Marvel's Spider-Man 2 for Windows

Peter Parker and Miles Morales return in a sequel that manages to feel both intimately personal and staggeringly massive. By expanding the map of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 into Brooklyn and Queens, Insomniac has created a digital playground that feels like the definitive version of New York City.

Marvel's Spider-Man 2’s addition of Web Wings changes the fundamental rhythm of travel, allowing for seamless transitions between classic swinging and high-speed gliding. It is a masterclass in superhero traversal that keeps the momentum high while balancing the emotional weight of two in-game distinct protagonists.

High performance action

The transition to PC, handled by Nixxes, is nothing short of breathtaking. With support for ultra-wide monitors and cutting-edge upscaling like DLSS 3 and FSR 3.1, the city looks sharper than ever. Ray-traced reflections make the glass skyscrapers of Manhattan gleam with realistic detail, while the unlocked framerates ensure that the chaotic, bio-electric combat remains fluid even when the screen is filled with Kraven’s relentless hunters.

However, the experience isn't without its technical hurdles. While the graphical fidelity is peak, the game demands a high-end rig to maintain stability, especially when ray-tracing is pushed to its limits. Users on mid-range hardware might encounter occasional stuttering during the high-speed character switching transitions. It is a reminder that such visual density comes at a steep hardware cost, potentially alienating players who haven't updated their GPUs recently.

While DualSense features are transformative, they are strictly locked behind a wired connection. This feels like a step backward for players who prefer a wireless, couch-gaming setup. Losing the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers unless you are tethered to your desk is a frustrating trade-off. For a game that prides itself on freedom of movement, being physically tied to a PC case feels somewhat counter-intuitive to the modern gaming experience.

Heroic leap

Despite the heavy system requirements and the minor inconvenience of wired controller play, this is a landmark title for PC gaming. The story is a gripping exploration of power and responsibility, and the gameplay variety between Peter and Miles is expertly tuned. If you have the hardware to support it, swinging through this version of New York is an essential, high-octane experience.

• Patch 10 hotfix