Spider-Man PS4 Critique | An Imperfect Marvel

With Spider-Man: Miles Morales around the corner I figured I'd revisit Spider-Man PS4 to see if it lives up to my memory. This is a commentary, a critique, a retrospective, and an understanding of what makes Marvel's Spider-Man as spectacular as we all remember, and what lessons can be learned for future installments.
SOCIAL MEDIA: MontyZander
PATREON: / montyzander
It’s been two years since Spider-Man arrived on the PS4, and collectively made a million consoles scream and creak under its weight, and with Miles Morales just around the corner - and this terrifying new version of Peter cynically announced by Insomniac - I figured I’d return to the game and critique the good, the bad, and the DLC to see if it still holds up, and whether or not it deserves a spot in my games of the generation list. We’ll be walking through everything here, treat this as more of a commentary than a straight-up critique as we’ll be exploring parts of the story in almost excruciating detail, so don’t say I haven’t warned you:
Spoilers Ahead.
IMPORTANT NOTE
The video got a copyright claim against it because I used a song FROM THE GAME THANKS KZbin. So I had to cover it with some generic blues.
TIMESTAMPS
0:00:00 - Introduction
0:02:22 - Part 1: What Makes a Good Spider-Man Story?
0:05:50 - Part 2: How To Start a F****** Superhero Game
0:21:42 - Part 3: Pete and Pals (Characterisation)
0:39:32 - Part 4: Pete Smash (Combat)
0:51:10 - Part 5: Peter Park-Our (Web-Swinging)
01:05:46 - Part 6: Your Friendly Neighbourhood Spider-Man (Crimes & Side-Missions)
01:15:09 - Part 7: Feeling Superior (Currency, Suits, Levelling Up)
01:27:26 - Part 8: Mary-Jane Boreson (MJ Missions & Stealth)
01:36:14 - Part 9: The Sinister Six (Boss Fights)
01:46:51 - Part 10: With Great Power... (The Ending)
02:00:25 - Part 11: Spidey's Angels (DLC)
02:24:54 - Part 12: ...Comes Great Responsibility (Sequel Possibilities)
02:28:54 - Supplemental - AKA - Donald Trump is a Fascist
REFERENCES / FOOTAGE USED
1) The Amazing Lucas - • Video
2) GameInformer - • How Combat Works In Sp...
3) 7 Days FIFA - • College Buddies - Side...
MUSIC
Amazing Spider-Man 2 Opening Theme - Hans Zimmer
(it's a terrible movie with a great score.)
Matt's Blues by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com/

[@MontyZander]

Spider-Man: Miles Morales Critique - Great Expectation is live now; I'm pretty chuffed with it so pinning this comment here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaupdGB4mruCrbc

[@Oldschool1943]

Spider-Man: Miles Morales is an overrated DLC released as full price game. it's literally just an update dlc with woke elements like BLM the combat is the game same and web swinging copies from Sony's Miles spiderverse movies it's still a arkham clone and a treyarch's spider-man clone

[@richytheking1315]

I’m surprised you didn’t go into a little more about spider twitter. It surprisingly gave so much to the world building and making new York feel real. Recognizing consistent names and users, also seeing setup for future missions like the osborn rally, the halloween party, as well as setting up phil chang from the beginning was so cool! It was honestly the most surprising part of the game for me and I pay attention to it all the time now

[@anastagbandyopadhyay3876]

you deadass spoke my mind, it came as a sweet surprise when you find out phil chang was recruited into roxxon in the first game's twitter and then find out he's involved with nuform in the miles morales twitter!

[@themiraculous0447]

Everytime I was about to turn the game off before going to sleep, I'd get stoned and just read the feed for like an hour. Really added a lot to the more personal "friendly neighborhood" part of spidey and there's a lot of neat references and stories strewn throughout it

[@HexManiac-nf1yg]

I notices one thing you didn't bring up about Jefferson's death is that he pushed the bomber away then immediately went to cover the person next to him instead of trying to get just a bit further away from it

[@silentspartan46]

A hero to the end.

[@MontyZander]

So due to copyright issues, I've had to alter the "Alive" clip towards the beginning, so... yeah. Sorry about that. For some reason this video was being struck but my First Ten Minutes video wasn't - weird! Forgive it.

[@zestykiwi69]

If it makes you feel better I still loved it either way

[@ttrop]

they have diffrent voice for peter talking while not swinging and while swinging around i found that to be great

[@donotseemecricket]

18:30 The Japanese art and artifacts that Kingpin has is a direct reference to the comics, as Kingpin originally 'retired' and moved to Japan. He was brought back to New York in the Daredevil books by Frank Miller. Martin Li is obviously Chinese, not Japanese, and the Demon's all speak Standardised Chinese, and while he is using Fisk's strongholds to gain power, his motives are not at all related to Fisk. So I would argue that the game does not tie him to Li Mading, but rather is just a nice nod to the fans who are familiar with the Spider-man and Daredevil comics… overall the Kingpin in this game feels like it drew a lot of inspiration from Frank Miller's version in Daredevil, tho the version we got in the Netflix show was far superior.

[@MontyZander]

That's fair!

[@TrueRedRain]

At about 1 hour 52 minutes in. The moment where Spider Man is hurt, I thought it goes to show that although Peter is superhuman, he's still human. And he's getting his beaten and it shows us to care that he could die because of the dangerous villains. And when he goes to make the new suit it's like a beginning to the merge between Spiderman and Peter during the Octavius fight.

[@KentWayne94]

I like how detailed your critique is on Marvel's Spider-Man. Also I hope Eddie brock is the host of venom and I agree about the Superior Spider-Man as well

[@MontyZander]

Thanks so much, man! I'm fucking psyched for what comes next.

[@KentWayne94]

I'm anxious to see what's in store for Miles Morales Spider-Man and future games

[@thedorkycider]

Reading through the comments I'm not really sure if anyone commented on this, but I just wanted to say thank you the part you put at the end of video. I noticed this in other videos, but I enjoy how you don't shy away from politics, and I really appreciate it as well. It's been nearly two years since this video went up, but what you said isn't any less relevant. I first and foremost love your critiques because they are really well down, in depth, and made me fall deeper in love with games I've already played, but it's statements like this that made me subscribe and stick around. I really love the long-form video essays and have been binging them every since I found your Bioshock essay and was so excited to see you come out with two more for the other games. I see it on all your videos in the comments, but I'll just echo it: I really hope your channel continues to go and get the recognition it deserves. Watching your content is so much more than just the mindless slog of easy to consume KZbin videos that dominate the site nowadays. It's thoughtful and insightful, and gets the creative juices of my writer brain going when I feel stuck in a rut. I'm excited to see what you do next, and to watch the rest of your critiques! You also got me to play Forgotten City which was a much needed treat when I got Covid after two god damn years of managing not to get it. When I was in such a bad place that ending really took me out of the gutter. Anyway, I hope you're all good across the pond and thanks for speaking out.

[@TrueRedRain]

I'm at about 25 minutes in still gonna watch it all, but I think the mini games kind of highlight that being Spiderman is more 'fun' than being Peter Parker and is like an escape from 'boring' work life. Although I did like the mini games myself.

[@Mrsplifferdoodle]

Just got recommended this video. I love how deep you go into critique of one of my favorite games if all time.

[@MontyZander]

It's one of mine too! I re-listened to this a couple days ago and am really worried it comes off as harsh in hindsight! Let me know your thoughts!

[@Mrsplifferdoodle]

@@MontyZander no your brilliantly calling out some of the games faults while simultaneously praising it for all its glory. And to that I say, thank you.

[@amyisexisting]

Jesus christ how do your video essays not have more views, this shit is damn good

[@MontyZander]

Thank you!

[@magicswords5]

Dude I just found your channel and this is some GREAT long form analysis. Keep up the quality and I'm sure more subscribers will come. (Ps I binged all of your longer videos today)

[@MontyZander]

Thanks my dude!

[@batmanstrike8287]

I just want to point out in the miles section possible foreshadowing for Spiderman 2 where MJ is kneeling over an unconscious Peter Parker, not even sure if he's alive, while miles has to run off to try and save his father. I think that if they're going to kill Peter in the next game, they should look back on this and use this moment as a baseline of how it should go, as MJ kneels over a dying Spiderman, and miles realizes that it's up to him now to save the city

[@UnknownPeugeot]

This is the first game I ever felt enticed in the story, and I actually listened, and looked to a story in a game, I have finished this game 100% with all of the DLC's twice now and I have to say, this is the best game I have ever played.

[@FittedSheetGaming]

One of my favorite parts is how the game makes you want to be a better Spider-Man. Wheter thats stopping for EVERY crime on your way to a mission, or the "crowd control" aspect. I found myself on crimes making sure to take out the armed criminals first to reduce "collateral damage" (even though it's not a mechanic of the game) it's just so emersive

[@squints7120]

Thank you for this type of content. I love listening to someone praise the games and characters I love for all the reasons I can’t always put into words. Very much looking forward to your analysis of the sequel, and I hope we’re both pleasantly surprised with the reveal of who Venom actually is!

[@thedankswordsmantm]

The only good use for the gravity webs is on those guys with Kratos chains. They can't be air launched unless you webbomb or electrify someone close to them so a simple gravity web removes a step.

[@Itsmedaygo]

You deserve so many more views, I really appreciate your work man. Thank you

[@tonymartin9348]

Me and my Gf were talking about it and you just said something about the new Model for Peter, this game clearly was made during the Garfield movies so they rolled with it until they had the time to actually make it look like Holland. So that's why we have the nuts model for the PS5

[@Dylster1009]

I rewatch all of your videos every couple of months and it is still absolutely insane to me that gems like this one only have 31k views?? You deserve way more subs up there with people like Joseph Anderson

[@BenDiaz]

Monty, I love your videos so much. Missed the end of your 4 part Arkham series so much that I looked for more of your critiques to enjoy. The videos are super long, but I just watch a segment or 2 at a time and by the end it’s almost felt like a mini play through of the game myself. Your opinions on gameplay and story are always well thought out and reasoned. Keep up the good work!

[@ChristianCooksey]

This was a truly great analysis,

[@meggomyeggo431]

I’ve watched this critique many times over the years, but could never bring myself to watch the ending. I was finally able to do so tonight, and your eloquence and wisdom brought me to tears. I doubt you’ll see this two years on, and I know this comments section is flooded with people saying to keep politics out of your videos, but I am so glad you don’t. Carol Hanisch said it best: “the personal is political.” Whether we like to admit it or not, we’re at a point where our politics and our personal lives can’t be separated from each other-and that includes the video games we consume. To see someone like you so beautifully mixing the two and using your voice to point out and comment on how everything intermingles is the reason why you are, in my opinion, the best in the game. Thank you for doing what you’re doing, and keep up the amazing work!

[@krakensquatch]

Everything in this video is good and I wish you had more content for me to watch, I devour these videos, keep at it Monty!

[@AHarp]

I had already fallen in literal love with your channel after watching your Control critique (at the time it was my favorite video on YT, I've probably watched it at least 10 times by now), and although I've binged most of your videos by now, I withheld on watching this Spiderman essay until I finally got around to finish playing the DLCs. And I have to say man. You're one of a kind. Especially the ending. Your analysis was as expertly well-done as I expected and it inspired me to restart the game again. I shouldn't be surprised, your videos always have that effect on me. But the ending is what sent me to your comment section. November 8, 2020 was a dark day for a lot of us Americans. There was hope, of course, but the stress level I felt that day was the worst I had ever felt in my life. I will never forget that sensation. Feeling like the end of the world was absolutely imminent. Things turned out okay in the end, but as someone who used to be a political junkie, even after the inauguration, politics became too depressing for me to engage with. I'm glad I watched this video as it has become a reminder of how delicate our world really is. And just how easy it can all come crashing down if we let it. There is so much at stake. Using Peter Parker to relate that message to us on such a scary and uncertain day for all Americans was clever Monty. It worked. This is my new favorite YT video. Thanks for all the love and hard work you put into your channel. I will be joining your Patreon as well.

[@thedankswordsmantm]

I would have like one more mission with Officer Davis. They could even quip about his upcoming ceremony and Spider-man would feel even more responsible for his death by agreeing to a partnership with Davis

[@JBrown_Trivium]

I LOVED the science puzzles. I thought they were well done, tricky but beatable

[@thecreatorlair]

1:56:06 Now this is voice acting! You can hear the heartbreak in both Peter and Otto’s voices. You actually feel sad for Octavius as he says the police will take his arms if he’s locked up.

[@OnDavidsBrain]

Honestly the ending was what cemented this version of Peter Parker as a damn good one. If this was 616 Peter (you know the same irresponsible, selfish moron who sold his marriage to Mephisto to save Aunt May) he would have used the cure to save her at the cost of the rest of Manhattan no questions asked. I was shouting "Don't you dare do it" at my TV when I first played it and had the biggest sigh of relief when he stopped himself and let her die. Wow, that sounds insane when I read it out loud but you know what I mean. Yeah can't wait till I get my hands on Spider-Man 2 (not right away mind you screw $70 for a game especially with Christmas right around the corner.)

[@chloec4127]

Loved this video! It was great!

[@RickyG93]

Forgive me on this wall of text but: Gosh I LOVE your content man. The way you break down these games detail by detail is so educating and refreshing to listen to. Alonside gaming, I'm also a cartoon connoisseur of sorts and I enjoy dissecting mature, densely layered symbolisms in my favorite cartoons, most recently of which include Amphibia and The Owl House. As someone who wishes they could make similar content except for these cartoons and maybe also some games, it sure is refreshing to listen to critiques so in depth and I can't help but be inspired as much as I am entertained. Maybe someday I will though I doubt I can articulate quite as well as you but even so, just wanted to say you're the kind of intellectual I aspire to be. WITH THAT SAID I disagree on the lack of good stealth mechanics and AoE options (you can use Electric Web to stealth kill two enemies and sneak up behind enemies for a more Assassin's Creed esch takedown, and the Web Bomb, Electric Web, and the Suspension Matrix for temporarily incapacitating groups of enemies unaffected by webs like Sable agents, and the Concussive Blast while fighting enemies on rooftops). I also disagree on the suit powers. Web Blossom while very strong, I actually considered one of the riskier abilities as it takes a moment to start up and you can get hit by a projectile during. Battle Focus and Spider Bot were the real OP abilities being essentially infinite one hit kill takedowns AND HP with no risk attached like the other one hit kill power, and an insanely powerful drone that essentially plays the game for you which also the normal gadget version Spider Drone can also do which is why I'd say Spider Drone was the best gadget in the game, not Impact Web. In fact I'd say second best wasn't even Impact Web either, I'd give that to Electric Web since it chains to multiple enemies and works on Sable Agents and can work better in tandem with other gadgets such as the Web Bomb and then Spider Drone. Also on the note of aerial combat, it takes ALOT of a skill but is immensely fluid once you get a handle on it. Spider Man PS4 combat while not the most punishing even on its highest difficulty setting, is in a sense similar to the likes of Devil May Cry or Sekiro. It's a game that rewards practice with higher combo counts generating bonus focus. This is coupled by the plethora of options Spider Man has that, as I've explained, I feel you underrated. However it brings up MY personal biggest criticism of the game next to the MJ and Miles segments which you surprisingly didn't even mention: the optional objectives of crime missions. All the freedom in combat options is gated by these no-so-optional optional objectives of throwing objects 5 times or performing 10 Swing Kicks. Not doing these objectives yields far less of a reward for side missions that, as you said, were relatively weak and repetitive. Having the freedom to do them how you want and still gaining the full reward would have at least added some, albeit artificial, variety to each encounter. Instead the game overly encourages specific and often impractical and dull strategies for a worthwhile reward, making these missions even more of a drag. OTHER THAN THAT I agree with literally everything though I haven't actually watched all of this. I skipped your segment on the DLC because I haven't played it yet. In fact I had been putting this game off since its release due to being bored superheroes lately, having watched EVERY superhero movie since the Raimi films both in the form of Marvel/DC AND the Disney/Pixar films The Incredibles and Big Hero 6 of you count those so I wasn't really feeling yet another take on Spider Man even though it was in the form of a video game and I hadn't actually played the Spider Man games of old. However I finally got to it and wowzers I haven't been this enthralled with Spider Man since... well, same as you! The Raimi films. (Though I have to say, I really loved Into the Spider-Verse). But I'll be sure to come back and watch that segment when I get around to it! Thanks for reading and hope you have a good day! P.S. Fuck Trump

[@MontyZander]

Ricky I read all of this and I want you to know that A) even if you don't make a video, have a go at writing something! You should see how many crappy scripts I have lying about, and even then I'm not 100% happy with every video. (but thanks for the kind words) B) I discussed the MJ/Miles Stealth missions! You might have missed it. Its around about the time. I discuss the Mr Negative subway fight cause I don't mind the MJ mission there. C) Totally fair on the feedback re not reinforcing Spidey's options. I think my description of combat and stealth came off as more negative than I meant it. I think combat is excellent and stealth is.. Fine. My biggest issue is with the enemy AI. D) thanks for the kind words. I appreciate it.

[@RickyG93]

@@MontyZander Wow I appteciate you reading all that. I saw you mentioned the MJ/Miles parts buy I meant you didn't mention the optional objectives in the crime side missions. Probably worded that wrong in my comment though my bad lol. Also YEAH I have been writing!... sort of. On Twitter I comment on a lot of tweets alot describing and dissecting symbolisms when people question them. I'm just not confident enough yet to do much more than that despite mostly positive feedback as I'm a bit shy and I don't have credentials like a degree in journalism or english. But I'll still keep at it and who knows? Maybe something will come of it. Anyway thanks for reading and the quick response too! Hope you have a good day. :)

[@timeneses]

The cameo made my eyes tear.

[@reluctantParticipante]

Really been enjoying your stuff! Thanks for putting out quality content. You mentioned your Outer Wilds video here and in at least one other video I watched the other day. QUESTION: Where is your Outer Wilds video??

[@batmanstrike8287]

I will say I love MJ's character in this but I wish we could skip her gamelan sections. As for Peter I wish that there were more options in stealth, and that it was possible to disappear and reappear after losing them. I did however love how many different animations there are for each kind of takedown. I love that taking someone down from the rafters has a different animation than from behind or below. It made it feel fresh every time

[@lunararmy1624]

fun thing about spidermans wallcrawling is that its gis entire body that sticks so the reason they dont remove his mask is cause they cant its stuck to his face and the sticking is usualky subconcious not somthing he has to focus on though even while unconscious his spidersense can help keep him safe in that sense which i believe it also showed some of its autmated ability during the house fire where miles catches his web

[@frogglen6350]

You know what's funny about that mission where you have to crawl on that wall and avoid lasers? Yeah. It's possible to just swing over all that crap.

[@ianhammock4564]

While I agree that the science missions were mostly somewhat boring, I think they did a great job characterizing Harry Osborne as a solid guy who just wants to protect his mom's legacy and help keep the city (environmentally) safe. Peter and MJ reminiscing on how great Harry was and hoping he's okay makes sense in a way that many of the movies don't (as much as I like James Franco, he's a twat). It also makes the reveal at the end hit harder - I audibly reacted to the end credit sequence.

[@jmoxie]

AWSOME analysis but I’d have to disagree with the shocker chase. You can actually cut thru some buildings if you know which direction he’s going in allowing you to end the chase relatively earlier then the game allows. (I like to think it also rewards the player for treating the Chase as if Spider-Man was chasing shocker. Cutting him off knowing his movements showing he’s been doing this for a while and he knows his villains)

[@ianmason6867]

The Stan Lee tribute at the end still makes me bawl when I play through this.

[@keyblademasterclark]

when I got to the end of the game, I was reminded of how some writers would have had Peter make the WRONG choice. There are people who would have had Peter save Aunt May rather than the people of NYC.

[@zibus8456]

I wonder how hard Monty worked to make sure part 6 was about the sinister 6.

[@morbid1.]

batman vs spider-man combat: batman is offensive, always, spider-mans is defensive Personally I like Batman's much more, it is so much fun drop down into bunch of people and demolish everyone around you literally standing in same spot where you started. I only wish in games standing still would make him look like in tv series, you know that coffin posture with white eyes and bottom of the cape spreading like black tree roots.

[@candybeans]

My favorite itty bitty thing is how the speaking changes depending on whether you're thwip-ing from building to building or just walking normally. They had to record two versions of every phone/radio conversation to do that. At minimum.

[@Chilick]

I hope by some miracle insomniac see’s this

[@kieranriley1624]

Small detail but insomniac recorded 2 versions of the radio calls for if Peter is stand still or webswinging, ine sounding normal and one like his got a slight strain to his voice

[@donotseemecricket]

Fast Travel Loading Screens?! I did not know that was in the game! I totally forgot the ps4 would have had loading screens!

[@cstrife420]

Ironically enough, my collectors edition statue accidentally spoiled that Ock was gonna be in the game. I was pissed as hell bc his inclusion in the could have been such a good reveal for me

[@michaelmenna9039]

hey, you gonna count down your top ten games of the Generation? Think it would be interesting if you did a list like that

[@MontyZander]

Hey man! I talk about them (briefly) in the first part of my Hollow Knight video.

[@michaelmenna9039]

@@MontyZander ok thanks, but just to be safe before I watch it, does it have spoilers in that section cause I intend on playing the game soon

[@MontyZander]

@@michaelmenna9039 good question, that's totally fair! There are no spoilers in the "Introduction" section which is where I mention my games of a generation. The footage used is just from the trailer. You're safe right up until 2minutes 43 seconds. From that point on its uncharted territory!

[@michaelmenna9039]

@@MontyZander ok, thanks

[@wormerine8029]

Webbing in bomb challenges, refers to webbing bombs to reduce their explosion after throwing them.

[@pseudopod]

I'd love to you your video on Superior Spider-Man if you ever make it

[@AFortifiedBatcave]

Yo Monty, I don't expect you to read this 2 years later, but where did that clip of Stan in the very beginning come from? I'd love any long form interviews about his work and career path since all I"ve found are 5-6 minute clips.

[@wastedpaladin6319]

fun fact, no one, or thing, in the entire game, spare tombstone's meth'd up goons and shields from the front, resists the taser web

[@tyleroutland435]

I love this game

[@Geebees93]

I wonder if this version of Osborn has been the Goblin yet. Maybe in Spider-Man 2 we'll get to see his Green Goblin along side Harry's Venom.

[@toxic_gamer_hd]

Can't wait for you to check out Spider-Man 2

[@daverobson3084]

Great game and really good review. Pole. Which of these two things from the game was more ridiculous? 1-A skinny 15 year old, with no combat training or experience, is able to one punch knock out an adult , hardened criminal, after a single, thirty second lesson from Spider-Man on how to throw a punch. OR 2-Peter ( a guy who , in this game, we have seen lifting cars and dragging semis) grunting in effort at moving janitor's cart in the scene where he investigates Lee's secret office.

[@verboseessays]

1:35 dude that caught me off guard lmfao

[@thedankswordsmantm]

Batman combat, especially from City and onward, isn't mind-numbing if you're trying to go for max combo and variation numbers. But you can dumb it down a lot for sure. Spider-man can also be dumbed down quite a bit, especially once you get the upgrades for AoEs when air launching and slamming... Seriously you can just uppercut and stun everyone around you and then yank the guy in the air down on people over and over again. But I agree that Spider-man at it's core is challenging. I think the difference maker is that Insomniac decided to forego a counter/parry mechanic that these kind of games always have, and it's usually very very forgiving. I'd say Batman you have to go out of your way to challenge yourself, but there is a challenge there. Spider-man tries to challenge you but you can go out of your way to simplify things.

[@baki484]

Perfect description.

[@DrMadd]

Random note that I’m probably the only person who cares about. The reason some of the Raft Prisoners have red and blue skin is because they’re superpowered individuals wearing power dampening collars that they haven’t managed to get off (presumably Doc Ock was the only person smart enough to remove them). It’s a really cool subtle piece of world building referencing all the other super villains who have been locked up in the Raft who the game doesn’t mention by name and gives the sense there’s a lot more than just the Sinister Six out there.

[@sageof6blacks736]

Really hoping for a more physics based traversal system in Spider-Man 2

[@joshwalker4950]

At around 41 minutes in you showed a clip from what looks like a game informer interview, but after scrubbing through the video you linked I don't think it's the same one used in the video? I could be wrong but what made me look for it was that I'm pretty sure the guy interviewing him is another KZbinr Leo Vader and I wanted to see what he was doing there ha

[@joshwalker4950]

Oh yes I believe this is the video you used a clip from! kzbin.info/www/bejne/in-2oJRqe9aon8k

[@billyb4688]

Insomniac had to tell use that Harry would be Venom (or one of a few?) because it's not the person we'd expect to be under the suit. If there was more Harry/Peter relationship building in the game, then they could've gone the mystery route and let use uncover who Venom is in 2. But in this case they had to tell use this reveal ahead of time.

[@thedankswordsmantm]

I dunno how people could think this game ripped off Arkham's combat. It did however rip off the Scarecrow/Rãs hallucination segments from Asylum and City and felt pretty unnecessary the way it was presented. I wouldn't have cared if it was part of a fight with Scorpion where he poisons us to remove our Spidey Sense and then we had to fight him off to live another day. But no, it's just a dreamscape platformer, same colour palate as some of the Batman ones too.

[@phillipjensen5201]

Comics these days have to cool it on making Spidey's life a mess.

[@Draliseth]

It's nice to watch an actual critique instead of a beat by beat, overblown summary.

[@mentalwig420]

So. I couldn't beat the first boss. I don't have the Twitch reflexes anymore. My bad. At least I get to see the story here, aye!

[@Geebees93]

Eddie??? In sanitation??? Eddie...BROCK? Coincidence? I think not!

[@w_4ca]

The big thing I hated about this game was the whole “The city is infected/apocolyptic New York” storyline. It’s so overused in Spider-Man games. I swear this is at least the third open world Spider-Man game with that storyline. I also just finished this game again before I start Miles Morales later, and I swear there were way more bugs (no pun intended) than when I played this game at launch. Enemies getting stuck in buildings, invincible enemies that literally can’t be defeated even with finishers, etc. Finally, the bosses are too easy. Part of what made Spider-Man 2 so great was the sense of accomplishment you felt after getting your ass kicked by Octavius over and over before finally beating him. In my opinion this is the second best Spider-Man game ever made.

[@Mrsplifferdoodle]

Thats fair. Still a good game though right? Also which one is better miles morales sm ps4.

[@w_4ca]

@@Mrsplifferdoodle For sure! I was really ripping the game in my original comment but this game certainly does deserve a lot of praise! Also, between Spiderman PS4 and Miles Morales, Spiderman PS4 is far better. The combat is smoother, the story is way longer and better, and Miles Morales really just feels like it could have been DLC. Think like what Undead Nightmare was to Red Dead Redemption in terms of being it’s own game. Miles Morales should have been like $29.99 at launch, not full price. I enjoyed it, Miles’ unique abilities were cool, but I can’t say I’ll ever feel a desire to play it again.

[@Mrsplifferdoodle]

@@w_4ca Wow. I'm genuinely surprised you didn't praise the hell out of miles morales like mist people do. And agree to an extent. Miles morales is longer than your average dlc. But the price is to much to ask for the overall length if the game.

[@w_4ca]

@@Mrsplifferdoodle Yeah, I never understood the love that the Miles Morales game got. Like I said, it’s fine to play once, but it doesn’t come close to it’s predecessor. If I had to guess, I think people are afraid to criticize a Spider-Man game with a POC lead. In today’s world I’m sure there’s people who will accuse you of being a racist if you say Peter Parker’s game was good, but Miles Morales’ game wasn’t as good. Just look in the comment section of anyone who criticized Black Panther. That’s just my theory though.

[@baki484]

I never got the day one patch and I never ran into the issues you mentioned. I agree on the bosses being to easy. On ultimate I only got hit by hammer head and Mr negative only. I didn't even get touched by the bosses in miles morales

[@frostsoul4199]

honestly the museum level in the DLC reminds me of that one museum brawl in Spider-man 2 on the PS2. i dunno why but beating up thugs in that level was oddly satisfying to my childhood self. and i'm honestly considering playing that game again at some point

[@daChief-khalife]

Mine favorite about this game is the Non-Newtonian New York

[@TikkaQrow]

god why can't they do this sort of villain buildup in movies like Morbius?

[@donotseemecricket]

I also have to say that having played the PS5 remaster as my first, and only time playing this game, I really appreciate the change they made to Peter's face. He looks so goofy to me in this version. I didn't realise they had changed it at first, and wasn't until after I beat it and started to look up review videos that I found out, as I didn't pay this game any attention when it came out. Apparently a lot of people didn't like the new face tho, which I find surprising. His voice doesn't suit the face in the ps4 version it seems. But this all could just be me having only associated it with the one in the remaster.

[@fitterniti]

If you play both versions the issue is that while PS4 Peter looks a bit older and PS5 Peter looks super young, the actual Mocap acting was done by the PS4 guy. And hence, the emotional cting and lighting and shading etc. ALL OF IT w.r.t delivering a performance was more.juanced and better in PS4. For PS5 they just had to go Marvel route and capitalise on the Tom Holland shtick which didn't work because the original assets were not his face. The acting suffers and so does the lighting etc with the animation. For those who played the PS5 directly, they couldn't care less because the reference isn't there. But watching any comparison videos show the difference easily.

[@themiraculous0447]

Imagine going to try out for a spidey villian team and telling them "My power is that I'm an Italian robot." Also, my headcanon is that every single one of these criminal masterminds is under the impression that you can only use a recorded for one recording.

[@johnynoway9127]

miles morales coming to pc in fall 2022

[@dysparrot]

I very much appreciate your content, I have spent the last year successfully kicking a brutal fentanyl and meth addiction. And your long format deep dives are just the escape/inspiration i really need. Your very talented at what you do, and should be proud. Thank you for doing what you do. Because of your content as well as others i have started working on my own, (don’t worry I ain’t gonna cut your grass) *side note* please try and limit the political stuff. It’s right now the beginning of 2023 and as a Canadian I am not a part of American politics. But like you it has effected me indirectly. Most of all I’m just sick of everything having to in some way involve Trump. All politicians are useless, period! Hell, in the case of Biden. Not just useless, but downright sad and embarrassing. Ugh! Regardless, your very talented. And I for real appreciate your work and you for doing it. Good luck with whatever your working on next! And Stay Gold. Cheers!

[@BreakHarpe]

READY FOR SPIDER-MAN 2??!!

[@SageofStars]

Hmm, you changed the thumbnail for this and the Miles Morales one. Interesting.

[@MontyZander]

I’ve asked Zoltiboi to help me spruce up some of the older thumbnails!

[@SageofStars]

@@MontyZander They certainly look more dynamic than the prior ones.

[@Tairashimuzu]

I disagree with the the MJ and Miles section only because I think it's just another example of the duality between Peter and Spider-Man. You're in a dangerous situation (whether you put yourself there or not) and those connected to Pete have to deal with that. It's also a nice change of pace. I missed having something like it in Miles Morales when that came out.

[@rcndg]

I mean, re: the MJ sequences and people getting frustrated because she's not a superhero. Pete gives her a "spider lure" at one point instead of literally any of the many gadgets he has that she could actually use for self-defence. It is the most useless fucking thing he could've possibly handed to her. She ends up finding a taser later even though Peter literally could've given her one, because he uses one to make his zap webs. It's like who's fault is her vulnerability at that point really

[@azeemtravadi6128]

spider-bot spider-man vs spiderbot watchdogs:legion who is worse

[@FraserSouris]

I disagree with your assessment of Arkham's combat. Firstly, you say that Batman just cannonballs from enemy to enemy while you have to use triangle/web strike with Spider-Man. But there is a max range on Batman's attacks and you need to aim with the left stick and then press Square otherwise Batman will attack the air and miss. While Spider-Man's Web Strike has a much greater range. You also forget that Batman also has a critical timing ability with his attacks. 2 in fact. A critical hit from timing attacks in rhythm counts as 2 hits instead of 1 allowing you to get higher combos and access to special moves faster. And critical counters with direction + counter allows you to throw enemies after countering them. Secondly, you miss that Batman's combat has one major difference: it's about style. You get judged on how varied and cool your performance was. You get extra points, XP and health for longer combo chains, more varied attacks etc. Origins even grades you with a letter after every fight like a Devil May Cry game. In addition, different enemy types have some resistance and ways to be taken down. You can't regular punch a large enemy, an armoured enemy, a baton enemy etc and doing so will break your combo and ruin your score. They require either a stun or redirect attack normally but you can use your gadgets to knock them down but they don't act as an instant take down. Even though you can use the Batclaw to disarm some of them, others can pick up the dropped weapon. You can't spend forever just disarming enemies as you will be swarmed and eventually take a hit. After every 8 hits, you can use a special move like an instant takedown move on any 1 enemy, a more powerful gadget, a group stun, an instant takedown on any currently grounded enemies, permanently disabling 1 enemy weapon etc. You can either use 1 or 2 of these moves at once, or not use them immediately and save them for a more useful opportunity or even keep it going and get "Freeflow Focus" where Batman moves faster and enemies get slower. Sometimes, the best option isn't to use an instant takedown if you want the best score by the end Put this all together and you have a combat system where if you just press square, triangle and disarm, you won't get very far or you'll grow at a very slow rate since you won't get much XP. But if you actually try getting those high scores, mixing up your attacks, properly taking down enemies or even manipulating them to get a higher combo or domino other other enemies, it's amazing and much more in depth than Spider-Man's system. What's more is that there's reasons to actually play like this whereas in Spider-Man, there's nothing stopping you from just spamming every gadget at once and ending fights in 10 seconds.

[@baki484]

Perfectly said I have no words in the description of arkham combat and its intricacies. Spiderman combat far less depth in how it challenges you given that in combat challenges Spiderman only tests how quickly you can take out enemies that the only way it test you not to mention the the higher margin of error you can lose a combo it is inconsequential you get hit just heal. Then Spiderman can spam gadgets mindlessly. It's actually quite a shame that people say arkham is shallow or lacks depth compared to Spiderman just because Rocksteady prioritize accessibility they say the system brain dead. In arkham have to account for the timing of an attack, your combo, utilization of gadget and enemy positioning to fully maximize the use of your gadgets and getting hit. Arkham perfectly embodies the simple to use difficulty to master combat system even I'm still getting good at it 10 plus years later. While in Spiderman I have to actively make it challenging by restricting myself to just using the webshooters I'll only use the gadget like the web bomb, trip mine, electric webbing and impact webbing when I'm aiming to ends a confrontation as quickly as possible or when the webshooters prove ineffective and that only occurs in bossfights.

[@nexusaquarion9281]

1:21:37 foreshadowing to the max

[@stevenguitink5947]

i feel dirty that I know who that streamer is.

[@SP00KY110]

I just started the video and wanted to comment that you missed an alliteration opportunity during the opening section. You could have said "Big Bald Bastard Behind Bars" and it would have been funny.

[@keyblademasterclark]

When my brother passed away people would say "it's all part of God's plan" or some crap like that. I HATED hearing that. I didn't, and still don't, care what "plan" there was I WANT my brother back!

[@nexusaquarion9281]

1:14:19 it is earned not given. This is your job you have to work. You’re a streamer meaning you have to entertain your crowd

[@chaostes4997]

You're like the English teacher who looks to far into things

[@TheOnlyTaps]

👊🏿🙏🏿

[@FittedSheetGaming]

My only demand for the game is that I wish the game had fall damage. Give the game some risk.

[@mikebearthegamer1365]

Superior Spider-Man is my favorite Spider-Man story of all time (also my favorite spidey). But of course, editorial has to make sure we don't have nice things and one more day otto. Hate spidey editorial.

[@Wo1fieYT]

Why did he bring politics into a spiderman critique

[@MontyZander]

Have you read a Spider-Man comic? When dealing with villains like Fisk or Osborn they are deeply political

[@Wo1fieYT]

@@MontyZander I have not read spider man comics I dont have any access to them so I cant read them. All I can do is hope somebody uploaded an hour + video on it

[@wiseguy1512]

@@Wo1fieYTthere are channels like Comics Explained and Comicstorian that can help you with the comics Comics Explained breaks down and Comicstorian has them read kike audio books

[@wiseguy1512]

@@Wo1fieYTalso websites like Comics online gives many issues aswell as older comics being wildly available all throughout the internet hope any of these suggestions help

[@jervistetchMadHater]

Stephan Colbert the "Drumpf is my punchline for 4 years." TRUELY AN INSPIRATION TO ALL

[@VaryaTheVillain]

me and my brain, very awkwardly: well... I liked the puzzles........ they were good for me to think about the plot while also advancing some of the upgrades via cracking these open....... just remembered that this was in my "watch later" for when I finish the game, and now that I've finally picked through DLCs I've enjoyed the analysis very much. wonderful work, as always. I am, however, sort of sad about how you don't mention it as a point, as criticism or not, the fact of how much Spider Man feels like a copaganda. they're so afraid to make cops be messed up and ready to shoot the superhero, or be shitty to people like they *are* in everyday life, without explaining it as "[bad guy] hired them, so they're not real cops". to make the point worse, they have to introduce ANOTHER power (Sable) into the mix to show EXACTLY the readiness of fascistic support by the police of the political leaders. but nonono, see, this is *Sable*, they're a different force! they're mercenaries, lawless except for the hand that feeds them-- oh wait that's too close to real life police again. and Spider Man actively working with them, in this "perfect world" where the police are the good guys, being a "Spider Cop"... let me just say it left a bad taste in my mouth when I played the game, and I'm sad how much it soured the impact of the actual plot for me. the fact that I live in a country that's ready to sic a group of policemen on protesting teenagers and they act exactly like Sable doesn't help. but yeah, that was my only nitpick, if I can even call it that! thank you for the video, it was a blast to watch/listen to.

[@jake.klusewitz]

Awesome breakdown of what I truly loved and hated about this overall great game! Too bad Spidey got a facelift... I liked the fact that our new Spider-Man wasn’t Tom Holland...

[@tamagothchic]

I hate Screwball's character, so I skipped her challenges entirely. Maybe I'll suffer through or mute her dialogue to enjoy the gameplay. I also disliked Black Cat, I thought she really crossed a line I don't easily forgive or forget, and didn't love how she's just supposed to be your happy ending gay buddy in the next game (though that hadn't come out yet when this was created) compared to her intensely selfish, manipulative character here. I was convinced her gf didn't excist but... nope, no trick, she's just a comoletely different person

[@TheLumpenMaoist]

Fascism is not defeated with flowers, "pacifism", or voting; Fascism is defeated through struggle, Political Power Flows Out The Barrel of a Gun! "Some people think that the bourgeoisie adopted “pacifism” and “democracy” not because it was compelled to do so, but voluntarily, of its own free choice, so to speak. And it is assumed that, having defeated the working class in decisive battles (Italy, Germany), the bourgeoisie felt that it was the victor and could now afford to adopt “democracy.” In other words, while the decisive battles were in progress, the bourgeoisie needed a fighting organisation, needed fascism; but now that the proletariat is defeated, the bourgeoisie no longer needs fascism and can afford to use “democracy” instead, as a better method of consolidating its victory. Hence, the conclusion is drawn that, the rule of the bourgeoisie has become consolidated, that the “era of pacifism” will be a prolonged one, and that the revolution in Europe has been pigeonholed. This assumption is absolutely wrong. Firstly, it is not true that fascism is only the fighting organisation of the bourgeoisie. Fascism is not only a military-technical category. Fascism is the bourgeoisie’s fighting organisation that relies on the active support of Social-Democracy. Social-Democracy is objectively the moderate wing of fascism. There is no ground for assuming that the fighting organisation of the bourgeoisie can achieve decisive successes in battles, or in governing the country, without the active support of Social-Democracy. There is just as little ground for thinking that Social-Democracy can achieve decisive successes in battles, or in governing the country, without the active support of the fighting organisation of the bourgeoisie. These organisations do not negate, but supplement each other. They are not antipodes, they are twins. Fascism is an informal political bloc of these two chief organisations; a bloc, which arose in the circumstances of the post-war crisis of imperialism, and which is intended for combating the proletarian revolution. The bourgeoisie cannot retain power without such a bloc. It would therefore be a mistake to think that “pacifism” signifies the liquidation of fascism. In the present situation, “pacifism” is the strengthening of fascism with its moderate, Social-Democratic wing pushed into the forefront." Stalin "Concerning The International Situation" 1924

[@oiwithyou]

Pretty great vid. We disagree on that last little political bit, but I'm happy to say I'll keep loving superhero characters as much as I did yesterday, and the day before that. I look forward to watching more of your longform content in the future =D

[@Darthvader25747]

My biggest problem with this game is MJ not just her sections but her character too I just can't stand how hypocritical she is

[@ttrop]

great video tho a person like me who not american and american politics is not worth following hard to understand american politics alanlogy