Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Play

PC/Steam

PlayStation

Screenwise Verdict

This is the Spider-Man game you want your teen playing. Insomniac nailed it—gorgeous, engaging, emotionally smart, and completely free of the garbage monetization that plagues most modern games.

The symbiote storyline gets dark (Peter becomes aggressive, relationships strain, Venom is genuinely scary), but it's purposeful and narratively rich. This isn't gratuitous violence; it's exploring what happens when power corrupts and how heroes choose differently. Miles and Peter model genuine heroism, mentorship, and doing the right thing even when it's hard.

The action is intense—this earns its T rating with constant combat, some blood, and frightening imagery. But if your 13-year-old has seen any Marvel movie, they can handle this. The game respects its players with a complete story, no loot boxes, no battle passes, just excellent superhero adventure.

PlayStation 5 exclusive (now on PC), so you'll need the hardware, but if you've got it, this is must-play territory for teens and adults who love superheroes.

Age Fit

Best for ages 13+ who can handle superhero action violence and darker psychological themes. The Teen rating fits—this isn't for elementary schoolers, but teens who love Marvel will be completely engaged. Adults will enjoy it too; it's legitimately one of the best games of 2023.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

72

Features two Spider-Men who consistently model heroism, responsibility, and protecting others. Peter and Miles balance personal struggles with doing the right thing. The Venom symbiote storyline explores darker impulses and consequences, but ultimately reinforces choosing good over power. Some violence is intense (fighting Kraven, symbiote aggression) but tonally appropriate for superhero action. Mild language and drug references present but minimal.

Imaginative

88

Insomniac's open-world New York is stunning and invites exploration with web-swinging mechanics that feel genuinely creative. Dual-protagonist design lets players experience different power sets and perspectives. New traversal options (web wings) and enhanced environmental interactivity expand what's possible. Boss fights against Kraven and Venom require creative problem-solving. The game builds on Marvel lore while creating its own narrative twists.

Safe

75

Rated T for Teen (ESRB) with Blood, Drug Reference, Mild Language, and Violence. No in-game purchases or loot boxes. Users interact online but no open chat system. Violence is superhero-level combat—punches, web attacks, some frightening imagery with Venom and symbiotes. Blood is minimal. Drug references are contextual (stopping drug dealers). No sexual content or nudity. The symbiote storyline gets psychologically dark with Peter's aggression, which could be intense for sensitive players but serves the narrative.

Enriching

81

Explores themes of responsibility, identity, friendship, and the corrupting nature of power through the symbiote arc. Miles and Peter's relationship models mentorship and partnership. Players make meaningful narrative choices. Side missions tackle real NYC issues (community support, helping neighbors). Combat requires strategic thinking and mastering varied abilities. The game rewards exploration and problem-solving while delivering a emotionally resonant story about sacrifice and what it means to be a hero.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely thrilling web-swinging that makes you feel like Spider-Man—the movement mechanics alone are worth it
Dual protagonists with distinct abilities and perspectives create varied gameplay and storytelling depth
Models heroism, mentorship, and choosing responsibility over power through Peter's symbiote corruption arc
No predatory monetization—just a complete, polished single-player experience
Tackles themes of identity, friendship, and what it costs to be a hero with emotional maturity

⚠

What to Watch For

Action violence is constant—punching, web attacks, boss fights get intense with Venom's frightening appearance
Symbiote storyline shows Peter becoming aggressive and darker, which serves the narrative but can be psychologically heavy
Mild language and drug references (stopping dealers, contextual mentions)
Some jump scares and horror-adjacent imagery when Venom appears—not gratuitous but genuinely creepy

Conversation Starters

"Peter gets more aggressive when wearing the symbiote—what would you do if something made you feel powerful but also changed who you are?"
"Miles and Peter have different approaches to being Spider-Man. Whose style do you relate to more and why?"
"The game shows how Kraven hunts for sport. What makes someone a hero versus a villain when they both think they're doing the right thing?"
"If you had to choose between keeping power that helps you protect people or giving it up because it's dangerous, what would you pick?"

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