Marvel's Spider-Man gave gamers one of the most compelling depictions of Spider-Man that's ever been seen before. Insomniac managed to channel just about every aspect of the wall-crawler that makes him so lovable into one game, and with a sequel rumored to be in development, there's no telling how the developer will top itself. The game was able to perfectly combine the charm of Peter Parker's incessant quips, with the drama of his life as a young superhero that just wants to display some responsibility. A very high bar was certainly set, but there is one way that Marvel's Spider-Man 2 could raise it even higher.
Part of what makes comic book games like Marvel's Spider-Man so entertaining is how around almost every corner, players can find Easter eggs and references to iconic moments from the source material. They're a great way to pay homage to where a superhero got their start, and Spider-Man's history is one that is marked by some truly hilarious moments of comedy. While the first game provided its own humor throughout the drama of the main story, there's still room for the sequel to lean even further into Spidey's silly side for references that get some big laughs.
A Little More Spider Than Man
Spider-Man's whole life revolves around the world of science, which in the comics often becomes more science fiction. One of the more ridiculous moments of science having an affect on Spider-Man came when he tried making a serum to eliminate his spider powers, which only ended up amplifying them. The end result was Spider-Man growing an extra four arms, which looked as hilarious as it did unsettling. Whether it's in a dream or the result of an actual experiment, seeing the same image in Spider-Man 2 would be spectacular.
The Infamous Spider-Mobile
There's a reason why Spider-Man is known as the web-slinger and not as the buggy-driver, so it begs the question of why the Spider-Mobile is a thing that exists. The garish vehicle was adorned with a paint job that mimicked Spider-Man's own suit, had rims with his face on them, and it could even climb up walls. Needless to say, the Spider-Mobile is made fun of in the comics any chance there is, and including it in Spider-Man 2 would be a hilarious deep cut for some fans. If Insomniac was feeling especially bold, the Spider-Mobile could even be included as a part of a mission that lets players drive around in it.
Memes From The 60s Spider-Man Cartoon
There are few sources of Spider-Man entertainment more plentiful than the 1960s cartoon. In recent years, the show has been the catalyst for countless memes that have taken the internet by storm, and Spider-Man 2 would have plenty of potential to include a reference to at least one of them. Into the Spider-Verse already included a reference to the infamous Spider-Man pointing at Spider-Man meme, and the rumored sequel could continue by referencing Spider-Man sitting behind a desk, or the Spider-Man villains laughing together in a the most goofy-looking way. The memes are really the only way the cartoon has remained this relevant for so long, so it would serve as a nice homage to the show as well.
Insomniac already seems to have a good grasp on what makes Spider-Man such an entertaining character, so the rumored sequel to Marvel's Spider-Man should be in good hands. The first game set up a lot of drama and tension that will likely be addressed in the next release, so adding some more lighthearted moments could help to liven things up a bit. The core of Spider-Man's character is his humor, and there's plenty of sources to draw from to make sure Spider-Man 2 doesn't neglect what makes him such a popular hero.
Marvel's Spider-Man is available now on PS4 and PS5.