Excitement was already skyrocketing forMarvel’sSpider-Man 2, and the recent gameplay showed that it may very well live up to expectations. The PlayStation showcase on May 24 gave a glimpse at plenty of projects includinga remake ofMetal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, a new entry in Bungie’sMarathonseries, and a preview ofDragon’s Dogma 2. It ended with an in-depth look at the PS5’s upcoming title centered around Marvel’s much-loved wall crawler, and the trailer went in some interesting and unexpected directions.
Peter Parker was shrouded in the Venom symbiote the entire time, and it seemed as though it was already taking its toll. This possibly isn’t the first time fans have seen it in the budding series, however, as the after-credits scene of the first game showed Harry Osborn being treated with something that resembled it. The recent footage ofMarvel’s Spider-Man 2didn’t share any details of Harry’s condition, but the way Venom was integrated in the trailer means that conjuring theories about Harry’s involvement is all-too-easy.
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The Symbiote is Teased in Spider-Man 2018
There were plenty ofsuits in 2018’sSpider-Manfor players to use, but one felt like a huge omission. The black Venom attire was absent, but by the time the somewhat cryptic post-credits scene hit at the close of the game, it shed light on why this might be the case. In it, Norman Osborn is reassuring his son Harry that he will find a cure to his defect, and a fleeting shot of a black substance emitting from Harry’s body flashed on screen, which looked eerily similar to the symbiote.
It was a surprise to see that Peter Parker was in ‘control’ of the symbiote inSony’s May PlayStation showcase, as that teaser five years ago had it potentially wrapped around a different character. This would perhaps imply that Harry Osborn has a more substantial role to play, and that the pair will have interactions that result in the symbiote being used by both characters, maybe for different reasons. It feels conflicting, and only elevates excitement for the 2023 game, as Insomniac will likely be very aware of the breadcrumbs that it is leaving. Yet another compelling wrinkle could be if Eddie Brock has any kind of place in the story.
Harry Osborn’s Presence Needs to be Felt
With other personalities like Dr. Otto Octavius, Aunt May, MJ, andMiles Morales taking center state in the firstMarvel’sSpider-Mangame,Spider-Man 2has the opportunity to bring in new people while giving existing ones time to shine. Norman Osborn plays a minor but memorable role in the 2018 story and Harry is mentioned a few times, most notably in a main mission titled ‘Harry’s Passion Project’ that introduces the player to some research labs that can be tracked down all over the city. It’s a smart way to keep Harry’s presence in the game’s world, but that won’t be enough in 2023, as he is so iconic and intertwined withSpider-Manlore to stay away for too long.
Harry Osbornis a great character, and one that Insomniac would be unwise to no use more than it already has. The post-credits scene at the close of the studio’s firstSpider-Mangame alluded to Harry’s treatment possibly involving the Venom symbiote. Seeing Peter Parker web-sling through an expanded New York in the iconic black suit is an interesting development, which keeps fans guessing all the more about how Harry Osborn will fit in.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2launches fall 2023 on PlayStation 5.
MORE:Marvel’s Spider-Man 2’s Latest Trailer Shows Insomniac is Listening In One Big Way
