Why Is Everyone Hating On ?
You'd think a game as highly anticipated as would be universally loved, right? Swinging through New York City as two Spider-Men should be a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
However, the chatter online suggests that not everyone is enamored with the latest web-slinging adventure. So, what gives? Let’s dig into why some fans and critics are less than thrilled about Insomniac’s .
One of the biggest complaints seems to be that plays it safe. While the graphics, combat, and storytelling are all polished, some players feel like the game offers very little in terms of innovation compared to its predecessors. The gameplay mechanics, while fun, don’t stray far from the formula established in the 2018
and expansions. One fan summed it up perfectly by saying, "It was more Spider-Man, and that’s fine, but nothing stood out". In an industry that’s constantly evolving, especially in a year filled with groundbreaking releases like and , being “just good” isn't enough to leave a lasting impression.
Another common gripe is the game’s pacing, particularly surrounding the much-hyped Venom storyline. Players are excited about Peter Parker’s struggle with the black symbiote suit, but many feel this arc was rushed.
As one fan put it, "You get the suit, Peter goes evil, and then, boom, it’s third-act time for Venom". The narrative rushes through what should have been a deep emotional journey, leaving players feeling like they didn’t get the full impact of Peter’s descent into darkness. For a storyline with such rich potential, the rapid progression made it feel more like a missed opportunity than a defining moment.
While there’s plenty to love about the game—its fluid web-swinging mechanics and visually stunning graphics—it seems to suffer from being “good but not great.
” Some fans expected it to sweep up accolades during award season, but it was snubbed at several key events. This sparked disappointment, with some feeling the game was overshadowed by other titles that dared to take bigger creative risks. Yes, it's fun to swing through New York in a wingsuit-like web set-up, and the PS5’s power makes fast travel nearly instantaneous, but for some, this wasn't enough to make it a "wow" experience.
Combat in is still the high-energy web-slinging mayhem you’d expect, but the game introduces some mechanics that frustrate players, such as parry-based combat that clashes with Spider-Man’s usual agile, dodge-heavy style.
Players have expressed that these changes feel out of place and unnecessarily difficult. For those who loved the fluidity of the original games, the new mechanics seemed to introduce unnecessary complexity rather than enhancing the experience.
The villains, a crucial part of any Spider-Man story, haven’t fared much better in the court of public opinion. While Venom offers some exciting moments, the rest of the rogues’ gallery feels a bit underwhelming. The stakes never quite reach the level fans were hoping for, and even major villains like Kraven the Hunter don’t seem to leave a lasting impact on the storyline.
One critic even pointed out that felt like a “safe open-world adventure” with no real standout moments, which is a problem when so much of the game hinges on its big, bombastic set pieces.
It’s not that is a bad game—in fact, many people enjoyed it immensely—but in a year brimming with innovative titles, it feels like the web-slinger has been caught in a net of high expectations and tough competition. It’s hard to shine when other games are offering fresh, bold experiences, and
feels like more of the same.
So, is the criticism fair? Or are people just expecting too much from their friendly neighborhood Spider-Man? Maybe it's time to pick up a controller and see for yourself. And hey, if you’ve already swung through New York a few times, let us know—did the game live up to your expectations, or was it just another day in the life of Peter Parker?
Feel free to share your thoughts!
