Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 has a lot of potential due to its two active Spider-Men. Not only does having two webslingers in New York allow for some fresh storytelling capabilities, but the game can have plenty of variety thanks to Miles and Peter’s unique skillsets. Further, while having the option to play as both Miles Morales and Peter Parker could prove to be a lot of fun, there is no need for Insomniac to stop there.
Several easter eggs in Marvel’s Spider-Man and Spider-Man: Miles Morales reference the larger Marvel universe, with nods to several characters seen inside the pair of games. While Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 may have a lot going on in its story already, as both The Lizard and the Symbiote have been set up for the sequel, seeing the greater Marvel universe touched on further would be a pleasant surprise. If this does happen, Insomniac should go all-in, making other Marvel heroes playable in a way that builds off the system from Batman: Arkham Knight.
RELATED: What Insomniac's Spider-Man 2 Can Learn from the PS2 Game
While players may soon be playing an upgraded version of Batman: Arkham Knight on Xbox Series X, the original game still holds up incredibly well. One of the highlights of the final game in Rocksteady’s Arkham trilogy is its use of team-up fights. In these battles, players will start the fight off with Batman, but switch to one of his allies in the middle of a fight. After pulling off a team-up finisher with someone like Robin, Nightwing, or Catwoman, players would take control of the Bat Family member. They could then make use of their unique moves and attacks, switching back to the Caped Crusader with another team-up finisher.
This is exactly how Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 should handle fights where Peter and Miles are together, and the same could be done if someone Wraith fights alongside the heroes in a specific scene. The transition was always seamless in Batman: Arkham Knight, keeping the fights fast-paced while allowing for some diversity. While the Marvel’s Spider-Man games have allowed players to battle alongside the likes of Prowler and Black Cat in certain scenarios, being able to control these characters would have made the moments even better. With Batman: Arkham Knight letting players control these other characters in standalone missions, survival arenas, and challenges as well, seeing Insomniac do the same would be terrific.
If Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 adds more playable characters, there is no need for Insomniac to limit itself to Spidey-related characters. While taking control of Venom would be a bunch of fun, there are plenty of other Marvel characters that could stop by to give the webslinger a hand. While Insomniac may not make somebody like Doctor Strange playable, as his moveset would be entirely different from the combat seen in the Marvel’s Spider-Man games, there are some terrific options in place.
Daredevil would be one of the best choices. Not only is Daredevil deserving of his own game already, but his melee-based combat and nonlethal fighting style makes him an excellent hero to bring into Marvel’s Spider-Man. The Nelson and Murdock law firm has already been referenced in game, with players even able to visit the location in Hell’s Kitchen. Seeing Daredevil worked in briefly to help Peter with a street-level crime would be lots of fun, and having him use his skills as a lawyer to help Peter out could be plenty of fun too.
While Marvel’s Avengers may be making Black Panther playable first, seeing the king of Wakanda added to Marvel’s Spider-Man could be a lot of fun, too. With a Wakandan Embassy able to be visited in-game, and referenced via collectibles, the building being attacked could draw T’Challa’s attention. Having Miles look up to an established Black Panther would be a fun touch and having the two work together would be great for representation. With Black Panther’s speed, claw-based attacks, and fast movement fitting the combat system of the games perfectly, he would be another great contender for a Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 cameo.
Regardless of whether more Marvel heroes show up or Insomniac continues to focus completely on the Spider-Men, having a system for team-up fights in place would be the right move. Adding a new layer to combat while letting players control both webslingers at the same time, taking a page out of Batman: Arkham Knight’s book could only make the game even better. While Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is likely far off, the wait will certainly be worth it if Insomniac approaches superhero team-ups in the right way.
Marvel’s Spider-Man and Spider-Man: Miles Morales are available now on PS4 and PS5. A sequel has not been officially announced.
MORE: How Spider-Man PS4 and Miles Morales Have Set Up the Next Game