The Upcoming Marvel’s Spider-Man 2: A Web-Slinging Masterpiece in the Making!

Highlights

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 must be cautious in how it portrays Harry Osborn to avoid comparisons to The Amazing Spider-Man 2.

It will be intriguing to observe the similarities between Harry's ailments in both interpretations. The game's trailer hints at Harry experiencing distress, but it is uncertain whether this portrayal will mirror the unhinged version seen in the movie.

Marvel's Spider-Man has been a delightful experience thus far, thanks to its unique approach to the character. While it doesn't deviate drastically from previous character developments, enough changes have been made to give a fresh twist to familiar comic book storylines. With inspiration from previous Spider-Man media, Insomniac has the opportunity to draw influence for Marvel's Spider-Man 2. However, there are concerns that the sequel may bear too much resemblance to a poorly received Spider-Man movie.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 had its merits, with some fans appreciating its action and effects more than any other Spider-Man film to date. However, it was not without controversy, particularly in its portrayal of villains, particularly Harry Osborn. Marvel's Spider-Man 2 introduces its own version of Harry Osborn, and while the game's emphasis on Venom might draw comparisons to Spider-Man 3, Insomniac must be cautious not to replicate the missteps of The Amazing Spider-Man 2.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Must Tread Carefully with Harry Osborn

Marvel's Spider-Man effectively introduced Harry despite never having a personal encounter or conversation with him. Harry has been suffering from an undisclosed illness since before the events of the original game, which has been discreetly concealed from Peter and others by claiming he has been abroad.

In a post-credit sequence, players discover that Norman has kept Harry suspended in a green stasis chamber alongside the alien symbiote. Interestingly, Harry is also affected by an ailment in The Amazing Spider-Man 2. In Marvel's Spider-Man 2, Harry is released from the stasis chamber but still displays symptoms of his affliction, requiring the use of a cane for mobility.

Bonding with the symbiote seems to have already occurred in the chamber, but it appears that Peter will be the one to wear it before it eventually bonds with Harry or another person. In The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Harry believes that Spider-Man's blood will cure him. However, when Spider-Man refuses to help, Harry throws a tantrum in his penthouse, angrily declaring him as a fraud. Marvel's Spider-Man 2's story trailer may not provide enough information to compare the two versions of Harry, but it does show a shot of him having a tantrum and throwing a glass at a window.

The reason behind his distress in this scene is unclear, and it can easily be taken out of context due to its quickness. Nevertheless, it draws a clear parallel between the two interpretations of a troubled Harry for now. Harry and Peter are childhood friends, and Harry relies on Peter, similar to the movie. However, hopefully, that is where the similarities between the two versions of Harry end. In The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Electro is portrayed as a socially inept Spider-Man fan, but the character of Harry becomes increasingly whiny until he puts on the Green Goblin armor and becomes psychotically enraged, displaying a disturbing and unhinged appearance.

The handling of Harry's sudden appearance was odd, but Marvel's Spider-Man 2 will hopefully avoid any negative comparisons. In fact, there is a chance for the game to build upon Harry's subplot from the movie and create something amazing. However, only time will tell and it would be more intriguing if Insomniac crafted a completely unique story for Harry.

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 will be released on October 20, exclusively for PlayStation 5.