Shocking Revelations: Marvel's Spider-Man 2 Trapped in Controversial Web, Just like Dead Space Remake

Highlights

Marvel's Spider-Man 2's Mary Jane Watson has been criticized for looking "old" and not being "pretty" enough. Similar complaints were made about Nicole in Dead Space Remake.

Some gamers can be toxic, as seen in their hate for Mary Jane and Nicole's realistic designs, stemming from their poor understanding of real-life women and perpetuating the outdated stereotype that women become less attractive with age.

The Marvel's Spider-Man franchise has a history of controversy, and unfortunately, Marvel's Spider-Man 2 continues in the same vein. The original game sparked debates surrounding puddles, suit preferences, and even hostility towards the developer, Insomniac, due to a facial change. As the release of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 approaches, criticism has shifted towards swinging animations, Miles' haircut, and the age of a female character, reminiscent of complaints surrounding Dead Space Remake.

This is not the first time that players have criticized the design of Mary Jane Watson. Despite her different background as a daring reporter in Insomniac Games' universe, rather than a flirtatious supermodel, some gamers in the first game were dissatisfied with her appearance, claiming she wasn't attractive enough. These inappropriate complaints are unfortunately nothing new, as certain individuals on the internet have attempted to "improve" female characters like Aloy and Fable's protagonist through image edits. However, sexism extends beyond this. In the sequel, supposed fans are now asserting that Mary Jane looks "old," echoing the same complaint made about Nicole in the Dead Space remake.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2’s MJ and Dead Space Remake’s Nicole Reflect The Ugly Side of Gaming

Since the release of Insomniac Games' story trailer for Marvel's Spider-Man 2, the internet has been buzzing with discussions about the game's character designs. While some players are still hesitant about Peter's new appearance and others have jokingly commented on Miles' updated look, it is Mary Jane Watson who has become the primary focus of criticism. While some gamers appreciate the new design, others are concerned that it looks too different from MJ's appearance in the first game. One particular complaint that has emerged is the notion that Mary Jane looks too old.

Insomniac has clarified that Mary Jane's face model remains the same in the sequel, with enhanced lighting and graphics giving the illusion of a different appearance. Additionally, many people fail to recognize the transformative effect that a change in hairstyle can have on one's face. Therefore, the perception of Mary Jane Watson appearing older is a misconception. However, even if she did appear older, this would not be unrealistic. It is a well-established fact that stress can accelerate the aging process, as demonstrated by every United States President. Given that Mary Jane is a fearless reporter and also romantically involved with a superhero, it is reasonable to assume that she experiences a significant amount of stress in her life.

However, Mary Jane does not appear to be old at all. She resembles a woman in her mid to late twenties, causing the gamers who complain to have a poor understanding of what real women in life actually look like. This situation is similar to EA Motive's impressive Dead Space remake and its updated design for Nicole. Although the new character model accurately portrays a woman in her early forties, who holds a job that requires significant experience, many individuals complained that the new Nicole was "unattractive" and "too old," just like they are doing with Mary Jane. In reality, both Nicole and MJ resemble real women of their age and in their respective professions. Unfortunately, many internet users lack the maturity to recognize this.

Interestingly, this type of criticism is rarely directed towards male characters. Players would struggle to find complaints about the Norse version of Kratos appearing older or anything of that nature. In fact, the only complaints seem to arise when male characters look young, as was the case with Insomniac's updated design for Peter Parker. These views stem from the outdated stereotype that men become more attractive with age, while women lose their attractiveness as they grow older. In 2023, where many games aim for realism, it would be absurd to exclusively feature older, rugged-looking men and stunning women who appear to be in their early twenties.

The portrayal of MJ and Nicole in the newer games has sparked discussions about sexism and objectification of women. However, it is important to note that blind hatred is not solely focused on female characters. Marvel's Spider-Man is a prime example of this, with Insomniac receiving disgusting comments regarding Peter Parker's younger face. Similarly, God of War Ragnarok's depiction of Thor was criticized for his weight, despite being an accurate representation of Norse mythology. Furthermore, the outrage over Angrboda's skin color showcased racist sentiments. Even LGBT+ characters in games like The Last of Us have faced scrutiny. While individuals have the right to express their preferences and criticisms, it is crucial to provide valid reasoning and voice concerns appropriately. Resorting to death threats due to a change in appearance is unacceptable, as is bashing female characters solely based on their perceived attractiveness. These reactions towards characters like MJ and Nicole highlight the toxicity present within the gaming community. Marvel's Spider-Man 2 will be released exclusively for PS5 on October 20.