Very typical blockbuster game. Cool set pieces and fantastic traversal, but the core gameplay loop (especially the combat) is the same as the first game. The open world is littered with boring fetch/combat quests, and the combat is extremely simplistic to the point where I was scrolling through Reddit while fighting enemies. This sequel feels like it's trapped in the past, but updated for the PS5 to get things like instant loading, fast travel, and higher object density (all of which are incredible and should be acknowledged as technical achievements).

I don't have too much to say about the story except that superhero stories in a post-spiderverse world feel kinda same-y. There's still fun to be had in a Venom storyline but the superhero genre is in desperate need of a new formula.

I had a decent time with this game overall, and enjoyed the second half way more than the first, but I can't help but feel pretty disappointed that this didn't learn anything from all the games that came after Spider-Man (2018). The traversal is constantly fun though, and this version of NYC feels so alive and rich, I know I'll be booting this up whenever I need to de-stress for a bit. I just wish there was more to it.