Spider-Man PS4: Easy Pick for Game of the Year

The game’s main story lets players take control of Peter Parker, a now seasoned superhero long out of high school, trying to make his way through life as both a hero and a rent paying adult. The world is lived in and established. There are no flashback scenes dragging out the traumatic death of Uncle Ben for the millionth time. You are thrust into the role of an experienced Spider-Man and the story is better for it.

One of the most interesting aspects of the game is the inclusion of Mr. Negative as one of the stories primary antagonists. From the start, he is shown to be a very different kind of super villain and is a nice change of pace from the usual colorful rogue’sgallery that usually ll a Spidey adventure. He is a lesser known character to the mainstream and this really let Insomniac get creative with how to both use and introduce him. There are several twists throughout that keep players guessing and never allow for moments of boredom.

The combat is a very fun overhaul of usual superhero games. By mimicking certain aspects of the legendary Batman Arkham series fighting system, but always keeping a flavor and style entirely its own, it ensures its place as one of the best of all time. Spider-Man doesn’t just fight what’s in front of him in a single line, but fights to the left, right, diagonal, behind, in the air, and even higher in the air. When overwhelmed with dozens of enemies, one has to pay constant attention to the concrete jungle around in order to use the environment itself as both a weapon and a cover system.

There is simply too much to do in Spider-Man’s New York. Hours of side missions with other lesser known street level villains and random crimes throughout the many boroughs keep you busy with the whole “great power and great responsibility” thing. With almost 30 unlockable costumes there is plenty of variety in your individual style. Not a fan of the classic red and blues? No problem. Not feeling the new white spider logo created by Insomniac exclusively for the game? No big deal, just switch into what- ever crime fighting costume catches your eye.

The ending of this game . . . I mean come on. I wouldn’t dare try to spoil or cheapen the events of the third act, but for any true fans of the web sling

ing hero it is an emotional wrecking ball that has rarely been seen in any medium; even daring to do things that the comics haven’t been brave enough to attempt with the character.

If you’re at this point and still need a rating from me, it’s a 10/10. The only complaints are really just a desire for more, well, everything. I want more villains, more awkward (and at times too realistic) texts between Peter and MJ, and more dramatic storylines to unfold. Yet even these things I can’t complain about too much with several months of DLC plans apparently under development.

Do yourself a favor; take a break from Fortnite or homework, and log some hours into web swinging as yourfriendly neighborhood Spider-Man.