Spider-Man 2 – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Spider-Man 2

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

game2023

82%

WISE Score

85%

IGDB

Insomniac's best Spider-Man yet—web-slinging perfection with just enough Venom darkness to keep teens on their toes.

Spider-Man 2

game

2023

82%

WISE Score

85%

IGDB

Insomniac's best Spider-Man yet—web-slinging perfection with just enough Venom darkness to keep teens on their toes.

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Where to Play

PC/Steam

PlayStation

Screenwise Verdict

This is what a modern superhero game should be. Insomniac nails the power fantasy of web-slinging through NYC while delivering a story that actually has emotional weight. The dual-protagonist system keeps things fresh, and the expanded world feels alive and worth exploring.

The Teen rating is spot-on. There's violence, but it's comic-book style—punches, webs, and acrobatic takedowns rather than blood and gore. The real intensity comes from Venom, who brings genuine menace and some body horror that can be unsettling. If your 12-year-old handled the MCU Spider-Man movies, they'll be fine here.

No predatory monetization, no endless grind, just a complete game that respects your time. It's long (20-30 hours for the main story), but never feels padded. For teens who game, this is an easy recommend—exciting, well-crafted, and narratively satisfying without being preachy.

Age Fit

Best for ages 12 and up who can handle Teen-rated content. The superhero action is stylized rather than gratuitous, but Venom's body horror and some intense sequences make this too scary for younger kids. Teens and adults will appreciate the sophisticated storytelling and polished gameplay.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Rated T for Teen with blood, mild language, and violence that's consistent with superhero action. The game models heroism and responsibility through both Peter and Miles, who work to protect New York City. Combat is stylized rather than gratuitous, and the emotional tone balances serious stakes with Spider-Man's signature humor. Some darker moments with Venom may be intense for younger players, but overall the game maintains an age-appropriate superhero tone without excessive darkness or cynicism.

Imaginative

Insomniac delivers an expanded, highly interactive open-world New York that invites exploration and experimentation. The dual-protagonist system lets players switch between Peter and Miles, each with distinct abilities and combat styles, encouraging creative problem-solving. Web-swinging mechanics are fluid and expressive, giving players freedom in how they navigate the city. The game builds on Marvel lore while introducing fresh takes on classic villains like Kraven and Venom. Strong environmental storytelling and side missions add depth beyond the main narrative.

Safe

ESRB rated T for Teen with content descriptors for Blood, Drug Reference, Mild Language, and Violence. The violence is superhero-style combat without gore, though some sequences with Venom can be frightening with body horror elements. Parent reviews note occasional swearing and drug references but nothing excessive. The game has users interact online but no open chat or loot boxes (ESRB notes in-game purchases, though other sources suggest none). Some intense moments may be too scary for sensitive younger players, particularly Venom-related content. Overall safe for the teen audience it targets, but not for young kids.

Enriching

The game explores themes of responsibility, sacrifice, and the cost of heroism through both Peter and Miles' arcs. Players develop problem-solving skills through varied combat encounters and environmental puzzles. The narrative deals with complex relationships, moral choices, and the struggle between power and corruption (particularly with the symbiote storyline). Strong character development and emotional beats provide opportunities for empathy and reflection. The gameplay rewards skill mastery and strategic thinking. While primarily entertainment-focused, it offers meaningful takeaways about identity, friendship, and doing the right thing even when it's hard.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Dual protagonists (Peter and Miles) with distinct abilities make for varied, engaging gameplay that rewards experimentation
Expanded open-world NYC with fluid web-swinging mechanics that genuinely feel like being Spider-Man
Strong narrative about responsibility, sacrifice, and identity that goes beyond typical superhero fare
Critically acclaimed with an IGDB rating of 85/100—this is polished, AAA game design at its best
No loot boxes, no predatory monetization, just a complete single-player experience

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What to Watch For

Venom sequences can be genuinely frightening with body horror elements and intense imagery—not for sensitive or younger kids
Stylized violence throughout, including blood and combat against human enemies (though not graphic)
Some drug references and mild language scattered through the story
Darker emotional moments and themes of loss that may hit hard for some players

Conversation Starters

"If you had superpowers like Peter or Miles, what responsibility would feel hardest to handle?"
"The symbiote makes Peter more powerful but also more aggressive—have you ever felt like something good for you also brought out a worse side?"
"Both Spider-Men have to balance their hero life with personal relationships. How do you think about balancing different parts of your life?"
"Kraven hunts for the 'ultimate prey'—what do you think drives someone to always need a bigger challenge?"

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