Summary
The future is looking bright for the nextMarvel’s Spider-Mangame, as the previous three titles landed to rapturous applause from PlayStation players and eventually PC gamers as well. However,Insomniac may be facing some challenges withSpider-Man 3, as the developer continues to expand and evolve its leading IP.
Doctor Octopus is among the more intriguing teased elements ofMarvel’s Spider-Man 3. Appearing in a post-credits scene inMarvel’s Spider-Man 2, the famous villain is visited by Norman Osborn in the RAFT prison. He’s scribbling in a book in this scene, and when asked what he is writing, he says “the final chapter,” heavily suggesting that he will return as a villain in the next entry, possibly partnering with his one-time nemesis Norman Osborn. There’s promise in this idea, as Doctor Octopus is among the bestSpider-Manvillains, and Insomniac painted a compelling rendition of him in the firstMarvel’s Spider-Man. However, his enduring legacy in the game series might actually work to his detriment inMarvel’s Spider-Man 3.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 3 Might Struggle to Make Doc Ock Feel Unique Again
Doc Ock’s Appearance in Marvel’s Spider-Man Is Hard to Top
Otto Octavius' return inSpider-Man 3may come as a welcome surprise for fans of the first game, as his character development and climactic boss battle made for a gripping and entertaining narrative back in 2018. His descent from Peter Parker’s mentor into a mad scientist seeking revenge was complex and nuanced, culminating in a visually spectacular battle thousands of feet in the sky—an appropriate venue for aSpider-Manshowdown. But if Doc Ock is coming back, Insomniac will be faced with the issue of how to top this battle, not just from the perspective of gameplay and spectacle, but also in terms of narrative context.
Octavius is among Marvel’s most famous villains, mostly due to how he manages to affect Spider-Man’s civilian life. His depiction inMarvel’s Spider-Manis no different: the fate of the entire city, including Peter’s Aunt May, hinges on the final fight with Doc Ock, which lends the mission a strong sense of weight and urgency. It could be difficult to recapture this inSpider-Man 3without it feeling contrived or stale. Then, there’s the fight itself, which could also feel like retreading old ground if Insomniac isn’t careful.
There are definitely interesting routes thatSpider-Man 3could take with Doc Ock, aSuperior Spider-Manadaptation being among the most compelling. In theSuperior Spider-Mancomic book story, Otto Octavius takes over Peter Parker’s body, striving to become a better version of the hero while dealing out a wrathful and ruthless brand of justice. In the source material, Peter Parker is essentially dead, but the last vestiges of his consciousness still exist, fighting for control of his own mind.
This is a very out-there and wacky story premise, although it has quite a bit in common with Peter’s relationship with the Symbiote, at least on the surface. This could lead to a retreading ofSpider-Man 2’s symbiote conflict, especially the climactic battle between Peter and Miles. Thus, adaptingSuperior Spider-Manmay not allow Insomniac to completely sidestep the issue of recycling narrative concepts and gameplay beats.
Having said all that,Spider-Man 3’s implementation of Doc Ock isn’t destined to be overshadowed by the villain’s first appearance. Insomniac’s best bet may be to fully lean into the alluded partnership between Norman Osborn and Otto Octavius, playing with this relationship and allowing it to bear interesting narrative and gameplay fruit. If the game borrows fromSuperior Spider-Man, it could stillstand apart fromMarvel’s Spider-Man 2by focusing more on the struggle for Peter’s body and the character development of Otto, rather than putting too much emphasis on bombastic fights or one-dimensional conflicts.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Spider-Men Peter Parker and Miles Morales face the ultimate test of strength inside and outside the mask as they fight to save the city, each other and the ones they love, from the monstrous Venom and the dangerous new symbiote threat.Explore an expansive Marvel’s New York with faster web-swinging and the all-new Web Wings, quickly switching between Peter and Miles to experience different stories, epic new abilities and high-tech gear.Wield Peter’s symbiote abilities and Miles’ explosive bio-electric powers in battle against new and iconic Marvel Super Villains – including an original take on a symbiote-infused Venom, the ruthless Kraven the Hunter, the volatile Lizard, and more from the Marvel Rogues’ Gallery.
