Sonys web-swinging exclusive has barely been out a month and it already has a DLC expansion, so what was the rush?
Games Inbox: Are you worried about Red Dead Redemption II spoilers?
Its hard to imagine anyone involved in Marvels Spider-Man expected it to be the hit it was. You might say it was obvious, given the popularity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but there have been many, very similar, Spidey games in the past and theyve never been anywhere near this big. What that success will inspire, in terms of more Spider-Man, Marvel, and superheroes in general is currently a mystery, at least in the long term. In the short term though weve got three slices of DLC to get through…
The Heist picks up immediately after the events of the main game. If it wasnt already abundantly clear, this post-launch content is centered around long-time Spidey villain and love interest, Black Cat. She isnt the only new character to make an appearance, however. Just seconds into this new chapter the game alludes to one of (Marvels) New Yorks most notorious mobsters who, with Kingpin out of the way, is looking to tighten his grip on the city. Which naturally sparks an all-out gang war.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Following a spree of high-profile burglaries (which constituted one of the many side quest threads in the original game) Spider-Man goes in pursuit of his one-time lover as she closes in on a big score. With the mob on her tail, our friendly neighbourhood webslinger is soon torn between protecting Black Cat and getting to the bottom of a wider criminal conspiracy.
Instead of being seamlessly woven into the existing Spider-Man package, The Heist exists in its own bubble and needs to be accessed by dipping into a sub-menu. Youll enter a separate instance of New York, completely stripped of the emergent crimes and missions from the main game. Although optional activities like finding backpacks and landmarks carry over, the rest of the map icons have all been gutted and replaced with new side tasks.
These new tasks are quickly introduced as you go from one story mission to the next. Maggia thugs pose a new threat as they look to muscle in on every street corner, priceless pieces of stolen art have been stashed around the city, and streamer-turned-psychopath Screwball is on the loose and has concocted a new game show for her wall-crawling idol.
Separating these activities from the existing crimes, gang hideouts, and other open world distractions from the main game seems like a strange choice at first. However, layering them on top could have made the map too dense, obscuring this new content from player whove yet to 100% Spider-Man.
As for the story missions themselves, they do little to deviate from what youve already played, stringing together a series of stealth, combat, and investigation sequences. Theyre still fun, if a little repetitive, and developer Insomniac has at least tried to inject some variety. Aside from reskinning its cast of enemies into sleazy mobsters, theres a new minigun-wielding brute who helps to spice up otherwise familiar fistfights.
Advertisement
Advertisement
It would have been nice to play with some new gadgets, suit powers, and combat upgrades, but thats where The Heist comes up short. While there are three bonus costumes to unlock they only alter Spider-Mans appearance, this first chunk of post-launch content offering no additional depth to the gameplay.
It seems safe to assume that those buying The Heist, or Spider-Mans full season pass, will already have hit the level cap, unlocking every upgrade and ability. Beyond bagging a new clutch of Trophies theres little incentive for these players to go and complete the new side activities, since after hitting level 50 earning experience points is pretty much useless.
Following the main games showdown with Doctor Octopus and his cadre of supervillains, the stakes are obviously much lower for Spidey this time and Insomniac isnt quite ready to reveal whats next for him, Mary Jane, and Miles. Still, the developers make an effort to weave them into the story in a way that feels meaningful. They also spend time developing Black Cat, although her arc is fairly predictable. Youll feign surprise when the twist is finally foisted upon you and then The Heist ends, just like that.
More: Gaming
For those who had assumed that Spider-Mans three post-launch expansions would each be their own self-contained story, that will come as an abrupt shock. Although it wasnt clearly telegraphed, The Heist is an opening chapter in a larger story that still has a middle and final act yet to come. Judging by the length of this first part, netting Spider-Mans season pass should deliver a respectable five to six hour slab of story content to swing, stalk, and punch your way through.
Advertisement
As such well only give it a review score once all three DLC episodes, referred to in their entirety as The City The Never Sleeps, are out. The Heist is by no means essential but it marks a decent start to what could be another intriguing Spider-Man story. However, its already clear that these post-launch adventures will only extend, not enhance, your overall experience with the original game.
Formats: PlayStation 4 (reviewed), Xbox One, and PC
Price: £6.49 (£15.99 for season pass)
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Developer: Insomniac Games
Release Date: 23rd October 2018
Age Rating: 16
By Jim Hargreaves
Email [email protected], leave a comment below, and follow us on Twitter
Advertisement
Advertisement
