Unraveling the Spider-Verse Connections in Spider-Man 2

Highlights

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is a love letter to Spider-Man's entire history, filled with references and Easter eggs to the Spider-Verse series and past films.

Throughout the game, players can discover collectibles called Spider-Bots, which are themed after various universes from the Spider-Verse franchise. Additionally, the game offers a selection of outfits inspired by the Spider-Verse series. Players have the opportunity to unlock costumes worn by Miles Morales and other iconic variations that closely resemble those seen in the films.

Spider-Man-related media has been dominating the superhero genre in recent years. Fans have had the opportunity to enjoy Tom Holland's portrayal in the MCU and experience the thrilling adventure of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Now, Marvel's Spider-Man 2 allows players to once again step into the shoes of the iconic character, offering an Easter egg-filled treat courtesy of Insomniac. The game is a love letter to all things Spider-Man, with secrets and collectibles referencing the franchise's rich history. Of particular note are the collectibles associated with the Spider-Verse series, adding to the excitement surrounding Peter Parker's cameo in Across the Spider-Verse.

Spider-Man 2 Is Filled With Spider-Verse Easter Eggs

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is not closely connected to the Spider-Verse series and the events of those films do not significantly impact the story. Insomniac Games presents a new and distinct Spider-Man narrative that is not restricted by previous material. Despite this, the game still includes numerous references to the aforementioned films.

Players may quickly notice one major reference in the form of Spider-Bot collectibles scattered throughout New York City. These collectibles are not marked on the map, requiring players to actively search for them. Each bot emits peculiar pulses in their hiding spots, prompting players to use their Spider-Man abilities to track them down. With a total of 42 collectibles to find, players will gradually become adept at locating them, especially with the help of various perk upgrades.

The Spider-Bots in the game are not just ordinary robots. Each one is designed to represent a different universe from the Spider-Verse franchise. Players can find Spider-Bots based on Spider-Man 2099, a black-and-white Noir version, Gwen Stacy's costume, and even an anime-inspired Peni Parker bot. There is also an Iron Spider bot from the MCU, as well as many others inspired by Spidey's enemies.

In addition to the Spider-Bots, Insomniac Games has included various outfits for Spider-Man based on popular versions from the Spider-Verse series. Players can unlock two outfits from Miles' Into the Spider-Verse movie, as well as his Across the Spider-Verse outfit, giving them the feeling of playing the video game version of the films. They can also acquire Spider-Man Noir's outfit, Spider-Man 2099's outfit, and a suit known as Spider-Punk which resembles Hobie's style. While not exact replicas, all of these suits perfectly capture the essence of their film counterparts.

Even with its detachment from the Spider-Verse series, Marvel's Spider-Man 2 manages to convey a sense of being entwined within that vast multiverse thanks to the numerous additions it incorporates. Moreover, the inclusion of the video game rendition of Peter Parker having made a cameo appearance in Across the Spider-Verse only serves to reinforce this connection. Although it is unlikely that Insomniac will pursue any further crossovers, the mere presence of these hidden gems goes a long way in solidifying Marvel's Spider-Man 2 as a heartfelt tribute to the character's extensive legacy.

Marvel's Spider-Man 2

Marvel's Spider-Man 2, the follow-up to the 2018 Spider-Man game and its Miles Morales spin-off, is an exclusive title for the PS5 console. Developed by Insomniac Games, this open-world game features dual protagonists, Peter Parker and Miles Morales, who join forces to take on formidable adversaries such as Kraven, Venom, and Lizard.

Franchise: Spider-Man

Platform(s): PS5

Release Date: October 20, 2023

Developer: Insomniac Games

Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment

Genre: Open-World, Action-Adventure

ESRB Rating: T for Teen (Blood, Drug Reference, Mild Language, Violence)

Estimated Gameplay Duration: 20 Hours

Metascore: 91