Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales (2020): The Review

Overview

Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales delivers a stylish and heartfelt superhero experience, putting players in the shoes of the young and charismatic Miles as he steps up to protect New York City in Peter Parker’s absence. With electrifying new abilities, slick traversal, and a strong emotional core, the game is a thrilling expansion of Insomniac’s Spider-Man universe. However, its shorter length, familiar gameplay loop, and underdeveloped villains keep it from reaching the heights of its predecessor.

Score: 7.5 out of 10

---

The Positives ✅

The biggest strength of Miles Morales lies in how Miles feels distinct from Peter. His bio-electric Venom powers and invisibility aren’t just flashy gimmicks: they add real depth and variety to both combat and traversal. Every encounter feels fresh, letting you mix up your approach whether you want to go loud with explosive finishers or sneak through with stealthy takedowns.

On top of that, the gameplay is fast-paced and fluid in a way that makes swinging through Harlem endlessly addictive. The animations are slick, the movement dynamic, and the combat seamlessly blends into traversal so well that even just zipping around the city feels like an event. It helps that the visuals are stunning, with New York blanketed in snow, beautifully detailed character models, and ray tracing that makes the city glow with life.

What really elevates the game, though, is its emotional core. The story isn’t just superhero spectacle; it’s about Miles’ growth, his family, and his responsibility as he steps into a role that’s more than just Peter’s shadow. Pair that with a diverse and lively Harlem, packed with vibrant NPCs, cultural flourishes, and personality, and you’ve got an open world that feels alive and unique to Miles’ journey.

---

The Negatives ⚠️

If there’s one big drawback, it’s that the campaign feels short. Wrapping up in under 10 hours, the story comes across more like a polished expansion than a true sequel, leaving some players wishing there was more meat on the bones. That’s made more noticeable by the familiar mission structure, since a lot of the side activities echo the first game without much innovation to keep them fresh.

The villains are also a weaker link, with the Tinkerer in particular failing to leave the same kind of lasting impression as the rogues Peter faced in 2018. Add to that the repetitive side content: crimes, collectibles, and challenges that fall into formula pretty quickly, and the cracks start to show. Finally, the game’s limited suit and skill progression doesn’t offer the same sense of growth as the original, which undercuts some of the excitement of becoming Spider-Man in your own way.

The Experience 🎮

Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales is a fun, fast, and visually stunning superhero adventure that perfectly captures the heart and spirit of its young protagonist. The combat refinements, emotional storytelling, and stylish presentation give it a distinct identity that stands apart from Peter’s journey, while Harlem itself bursts with personality and life.

That said, its shorter runtime and lack of major innovations make it feel closer to a polished spin-off than a fully-fledged sequel. It delivers a thrilling, heartfelt ride from start to finish, but one that ends a little too quickly, leaving you hungry for more of Miles’ story.