It seems the tides are slowly shifting for Marvel’s Avengers. While the game was filled with issues at launch and many were upset about a general lack of content, expansions like War for Wakanda have really turned that around. Indeed, it seems developer Crystal Dynamics is working hard to keep that momentum going, as the game is also scheduled to get its first raid and a playable Spider-Man by the end of the year.
Spidey, of course, is in a bit of a weird situation. As he is a PlayStation exclusive, it’s already apparent other platforms won’t be happy with his release. Then, there’s the fact that there seems to be no particular operation, enemy types, or story attached to the Webhead. This makes sense given how limited his appearance in Marvel’s Avengers is, and a lot of it at this point is going to end up as whatever it is. Fans are aware already, even if the general upset is bound to happen. Still, though, despite the potential shortcoming of this DLC, Spider-Man is a big add for Marvel’s Avengers—one that may very well define the tone of the game moving forward.
Spider-Man Hype is at an All-Time High
Getting Spider-Man in by the end of the year is the clear choice on behalf of Crystal Dynamics. Not only is there the general hype for Spider-Man in Marvel’s Avengers, but Insomniac’s Spider-Man 2 announcement will be oozing hype for several months, if not well throughout 2022. Spider-Man: No Way Home releases in December, and while it remains unconfirmed, having the two closely release—if no proper crossover-like content is made available—is only good for the game.
Indeed, while the platform may be limited, the appeal is not. Those who are sitting on the fence may join the game just for the Webhead; there’s no denying the mass appeal that Spider-Man has unlike other heroes currently on the roster. So, despite the general lack of other Spider-Man-related content, featuring him in the game in this window is smart even if the wait was longer than some anticipated. Timing seems to be a clear factor, one that boosts his appeal as a piece of Marvel’s Avengers DLC, but execution will be the defining factor.
Marvel’s Avengers Spider-Man DLC: With Great Hype Comes Great Responsibility
There is the question of how Spider-Man himself will operate within the game, and that’s going to be the crux of the DLC. With no operation, no unique enemies, and simply (and seemingly) existing as a new playable character in Marvel’s Avengers, that means a lot rides on his various abilities and, perhaps more importantly, his traversal. Spidey’s web-slinging is iconic and has been done many ways over the years, some good and some bad, and there’s the inherent issue that Marvel’s Avengers doesn’t really seem geared toward a good, fun web-slinging style.
That’s not to say one feature will define Spider-Man, but that it is an important one. His traversal, his abilities, and his gameplay style may not be exactly like Insomniac’s Spider-Man, it does need to be Crystal Dynamic’s own, but without other content and as an odd entry point to begin with (web-slinging is questionable/PS exclusive), Spider-Man’s execution on Marvel's Avengers' roadmap is the big question mark. If Crystal Dynamics manages to make his gameplay fun and true to character, then the forward momentum may hit a new stride; if it’s more of a stumble or lackluster addition, then it indubitably hurts said momentum, though to what degree ultimately depends on the character overall.
Marvel’s Avengers is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.