Review: Spider-Man: Miles Morales

When it comes to superhero games, few have captured the thrill of being a hero quite like Spider-Man. The 2018 release of Marvel’s Spider-Man was a revelation, bringing one of the most beloved characters in comic book history to life in a way that was both immersive and exciting. But then came Spider-Man: Miles Morales, a spin-off that not only expanded upon the already rich universe but also introduced a new protagonist with a fresh, vibrant energy. Miles Morales, the young Spider-Man with a distinct personality and set of powers, brought something new and exciting to the table, making this title a must-play for any Spider-Man fan or gaming enthusiast.

I played Spider-Man: Miles Morales on my gaming PC, and from the moment I booted up the game, I was absolutely blown away. From the stunning graphics to the incredible music, the game offers an experience that’s not just fun but a visual and auditory feast. In this review, I’ll walk you through why Spider-Man: Miles Morales is a game worth every second of your time.

Image/Credit: PlayStation

A Story of Legacy and Self-Discovery

At its core, Spider-Man: Miles Morales is about legacy. It’s about a young man who is learning how to step into the shoes of a hero that he respects and admires — the original Spider-Man, Peter Parker. Miles is still finding his footing as a superhero, learning not just how to use his powers, but how to balance his personal life, his responsibilities as Spider-Man, and the pressure that comes with living up to the legacy of the first Spider-Man.

What makes this story so special is the depth of Miles as a character. While Peter Parker might be the more well-known Spider-Man, Miles has his own unique struggles and challenges. He’s a teenager dealing with the weight of responsibility, the loss of his father, and his efforts to protect the people he loves while making a name for himself in the world of heroes.

The game takes you through a deeply personal journey for Miles, and it’s not just about fighting bad guys or saving the city — it’s about discovering what it means to be a hero in his own right. This coming-of-age aspect makes the story resonate even more with players, as Miles isn’t just stepping into Spider-Man’s shoes; he’s carving out his own path. The heart of the story, paired with a fantastic script and top-notch voice acting, makes it emotionally compelling and rewarding.

Image/Credit: PlayStation

Insane Graphics and Stunning Visuals

One of the first things you’ll notice when playing Spider-Man: Miles Morales is just how jaw-dropping the graphics are. Insomniac Games has outdone itself with the visuals in this game. The level of detail in New York City is absolutely incredible. From the towering skyscrapers to the bustling streets, everything feels alive, vibrant, and full of energy.

What’s even more impressive is how the game looks when it’s snowing. New York City during the winter, with snowflakes falling gently, is something straight out of a comic book, and the way the snow accumulates on the ground, the rooftops, and even the characters is beautifully rendered. As a player, you can almost feel the chill in the air just by looking at the cityscape. The way the light reflects off the snow and the subtle environmental details make it clear that a lot of thought and care went into crafting the world.

The character models are just as stunning, with Miles himself looking incredibly lifelike. The facial animations, in particular, are a standout — you can see the subtle expressions on his face, and the little details, like the way his suit moves when he swings through the city or the way his body reacts when he’s performing parkour moves, are all rendered beautifully. Everything looks so smooth, and it’s a visual treat from start to finish.

Image/Credit: PlayStation

The Soundtrack: A Perfect Blend of Hip-Hop and Action

Another area where Spider-Man: Miles Morales excels is its music. The soundtrack is a perfect blend of hip-hop, rap, and orchestral compositions, and it does an incredible job of enhancing the overall experience. The music reflects Miles’ own personality — fresh, energetic, and full of life.

The hip-hop beats that underscore the action sequences are high-energy and match the pace of the gameplay perfectly. Whether you’re swinging through the streets of Harlem or battling foes, the music ramps up the intensity and makes each moment feel even more electrifying. There are also some quieter, more emotional tracks that help set the tone during the game’s more heartfelt moments. These transitions between upbeat, heart-pounding tracks and more somber, reflective tunes are seamless and add a great deal of emotional depth to the overall experience.

The soundtrack isn’t just a backdrop to the game; it’s an integral part of the game’s identity. It enhances the feeling of being in Miles’ shoes, and it makes the world feel more authentic. The music is dynamic, shifting with the game’s pacing and emotional beats, which is something that sets Spider-Man: Miles Morales apart from many other superhero games.

Image/Credit: PlayStation

The Web-Swinging Gameplay: Fluid and Fun

One of the most iconic aspects of Spider-Man games is the web-swinging, and Spider-Man: Miles Morales takes it to a whole new level. The movement is fluid and feels incredibly natural. Miles’ web-swinging is fast, responsive, and intuitive, making it a blast to navigate New York City.

The addition of new powers for Miles, such as his bio-electric venom powers, adds a fun layer of variety to combat and exploration. These powers allow for different playstyles, making the combat feel fresh and dynamic. Whether you’re electrifying your enemies or using your camouflage to sneak up on them, Miles feels like a true superhero. The combat itself is a combination of fluid combos, powerful attacks, and gadget use, making it fast-paced and exciting.

The transitions between web-swinging and combat are seamless, and the way Miles reacts to the environment, whether he’s jumping off a building, performing a flip, or using his venom powers, is impressively smooth. You’ll find yourself spending hours just swinging around the city, not necessarily on a mission, but simply because it feels so good to do so.

Iconic Characters and Voice Acting

While the game revolves around Miles, it wouldn’t be complete without the supporting cast of characters that help to define the world around him. Miles’ relationships with his friends, family, and mentors are central to the story, and the voice acting in Spider-Man: Miles Morales is top-notch.

The characters are all well-developed and feel like real people, not just background characters. The chemistry between Miles and his friend Ganke, for example, is natural and believable. His conversations with his mother Rio, as well as the guidance he receives from Peter Parker, add emotional weight to the game’s narrative. The villains, too, are memorable, with each one offering a unique challenge for Miles both physically and emotionally.

The voice acting is incredibly well done across the board, with each actor bringing their character to life with depth and nuance. Miles’ own voice actor, Nadji Jeter, delivers an outstanding performance, bringing the character’s youthful energy and emotional growth to life in a way that makes him feel real.