How does the beloved web-slinging hero fare in his New York adventure today? Awarded Game of the Year in 2018, Marvel’s Spider-Man received universal acclaim at launch. But is it still worth your time in 2025? Let me take you through the journey and share my honest take.
A Superhero Close to Heart
For many of us, Spider-Man has a special place as a favorite superhero. Whether through cartoons, comics, or blockbuster movies, Peter Parker’s friendly neighborhood antics resonate deeply. Personally, I’ve admired him since childhood, particularly through the games and movie adaptations. So, diving into Marvel’s Spider-Man was like revisiting an old friend.
A Spectacular Start
The game opens with Wilson Fisk’s men causing chaos on the streets of New York. You leap straight into action as Spider-Man, swinging out of Peter Parker’s apartment to confront the trouble. The web-slinging mechanics are absolutely breathtaking. The developers nailed the exhilarating feeling of swinging through the city, making traversal a joy in itself.
If you’re playing on a PS5 or PC with a DualSense controller, you’ll experience added immersion thanks to adaptive triggers and subtle haptic feedback. Feeling the tension of the webs through the R2 and L2 buttons and the vibration syncing with your swings makes it all the more authentic.
Fluid Combat and Accessible Tutorials
Before diving into combat, the game eases you in with a tutorial that teaches the basics—webbing, dodging, and executing air attacks. It’s thoughtfully designed, ensuring that even newcomers can grasp Spider-Man’s abilities before tackling tougher challenges. The combat system flows seamlessly, allowing you to dodge, counter, and chain combos effortlessly. It captures the dynamic agility that defines Spider-Man, especially during fights against multiple foes.
The first major encounter with Wilson Fisk (aka Kingpin) is an exhilarating introduction. The fight starts with Spider-Man dodging machine-gun fire and progresses to a classic brawler-style showdown. The mechanics are intuitive, the pacing is excellent, and the boss fight offers just the right level of challenge.
RPG Elements Done Right
What truly enhances the experience is the RPG progression system. As you defeat enemies and complete missions, Spider-Man levels up, unlocking new abilities and gadgets. These upgrades are tangible and rewarding—whether it’s heavier webbing to immobilize foes, a force push to clear groups, or unique skills for faster traversal.
The costume system is another standout feature. Spider-Man can don a variety of suits, many inspired by movies and comics. Each costume offers unique perks, like bullet resistance or enhanced stealth, letting you customize your playstyle. Collecting and crafting these suits is a fun incentive to explore every corner of New York.
Stealth That Works
Stealth gameplay is another feather in the game’s cap. Sneaking through buildings or rooftops and performing perch takedowns feels intuitive and satisfying. Spider-Man’s ability to silently web enemies to walls or lampposts fits perfectly with his vigilantism and adds variety to combat-heavy sequences.
A Well-Deserved Award Winner?
Looking back, the competition in 2018 was fierce: God of War, Red Dead Redemption 2, Monster Hunter World, Detroit: Become Human, and more. Despite the stacked lineup, Marvel’s Spider-Man stood out. Its combination of heartwarming storytelling, spectacular gameplay, and faithful portrayal of Spider-Man made it a worthy Game of the Year contender. Beyond Kingpin, the game introduces a rich roster of iconic villains, weaving an engaging narrative that pays homage to the hero’s legacy.
The Drawbacks
While the game is a masterpiece in many ways, it’s not without its flaws. At times, it can feel too easy, even on higher difficulties. Additionally, the sheer number of collectibles—while adding to the map’s exploration—can feel like padding to extend playtime.
★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
Marvel’s Spider-Man remains a fantastic experience in 2025. From web-swinging through New York to engaging in smooth combat and stealth mechanics, the game delivers a near-perfect superhero adventure. Despite minor issues with difficulty and collectibles, its accessibility and replayability make it a standout title. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed both my PS4 and PC playthroughs, and I’m eager to dive into the DLC next.
Stay tuned for my thoughts on the game’s additional content in Part 2 of this review!
MaximusGames99 