Spider-Man Games and Skateboarding: A Unified Experience

When it comes to Spider-Man games, the connection to skateboarding is undeniable. Both activities require a new way of perceiving the world around you, transforming mundane objects and environments into opportunities for excitement and exploration. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 takes this connection to a whole new level with the introduction of the Web-Wings, a game-changing mechanic similar to the revert in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3.

The Impact of the Revert Mechanic in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater

The revert was a seemingly inconsequential trick in real-life skateboarding, but it revolutionized the gameplay in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3. This simple addition allowed players to seamlessly link vertical tricks with horizontal movement, opening up a whole new world of combo possibilities. The revert became so essential that it was even included in the remastered Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2.

The Revolutionary Web-Wings in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

In Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, the Web-Wings add a revolutionary element to the gameplay. While the web-swinging in the previous games was enjoyable, the Web-Wings make it feel like a rough draft in comparison. With the ability to soar through the skyline using wind tunnels and updrafts, traversing the city becomes a thrilling and visually impressive experience. The introduction of the Web-Wings challenges players to rethink their approach to web-swinging and embrace the versatility of aerial motion.

Spider-Man: A Playground Adventure

Unlike other superheroes, Spider-Man truly embraces the joy of his day-to-day escapades. Whether you’re playing as Miles Morales or Peter Parker, New York City is a playground meant to be enjoyed rather than a challenge to overcome. The addition of more traversal options, including the Web-Wings, enhances the sense of fun and uniqueness in every cross-city journey.

Embracing the Unspoken Combo Agreement

In Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, there’s an unwritten agreement between the player and the game: touch the ground as little as possible and make each movement stylish and fluid. While there may be no tangible rewards for entering into this unspoken combo agreement, the experience becomes an ever-escalating test of skill and bravery. This shift in perception mirrors the mindset of skateboarders, where even the most mundane commutes become opportunities for technical ability and self-expression.

The Traversal Evolution: Sunset Overdrive as a Bridge

Insomniac’s Sunset Overdrive serves as a bridge between the traversal mechanics of Marvel’s Spider-Man and classic skateboarding games. Its emphasis on maintaining momentum and racking up combos, along with its tongue-in-cheek humor, captures the spirit of skating games from the early 2000s. Whether intentional or not, this connection highlights the influence of skating games on the modern Spider-Man series.

The Future of Traversal in Marvel’s Spider-Man

With the introduction of the Web-Wings, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 has taken traversal mechanics to new heights. It begs the question of what innovations future games in the series may bring. Perhaps inspiration can be found in the skateboarding games that have been released since Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3. Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: the connection between Spider-Man and skateboarding is as strong as ever.