Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (Review)

Developer: Insomniac Games
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Available On: PlayStation 5

Few games have been released with a greater sense of confidence than 2018’s Marvel’s Spider-Man. Insomniac Games (the studio behind Spyro, Ratchet & Clank, Resistance, and more) crafted a stunningly detailed New York City that served as the ultimate playground for the friendly neighborhood Web-Head. From perfect controls that made web-swinging feel like an exhilarating dream, to a heartfelt story that truly captured the essence of the character, Insomniac proved they were the right team for the job. Following up with a smaller spin-off centered around Miles Morales at the launch of the PS5 in 2020 (along with a remaster of the first game), Insomniac then went on to release a brand new Ratchet & Clank adventure just a few months later, making a name for themselves as one of the fastest working studios in the industry. With Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, it’s made apparent that Insomniac is using everything they’ve learned from the previous releases on the console to deliver an absolute showpiece that not only proves the power of the PlayStation 5 as a next-gen system, but the power of their team as well.

Marvel’s Avengers: Definitive Edition (Review)

Developer: Crystal Dynamics
Publisher: Square Enix
Available On: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S
Reviewed on PlayStation 5

With the announcement earlier this year that support was ending for Marvel’s Avengers, I decided it would be a good time to jump in and check it out. Like many, the reason it’s taken me so long to get around to this game has been largely due to its overwhelmingly negative reputation. Ever since its launch in 2020, Marvel’s Avengers has been widely criticized for its live-service functionality, heavy use of microtransactions, a roster of heroes that all feel too similar, and a slow and repetitive endgame that drags any and all enjoyment to a halt. It’s become the shining example of how NOT to handle a massive and adored IP, and while the final “Definitive Edition” update does address some of these complaints, it appears to have been too little too late.

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy (Review)

Developer: Eidos-Montréal 
Publisher: Square Enix
Available On: PC, Nintendo Switch (Cloud Only), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S
Reviewed on PlayStation 5

Like many, my first introduction to the Guardians of the Galaxy was the 2014 live-action film. While these characters have had a presence in Marvel comics for decades, this film brought them into the mainstream and made them just as popular and widely beloved as the Avengers. This ragtag group of unlikely heroes quickly wormed their way into my heart, so I was beyond excited when this game was announced. Now, after spending 30+ hours with the game, I can confidently say that Eidos-Montréal have crafted a marvelous (no pun intended) sci-fi romp that sits among the best comic book video games to date.

LEGO Marvel Super Heroes (Review)

Developer: Traveller’s Tales
Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Available On: PC, PS3, PS4, Wii U, Xbox 360, and Xbox One
PS4 version reviewed on PS5

The LEGO video games may be targeted towards children, but as a 28-year-old I still find immense joy in them. Sure, you could argue that they all take the same formula and just apply it to different properties (Star Wars, Harry Potter, Marvel, etc.), but I always end up with a smile on my face when playing one, and LEGO Marvel Super Heroes is no exception. It brings all of the iconic Marvel heroes and villains together for a humorous globetrotting romp full of laughter and exploding plastic bricks, but it’s the heart at the core of the game and its reverence for the source material that makes it such a marvelous experience.