A lot of people might feel thatMarvel’s Avengerscould be the natural choice for a video game franchise that mirrors the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With its obvious crossover potential and a growing roster of major characters to pull from, it is developing into a powerhouse of a game. But a more natural choice comes in the form of theSpider-Manseries that has been developed by Insomniac Games over the past few years. The firstSpider-Mangame was a fantastic introduction to a universe that seems to be growing, and it falls in line with the well-paced method the MCU has used for over a decade.
WhileSpider-Manon PS4 did start withan older Peter Parkerthat has already grown into his role, it left room for Peter to develop into a more mature adult. Many fans know Peter’s character starting in his teenage years, not the figurehead he becomes later in life. Developing the story through this approach works well for one character but it is risky with a major team like the Avengers.
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This is demonstrated in the MCU’s tendency to create spin-offs based on individual characters, like the recentBlack Widowmovie, allowing viewers to get invested in each story. Similarly,Marvel’s Spider-Manwas the start of its ownSpider-Manseries, but the game is filled with breadcrumbs that could branch into different characters receiving their own games, which was already done withMiles Moralesbut could be taken a step further with other Marvel characters.
Superheroes Branching Off of Spider-Man
After Miles cameoed in the firstSpider-Mangame, his dedicated title featured the Harlem teen figuring out how he fits into the role.Spider-Man: Miles Moralesshowed how the incremental approach can help to build up a video game franchise as grand as the MCU is for film. At the same time, both games featured evidence to suggest that the next installment will likely deal withanother majorSpider-Mancharacter, Venom.
On top of the hints surrounding Venom, there are dozens of Easter eggs hidden throughout the game’s map that hint at other major heroes in one way or another. Matt Murdock, who moonlights as Daredevil, is implied to have given Peter Parker his business card, andthe offices of Nelson and Murdockhave a physical location in the game. Other major locations that make clear references to Daredevil include Josie’s bar, which is one of Murdock’s go-to hangouts, and the Clinton Mission Shelter.
Because of Daredevil’s proximity to Spider-Man throughout each hero’s history in the comics, it isn’t surprising that so many allusions to the character are in the game, but they aren’t necessarily unique. Many major characters from Marvel’s franchises are acknowledged inSpider-Manand set a decent foundation for future games to follow up with them. This ranges from people like Dr. Strange andBlack Pantherto the Inhumans and Lockjaw.
It could be years before any of them receive dedicated titles, but a gradual and nuanced approach that starts withSpider-Manis what makes the most sense. The character’s long history with many different heroes, roles as both student and mentor, as well as widespread popularity make him a great jumping-off point. A lot of fans of all ages view him as a symbol of what it means to be a hero, and moving forward with a video game universe that centers aroundSpider-Manmake more sense than not.
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