Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is aiming for a release sometime in 2023, and it is easily among the most hotly anticipated PS5 exclusives. The original PS4 title was a huge success for Insomniac in 2018, setting a new bar for Spider-Man and superhero gaming as a whole. The fast-paced action, captivating story, and visuals all made for an enthralling experience. Longtime fans of the web spinner also got to tangle with many of the hero's noteworthy foes, including Kingpin and Doctor Octopus.
Spidey has no shortage of enemies, and Insomniac still has plenty to choose from in Marvel's Spider-Man 2. Based on the reveal trailer, Venom and Kraven the Hunter seem like they will both factor into the plot, while rumors also suggest the Lizard could enter the fray. While the game already seems jam-packed as is, there may be room to squeeze in one more major baddie from Spider-Man's rogues gallery: Green Goblin. Considering hints dropped in the first game and how significant an antagonist he is, there should be an effort to have him feature in some capacity.
The Spider-Man/Green Goblin Dynamic
Green Goblin is to Spider-Man what the Joker is to Batman. The hero and villain counter each other and balance out what a good-versus-evil relationship looks like. Throughout the vast history of these characters, both have crossed paths many times in spectacular showdowns, so it would be a missed opportunity for Insomniac to not offer its own take on the antagonist.
The thing that is so interesting about Green Goblin is that he's motivated by more nefarious reasons than other foes. While Kingpin seeks wealth and power, or Doctor Octopus wants to prove himself a superior intellect, Green Goblin only wants to make Spider-Man's life miserable. Tormenting Peter's personal life and loved ones, most notably being responsible for the infamous death of Gwen Stacy, make the Goblin a sinister foe.
The aforementioned reveal trailer for Marvel's Spider-Man 2 seems to hint at a darker narrative for the sequel. The plot seems to be pushing Peter both physically and emotionally. For that reason, the Green Goblin's dastardly schemes would be a perfect fit for this theme and go that extra mile in pushing Spidey over the edge.
Marvel's Spider-Man Hints at Green Goblin
Even ignoring the character's impact on Spider-Man in other media, Insomniac has already planted numerous seeds in the first installment for where things can go next. First and foremost, Norman Osborn (the Goblin's alter ego) has already had a significant presence on events in Insomniac's interpretation. Being the Mayor of New York, Osborn had a lot of pull, and it remains to be seen just how many things he is involved in with the city's criminal underworld.
Osborn being removed from office by the end of the game and publicly shamed for his involvement with the Devil's Breath outbreak may have left him bitter. This would give him even more motivation to wear the green outfit, tossing bombs at innocent bystanders - not to mention seek out revenge on a certain wall-crawler for being a large part of revealing the truth behind Osborn's actions.
Furthermore, at a later point in the game, players discover a few Easter eggs that clearly reference the Green Goblin. Blueprint designs for a glider, suit of armor, and other weaponry bear an uncanny resemblance to the iconic villain. It would seem odd to include these details and not plan on following up at some point in the future.
How Green Goblin Can Factor Into Marvel's Spider-Man 2
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is already shaping up to be a huge game, so it may seem difficult to find space for Green Goblin. With Kraven hunting Spider-Man throughout New York, Venom on the prowl, and other gangs running wild, it may seem jumbled to include Green Goblin as well. The key is balancing each villain in the narrative.
It's worth noting that the first game had a huge number of villains as well, yet each foe felt like they had a good amount of time in the spotlight. Kingpin, Shocker, Mister Negative, and the Sinister Six all feature in the plot, and it works. One strategy that Marvel's Spider-Man 2 could employ is building up Green Goblin over the course of the game, similar to how Doctor Octopus was treated in the previous title.
While contending with Kraven and Venom, players could witness the slow downfall of Osborn and his descent into madness. This can then explode in the third act of the game, with Kraven, Venom, and the Goblin all loose in the city, attacking the player at random like Nemesis in Resident Evil 3. It remains to be seen what Insomniac has in store for the sequel, but having one of Spidey's most memorable foes make some kind of appearance is one obvious direction.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is scheduled to release in 2023 for PS5.