Summary
Half-sequels are starting to become a trendy proposition in AAA games, particularly betweenMarvel’s Spider-ManandGod of Warthus far. The idea is simple: instead of having full-length installments developed back-to-back, studios will put out a shorter entry that is somewhere between a sequel and a spin-off, allowing for supplementary narratives that don’t necessarily behave as a legitimate sequel. This creates an odd delineation between sequels in a franchise, though, and hopefully won’t be any signifier as to what stories are important or worth players’ time as opposed to others.
Regardless,Marvel’s Spider-Man 2has had a lot of attention concerning half-sequels lately. Right before the game launched there was official acknowledgment of the possibility thatMarvel’s Spider-Man 2could have a Venom half-sequel or spin-off if fans demanded it, for example. Knowing thatMarvel’s Wolverineis in developmentand will likely be where Insomniac’s full effort is for the near future, half-sequels might also be a great way for developers to bridge these enormous gaps outside DLCs and expansions, and Insomniac has proven that Mary Jane Watson is its most deserving half-sequel candidate.
Mary Jane Might Deserve a Half-Sequel the Most in Marvel’s Spider-Man
Insomniac Has Already Established MJ’s Importance
Mary Jane may never compare to how exhilaratingInsomniachas made Peter or Miles in terms of gameplay, at least unless she receives her own abilities, but that’s not the goal of her playable sequences. These moments aren’t meant to try to eclipse Peter or Miles in what players can achieve, but include her in the action to demonstrate how seminal she is, even if her importance is almost always tied to her and Peter’s relationship status.
This was true of the first game, where Peter and MJ’s break-up was a mystery that unfolded over the course of her playable sequences and walked players through why MJ felt she needed to prove herself to Peter, let alone prove to herself that she could be valuable in their partnership.
MJ wanted to be an equal partner to Spider-Man and while she can’t engage with dangerous criminals the way he can, she wanted to be an able participant in his crime-fighting efforts. In the sequel, she no longer needs to feel like she’s inadequate, though herwork life at the Daily Bugletears a rift in her identity.
If a half-sequel for MJ was set during a time when she worked at the Bugle, it could be fun to go out on assignments from Robbie or Jonah. Moreover, this could give Jonah more screen time. If the half-sequel took place in the current day following the events ofMarvel’s Spider-Man 2there wouldn’t be much for MJ to do since she is working independently on a podcast now, but prequel stories could easily be full of exciting stories from her and Peter’s past.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2’s Shooter Gameplay Can Fill a MJ-Led Spin-Off
It’s undeniable thatMJ’s gameplayhas become more entertaining betweenMarvel’s Spider-ManandMarvel’s Spider-Man 2with the inclusion of ranged attacks and more of an offensive approach. Stealth is still absolutely at the core of MJ’s missions inMarvel’s Spider-Man 2, but her time in Symkaria clearly resulted in her being much more confident in her ability to take enemies down.
Shooter elements were introduced as a way to subdue enemies, for example. Though an MJ half-sequel where she becomes an expert marksman isn’t likely in theMarvel’s Spider-Manfranchise, such gameplay could form a fun foundation for MJ to handle her own business. At the same time, Peter is busy working on the Emily-May Foundation startup in their garage.
Even seeingMJ’s training in Symkaria as a prequel half-sequelwould be interesting, but a half-sequel nonetheless would seemingly need to be set in the past for now.Marvel’s Spider-Man 3will hopefully position MJ to have even more importance and Insomniac wouldn’t have debuted this kind of gameplay for her if it wasn’t going to be reprised in some way, meaning that she’ll probably be picking up a web-shooter-modified taser again in the future, whether that’s in her own half-sequel or a full sequel.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Spider-Men Peter Parker and Miles Morales face the ultimate test of strength inside and outside the mask as they fight to save the city, each other and the ones they love, from the monstrous Venom and the dangerous new symbiote threat.Explore an expansive Marvel’s New York with faster web-swinging and the all-new Web Wings, quickly switching between Peter and Miles to experience different stories, epic new abilities and high-tech gear.Wield Peter’s symbiote abilities and Miles’ explosive bio-electric powers in battle against new and iconic Marvel Super Villains – including an original take on a symbiote-infused Venom, the ruthless Kraven the Hunter, the volatile Lizard, and more from the Marvel Rogues’ Gallery.
