Much like the first game in the series, Marvel's Spider-Man 2 cues up a number of plot elements that could make their way into Marvel's Spider-Man 3. While Insomniac's unfortunately canceled Spider-Man 2 DLC may be incorporated into the threequel in some way, there still needs to be a big blockbuster story, something that can act as a show-stopper, and canceled plans for Ultimate Spider-Man 2 might hold the key to this sort of plot.
Major spoilers ahead for Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and the Ultimate Spider-Man comic series.
Released in 2005, Ultimate Spider-Man was an ambitious and experimental open-world action game based upon the comic series of the same name. The Ultimate line of Marvel comics began in the late 1990s as a way to introduce well-trodden characters to new readers, setting X-Men, Avengers, and, of course, Spider-Man stories in a new universe, free from the messy continuity of mainline Marvel. The results were mixed, but Ultimate Spider-Man managed to be a smash-hit, running for a whopping 160 issues, thereby providing the 2005 video game with plenty of fodder for interesting storytelling. One particularly hard-hitting arc, Death of a Goblin, was reportedly intended to serve as the skeleton for the second Ultimate Spider-Man, and with that game abandoned, it might be time to incorporate the story into Marvel's Spider-Man 3.
Marvel's Spider-Man 3 May Be Poised to Re-Use a Winning Formula
While nothing has been officially announced yet, Marvel's Spider-Man 3 could follow in its predecessor's footsteps when it finally hits store shelves.
Death of a Goblin Would Be a Perfect Fit for Marvel's Spider-Man 3
The Death of a Goblin Arc, Explained
Death of a Goblin kicks off with Norman Osborn, having already undergone the Green Goblin transformation, breaking out of a high-security prison called the Triskelion. By this time, Harry has already received the Hobgoblin mutations, partially as a result of Norman's hypnotic suggestion. Working with S.H.I.E.L.D., Harry and Carol Danvers lure Norman away from Aunt May's house, where he has gone in an attempt to exact revenge on Peter Parker. Norman then goes to the Triskelion for a final showdown with S.H.I.E.L.D.
It's here that the story becomes incredibly dark and tragic. In an effort to protect himself and the S.H.I.E.L.D. Operatives from Norman, Harry transforms into the Hobgoblin, and the father and son viciously duel in goblin form. Harry eventually reverts to his human body, but Norman, drunk with rage, doesn't realize this, and beats his son to death. When he finally comes to his senses and becomes human again, he is wracked with guilt and grief, and begs the S.H.I.E.L.D. Operatives to kill him. In a decidedly unsentimental moment, they coldly oblige, gunning him down. The arc ends with the goblins side-by-side, both dead.
Why Death of a Goblin Makes Sense for Spider-Man 3
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 concludes with a very clear allusion to the Green Goblin's appearance in the next game, with Norman calling for a mysterious "G-serum" to aid in Harry's post-Venom recovery. This suggests that Harry will be goblinified, but there are a number of scenarios that could result in Norman becoming the Green Goblin as well. For instance, Spider-Man or some other opposing force could stand in the way of his treatment of Harry, forcing Norman to inject himself with the G-serum in an attempt to see his goals through to the end.
So, the dominoes are already positioned for a Death of a Goblin adaptation, and it wouldn't take much to knock them down. But moreover, taking inspiration from Death of a Goblin could be thematically resonant, as it would allow Harry to get a proper redemption arc and firmly, powerfully conclude his and Norman's story. "Inspiration" is the key word here, as there's really no way for Marvel's Spider-Man 3 to directly adapt the comic arc—there are far too many differences between Insomniac's Marvel universe and the Ultimate universe. But the key plot elements, those being Harry and Norman being goblins simultaneously and Norman causing his son's demise, could work remarkably well.
Marvel's Spider-Man 2
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 88 /100 Critics Rec: 91%
- Released
- October 20, 2023
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Blood, Drug Reference, Mild Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Insomniac Games
- Publisher(s)
- Sony Interactive Entertainment
WHERE TO PLAY
Spider-Men Peter Parker and Miles Morales face the ultimate test of strength inside and outside the mask as they fight to save the city, each other and the ones they love, from the monstrous Venom and the dangerous new symbiote threat.
Explore an expansive Marvel’s New York with faster web-swinging and the all-new Web Wings, quickly switching between Peter and Miles to experience different stories, epic new abilities and high-tech gear.
Wield Peter’s symbiote abilities and Miles’ explosive bio-electric powers in battle against new and iconic Marvel Super Villains – including an original take on a symbiote-infused Venom, the ruthless Kraven the Hunter, the volatile Lizard, and more from the Marvel Rogues’ Gallery.
- Engine
- Insomniac Engine v.4.0
- Prequel(s)
- Marvel's Spider-Man
- Franchise
- Spider-Man
- Number of Players
- 1
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Unknown
- PC Release Date
- January 30, 2025
- PS5 Release Date
- October 20, 2023
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Action-Adventure, Superhero
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
- How Long To Beat
- 17 hours
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
