the Web-Head, Webswinging mechanics were a major concern among Spidey fanatics prior to SM4’s release. From my perspective, said concern has developed into exuberance for every moment that I can utilize buildings for exhilarating near-flight. The maneuverability this title presents in its beautifully-crafted open world delivers a liberating experience of zipping above city streets, vaulting over massive edifices, and scaling walls. Fast Travel is presented as an option approximate to the game’s opening, but zipping around New York with Spider-Man’s wrist-fastened device is immensely gratifying. A select grouping of buttons are utilized for mobility, with R2 designed as the primary swinging button when nearby towering structures as well as the parkour feature displaying Spider-Man being able to run across the side of buildings, Cross benefiting a departure mid-swing to launch further through the air, and the combination of L2 and R2 to attach to points on buildings.
Story - SM4 takes place eight years after the events of the film Spider-Man: Homecoming, and presents a young Peter Park struggling to harmonize his duties as a superhero with the mundane activities involved in society such as aiding his Aunt May with the F.E.A.S.T. initiative overseen by Martin Li. As seen in the character’s other forms of media as well as associated games, Spider-Man combats assorted associations intent on profiting in diverse exploitations from the people of New York; one such mastermind behind this criminal combweb is Wilson Fisk, the Kingpin. As shown in advertising media, Martin Li also has a sinister secret hidden within his Mister Negative persona which threatens Parker’s common practices in the community. Without wishing to spoil too much in the way of plot, Insomniac Games implements Parker’s perspective sufficiently with several others from the known Spider-Man lore. There are also collectibles strewn throughout the city, as well as various challenges that are designed to reward equipment upgrades in the view of resources. Some of the side-missions may appear to be tedious in modern gaming standards, however these tasks net the theme of Spider-Man aiding the common man versus consistently pursuing global threats, and to cement the contrast of Peter Parker’s persona and the man behind it.
Immersion - Due to the brief inclusion of this topic in each of the prior discussion points, the immersion presented in this title is demonstrated in both obvious and finite aspects. For example, when navigating through the New York skyline by way of webswinging and vaulting between buildings, the Dualshock controller vibrates subtly when gliding through the air yet rumbles intensely when diving toward the ground at high speeds to simulate the fierce piercing of the air around you. Stealth segments and perspective swapping aide in allowing for a full story to be told at its own pace while also display alternative assumptions of various plot elements. Even the way Spider-Man rebounds off of walls during physical engagements and in travel calls back to the character’s known deftness. You can also peer into the windows of nearly every building in the overworld which merits praise for the developer’s dedication.
TL:DR - Although I have not yet experienced the downloadable content adventures to be released for this title, the base SM4 truly justifies purchase for Spider-Man and beat-em-up fans alike with its astounding combat mechanics, flexible maneuverability, absorbing story elements, and the culmination of all prior points being an immersive, captivating title. Personally, as someone who has grown-up with the Wall-Crawler in his film, animation, literary, and video game adaptations, I must say that this title stands among the greats in his collection of media, with uncluttered control schemes, and subtleties in hardware and writing, that exceeded expectations. Thanks for reading.
Do you feel this review helped in any way? Feel free to visit my Curator Page at Spearpoint Reviews.
Originally posted on September 13, 2018.
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