Warning: Spoilers ahead for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.By being careful about what was shown in its marketing,Marvel’s Spider-Man 2was able to surprise players in a number of ways. Peter getting the Anti-Venom suit was a shocker, as was the Agent Venom suit briefly appearing before Harry Osborn lost control. Kraven killing off villains from the previous games, Carnage andChameleon being set up for the future, and even a crossover with Sony’s Spider-Verse film franchise all came out of nowhere. However, one of the most charming surprises was the flashback sequences starring a teenage Peter Parker.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2features three flashback sequences, one of which was even tied to a side mission, showing how much effort Insomniac Games put into the open-world title’s optional content. One of these flashbacks highlights Peter’s relationship with Harry Osborn as the two sneak into their high school, while another shows Peter Parker getting his job at the Daily Bugle. The best flashback of the bunch shows Peter and Aunt May having an important conversation, with the scene doing a phenomenal job of highlighting why Aunt May had such a good influence on the original Spidey. WithMarvel’s Spider-Man 3likely set to feature a sendoff for Peter Parker, a series of optional flashbacks could be a great way to celebrate the character before he is retired.
Flashback Activities Could Help Make Marvel’s Spider-Man 3 a Perfect Goodbye For Peter
Marvel’s Spider-Man 3 Could Add More Flashbacks To Explore Peter’s Younger Years
When thinking about potential flashbacks thatInsomniac Gamescould include, a few things should immediately come to mind. First, showing Insomniac’s version of Uncle Ben could be an emotional gut punch, even if players see something other than his death. After all, a nice moment where Ben, May, and Peter spend the day together could hit hard if it comes after Peter has glanced at a photo, as the scene would remind players of what he has lost. Other flashbacks could follow this format, with Peter finding items or walking by areas in the city that remind him of a key moment in his life, similar to what happened in the Daily Bugle side mission.
Speaking of the Daily Bugle, more moments where Peter and J. Jonah Jameson interact would be terrific. Jameson could send Peter out to snap some photos of his favorite menace, giving players the chance to fight crime in either Insomniac’s version of the homemade suit or the classic red and blue suit that everyone loves. Players could experience Peter’s first interactions with various villains this way, who could also be given rougher versions of their final costumes that resemble their classic comic looks. Other opportunities exist with flashbacks involving Harry and Mary Jane, as the former is likely to return when theG-Serumis used and the latter is the love of Peter’s life. For Harry, an interaction with Flash Thompson that shows how strong his bond with Peter is could be fun, while Peter’s first date with MJ would be adorable.
Insomniac Games’ love for all things Spider-Man was on full display in the flashbacks ofMarvel’s Spider-Man 2. Not only were the character dynamics perfectly represented, but Peter even had a haircut straight out of theUltimate Spider-Mancomics, which surely put a smile on the face of longtime fans.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 3 Having a Flashbacks Activity Could Continue a Positive Trend
While some wish thatMarvel’s Spider-Man 2was longer, the quality over quantity approach taken by Insomniac Games meant that side activities like The Flame missions were on par with the gameplay of the main story. Story-heavy flashback sequences would continue that success, as they could turn out to be the most popular optional activities in the franchise because of how beloved Peter is. Insomniac Games has stated thatMiles Morales will be the main Spider-Manin the games going forward, making it likely that Peter will turn his semi-retirement into a full one at the end of the next entry in the series. Optional flashbacks would be perfectly timed, then, as Peter would naturally be reflecting on his superhero career before he hangs up his webshooters.
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.
