Spiderman 2 is the epitome of ESG on overdrive, constantly searching for a chance to insert diversity or shove an ideology down the players throat,(particulary the side missions), than to create a compelling and original narrative.

The story is trite and nonsensical, sporting cheesy dialogue and predictable plot points. Miles Morales remains an entirely uninteresting character merely created for pandering purposes, and every hamfisted attempt to implement him derails what little story arch the game has with MJ, Peter, and Harry.

Combat is well done, with the utilization of gadgets and abilities seamlessly mixing with its silky smooth animations. Although its very generic for the genre, the fighting just feels right. While its an appreciated attempt at a change of pace, the gameplay outside of its core combat are half baked variations of gameplay styles from other titles, and the Mary Jane "stealth" segments are an utter joke, inadvertently making MJ and her tazor stronger than both Spidermen combined.

Swinging around in the richly detailed cityscape of New York and beating up bad guys as Spiderman can be a blast, yet everything else surrounding it is an unmitigated mess, commiting every sin of contemporary gaming possible. The photo mode goes hard though.