No, it isn't as good as Arkham City. No superhero game ever will be; I accepted that years ago.
Spider-Man 2 has an even blend of steps forward and back compared to the 2018 game: the bosses are more consistent, not reaching the same dizzying highs as the Doc Ock battle or the same mediocre lows as most of the other bosses from that game; The first two-thirds of Spider-man 2 are much more compelling, better paced with a more interesting story, but they lead to a very haphazard and poorly set-up last third (The exact opposite of the first game which had an underwhelming lead-up to an incredible last third); I found the side-quests and other playable characters much more enjoyable this time around, but the cast has become a bit oversaturated and not every character gets as much development or screentime, leading to some emotional moments not hitting as hard as they could. Broadly-speaking, I'd say I liked both games about the same, but for different reasons.
Marvel's Spiderman: A long car ride to Disneyland. It's hot, traffic is bad, and we ran out of snacks an hour ago. But, once we get there, we have the time of our lives.
Marvel's Spiderman 2: A really fun car trip. We are stopping at attractions, everyone is getting along, and we are loaded on snacks. We get there, Disneyworld is closed.
Spider-Man 2 has an even blend of steps forward and back compared to the 2018 game: the bosses are more consistent, not reaching the same dizzying highs as the Doc Ock battle or the same mediocre lows as most of the other bosses from that game; The first two-thirds of Spider-man 2 are much more compelling, better paced with a more interesting story, but they lead to a very haphazard and poorly set-up last third (The exact opposite of the first game which had an underwhelming lead-up to an incredible last third); I found the side-quests and other playable characters much more enjoyable this time around, but the cast has become a bit oversaturated and not every character gets as much development or screentime, leading to some emotional moments not hitting as hard as they could. Broadly-speaking, I'd say I liked both games about the same, but for different reasons.
Marvel's Spiderman: A long car ride to Disneyland. It's hot, traffic is bad, and we ran out of snacks an hour ago. But, once we get there, we have the time of our lives.
Marvel's Spiderman 2: A really fun car trip. We are stopping at attractions, everyone is getting along, and we are loaded on snacks. We get there, Disneyworld is closed.