Spider-Man 2 first impressions: dynamic duo shines

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Earlier this week, I was given the opportunity to play a preview of Spider-Man 2 from Sony and Insomniac games. I was put straight into the action, starting a few hours into the title set to debut for PS5 on October 20. 

Bryan Intihar, senior creative director for Insomniac Games, made it clear that the sequel was going to double down on what fans loved about the original title and its Miles Morales expandalone. Spider-Man 2 will let players live out their web-slinging, crime-fighting fantasies with increased emphasis on combat, exploration and the dynamic duo of protagonists. 

Combat is largely similar to Insomniac’s original title, but it adds special moves unique to both Peter Parker and Miles Morales. Through attacking and defending, players build up their focus meter. After completing a segment of this bar, players can unleash powerful special attacks to deal with waves of enemies or heal off damage.

When playing as Peter, the special moves are designed around the new symbiote suit. No doubt, this development is a key point in the story with Parker’s mental state already getting more aggressive in the demo. Meanwhile, Morales’ skill set leans into his bio-electricity powers. 

To add further challenge to the combat, Insomniac added a new parry system to the game. Certain enemy abilities cannot be dodged, signify by a yellow-to-red aura. If players press the dodge button at just the right time,