Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 doubles the fun and allows gamers to fight with not one, but two Spidies. Photo: Marvel
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 doubles the fun and allows gamers to fight with not one, but two Spidies. Photo: Marvel
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 doubles the fun and allows gamers to fight with not one, but two Spidies. Photo: Marvel
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 doubles the fun and allows gamers to fight with not one, but two Spidies. Photo: Marvel

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 review: Five stars and strong contender for game of the year


Faisal Salah
  • English
  • Arabic

The long-awaited sequel to PlayStation's hugely popular Marvel's Spider-Man has been released.

Marvel's Spider-Man 2, which was developed by Insomniac Games and is exclusive to the PlayStation 5, arrives five years after the first, which received several industry awards.

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The game stars both versions of Spider-Man: the familiar Peter Parker and Miles Morales, who was introduced in a spin-off game between the first and second Spider-Man titles.

The adventure continues

The game begins with a large-scale battle against the Sandman. Photo: Marvel
The game begins with a large-scale battle against the Sandman. Photo: Marvel

Spider-Man 2 picks up after the first, where Parker faced off against his mentor and friend Doctor Octavius and his evil alter ego Doc Ock.

For the sequel, gamers can play either character with both being able to display different abilities in their fight against their enemies in New York City.

The game begins with a large-scale battle against the Sandman, who has grown to the size of a skyscraper and needs to be defeated.

From there, the story explores the pain and memories of both characters, delving into their pasts as well as setting them up for future challenges.

Popular character Venom is also introduced, as the anti-hero becomes an integral part of the journey for both Spidies.

Gameplay and graphics

The ambition to make the sequel an even bigger and better experience shines through from the first mission. Photo: Marvel
The ambition to make the sequel an even bigger and better experience shines through from the first mission. Photo: Marvel

Video games have evolved to become more cinematic.

The first Spider-Man was praised for its awe-inspiring cut scenes that felt closer to watching a film than playing a video game.

The ambition to make the sequel an even bigger and better experience shines through from the first mission. The fights and battles in between the exciting cut scenes help keep players engaged.

The gorgeous graphics are strongly supported by a riveting gameplay system, which allows for different styles of fighting. The Spidies can also call upon gadgets, which can sometimes be the necessary aid in fending off their enemies.

The ability to change Spider-Man’s suits is back with more choices, which can impact the character’s abilities – plus take his style status up a notch.

The setting of the game, New York City, is practically a character in itself, with its sprawling towers and its eclectic NPCs. The details presented in the game are much more lively than they were in the first.

Verdict

Spider-Man 2 gives gamers every bit of fun and thrill needed for a superhero gaming experience. Photo: Marvel
Spider-Man 2 gives gamers every bit of fun and thrill needed for a superhero gaming experience. Photo: Marvel

Gaming is having an incredible year with many memorable and groundbreaking releases already – Starfield, Street Fighter 6, Diablo IV to name a few – plus there are big titles still to come before the end of the year. Alan Wake 2, anyone?

With a busy calendar ahead, Alan Wake 2 is expected to release on October 27 for example, it could become daunting to decide which game to play and which to postpone until a price drop occurs in the future.

With Spider-Man 2, there is no doubt that it earns its price tag and gives gamers every bit of fun and thrill needed for a superhero gaming experience.

The mixture of frenetic missions fighting against evil villains, and the soft and warm moments in which the characters become vulnerable, make for a complete gaming experience.

Is Spider-Man 2 the best game of the year? We'll see, but it's certainly a swinging success.

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How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Ovo's tips to find extra heat
  • Open your curtains when it’s sunny 
  • Keep your oven open after cooking  
  • Have a cuddle with pets and loved ones to help stay cosy 
  • Eat ginger but avoid chilli as it makes you sweat 
  • Put on extra layers  
  • Do a few star jumps  
  • Avoid alcohol   
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Long read

Mageed Yahia, director of WFP in UAE: Coronavirus knows no borders, and neither should the response

In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
  • Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000 
  • Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000 
  • Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000 
  • Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000 
  • HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000 
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  • Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000 
  • Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000 
  • Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000 
  • Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000 
  • Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
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Profile Periscope Media

Founder: Smeetha Ghosh, one co-founder (anonymous)

Launch year: 2020

Employees: four – plans to add another 10 by July 2021

Financing stage: $250,000 bootstrap funding, approaching VC firms this year

Investors: Co-founders

TECH%20SPECS%3A%20APPLE%20WATCH%20SERIES%208
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One-off T20 International: UAE v Australia

When: Monday, October 22, 2pm start

Where: Abu Dhabi Cricket, Oval 1

Tickets: Admission is free

Australia squad: Aaron Finch (captain), Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey, Ashton Agar, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Chris Lynn, Nathan Lyon, Glenn Maxwell, Ben McDermott, Darcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa, Peter Siddle

Europe’s rearming plan
  • Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
  • Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
  • Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment
  • Engage the bloc's European Investment Bank to drop limits on lending to defence firms
  • Create a savings and investments union to help companies access capital
The biog

Family: wife, four children, 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren

Reads: Newspapers, historical, religious books and biographies

Education: High school in Thatta, a city now in Pakistan

Regrets: Not completing college in Karachi when universities were shut down following protests by freedom fighters for the British to quit India 

 

Happiness: Work on creative ideas, you will also need ideals to make people happy

SPECS
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WISH
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How it works

Booklava works on a subscription model. On signing up you receive a free book as part of a 30-day-trial period, after which you pay US$9.99 (Dh36.70) per month to gain access to a library of books and discounts of up to 30 per cent on selected titles. You can cancel your subscription at any time. For more details go to www.booklava.com

GIANT REVIEW

Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan

Director: Athale

Rating: 4/5

Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989

Director: Goran Hugo Olsson

Rating: 5/5

Tamkeen's offering
  • Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
  • Option 2: 50% across three years
  • Option 3: 30% across five years 
Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

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Updated: October 24, 2023, 7:16 AM