The Web-Slinger's Dilemma: Spider-Man 2 Faces its Own Avengers Challenge
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 captivates fans with its thrilling focus on the beloved web-slinger, but the absence of the Avengers leaves a noticeable void, raising questions about the potential impact their inclusion could have had
Highlights
In the world of Marvel's Spider-Man 2, there exists a multitude of Marvel heroes. However, it is peculiar that none of these heroes make an appearance in the game, except for a few subtle references, especially considering the escalating intensity of the final act of the story.
The challenge of including every character in superhero storytelling often leads to the absence of other heroes, such as the Avengers. However, in Marvel's Spider-Man 2, despite the lack of Avengers, players can still expect a captivating story that they will thoroughly enjoy. Additionally, future games like Marvel's Wolverine have the potential to tackle this issue effectively.
Ever since interconnected universes began, a prevalent issue has arisen: not every project can reach the level of an Avengers-style crossover, resulting in some heroes having to take a backseat while others have their stories told. Though this allows for enjoyable solo adventures, it lacks coherence from a storytelling perspective. Marvel's Spider-Man 2 faces a similar problem within the MCU, grappling with this very issue.
Set in a universe teeming with other Marvel heroes, Marvel's Spider-Man 2 contains references scattered throughout New York City, alluding to a broader world of heroes, even featuring the prominent Avengers tower. However, despite the city standing on the brink of destruction, these heroes are conspicuously absent throughout the game. Even though it makes logical sense for Spider-Man to take the lead in a Spider-Man game, the fact that the others exist in this world renders their absence perplexing.
Spider-Man Could Have Really Used The Avengers Help
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 takes place within a vast Marvel universe, featuring all the beloved iconic heroes. The Avengers tower majestically adorns the city skyline, Fisk Tower appears to be welcoming The Fantastic Four, and Doctor Strange's Sanctum Sanctorum takes center stage in one chapter. The Defenders are also present throughout the streets, although players do not have the opportunity to encounter these characters directly. Nevertheless, their presence contributes significantly to the richness of this immersive world.
Given the existence of these remarkable heroes, it would only be logical for them to lend a helping hand in Marvel's Spider-Man 2. While they may not necessarily involve themselves in street-level crime, it is only natural for them to be interested in joining forces during vital conflicts. After all, there is an individual actively pursuing all formidable adversaries within the city, as well as a full-blown invasion by the Symbiotes. Both scenarios would undoubtedly warrant assistance from these heroes, making their absence rather perplexing.
This issue is not limited to Marvel's Spider-Man 2 alone. The heroes should have shown a willingness to assist in the first game as well. In that game, Doc Ock unleashed the destructive Devil's Breath in Times Square, causing a massive outbreak that brought chaos to the city. Given the widespread impact of this attack, it seems reasonable to expect that at least some of the heroes would have intervened. Ideally, the Defenders or a few Avengers would have offered their assistance.
Although the absence of the Avengers may appear unusual, it is not the fault of Insomniac Games. Rather, it is a consequence of constructing these immense worlds filled with superheroes. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has confronted this issue since its inception, and comic books have been grappling with it for even longer. It is challenging to narrate a story centered on one character because the writers must devise explanations for why other superheroes are not involved. Not every project can incorporate every character, so at times, players must simply suspend their disbelief.
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 delivers an unforgettable storyline, despite the absence of the Avengers. The exceptional web-swinging mechanics will surely captivate players, potentially diverting their attention from this absence. Perhaps Insomniac intends to address this issue with the upcoming release of Marvel's Wolverine, but fans will have to wait for further updates. You can get Marvel's Spider-Man 2 on PS5.
