Spider-Man: Miles Morales review – substitute hero spins his own New York moment
PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5; Insomniac Games/Sony
This Spiderverse-inspired take on Spider-Man has a new hero and an appealing message reflecting America's vibrant diversity
In 2018, Marvel's Spider-Man gave us a vast recreation of Manhattan, beautifully smooth web-slinging traversal and a compelling story pitting Peter Parker against philanthropist-turned-supervillain, Mister Negative. The announcement of a follow-up starring Parker's understudy Miles Morales caused great excitement in June, but that soured a little when developer Insomniac clarified that it would be a spin-off rather then a sequel - a shorter, alternative take on the original, but at full price. Anyone who played 2018's game should be advised that from the combat to Manhattan itself, many elements are exactly the same. But although Miles Morales is definitely more condensed than its predecessor, it is hugely enjoyable and even moving in its own right.
Peter Parker is off on holiday for a few weeks, leaving young Miles to protect New York as a sort of substitute-teacher Spider-Man. Riven with self-doubt, which is compounded by the lukewarm reception he gets from locals on the first missions, Morales finds himself thrust into the middle of a battle between sinister clean energy corporation Roxxon and a violent protest group named The Underground, and he needs to fight both to get to the truth of the conflict. Drawn into the action are Miles's mum Rio, who is running for political office in their new home of Harlem, and his old school friend and love interest Phin, whose brother Rick is a Roxxon scientist.
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