Releasing alongside Sony’s console later this fall,Spider-Man: Miles Moraleswill be a standalone story in the same universe as Marvel’sSpider-Manon PS4. Mixed comments between a Sony executive and Insomniac Games led people to be confused as to whether or not this game would be DLC or a standalone game, but the truth is thatSpider-Man: Miles Morales' length is ideal for a specific reason.
While the length of the game is often compared toUncharted: Lost LegacyorHalo 3: ODST,Spider-Man: Miles Moralesshouldn’t disappoint fans because it’s likely a tie-in to the true numberedSpider-Mansequel. Based on the ending of the first game, it’s clear that there’s moreSpider-Manin store, but dedicating an entire story to Miles' character first makes a lot of sense. Plus, it’s also an indication of what’s potentially to come in the mainline sequel later on.
Miles Morales' Time to Shine
Towards the end of Marvel’sSpider-Manon PS4, the game teases that Miles Morales will eventually get his own Spidey-powers at some point. This is solidified with the scene of Peter moving into his new apartment, and Miles shows Peter his newly acquired agility, as well as his eagerness for training in the DLC. This is obviously a nod towards what’s to come, but many fans were surprised to see Miles receive his own standalone game inSpider-Man: Miles Morales. Many fans figured Miles Morales would presumably show up inSpider-Man 2, which on all accounts is still likely, but forMiles to get his own standalone release was a welcome surprise.
Miles getting his own story on the PS5 is such a clever idea for a number of reasons. Miles Morales is one of the most adored iterations ofSpider-Manin the character’s history, evidenced most recently byInto The Spiderverse’s massive success. Miles getting his own story to tie into the similar success ofSpider-Manon PS4 is perfect for the character. Miles gets the respect and story treatment he deserves, untethered from Peter Parker’s story to give Miles his opportunity to become the web-slinging hero. Not only that, but it’s the perfect way to re-acclimate players toSpider-Mangameplay before the assumed sequel to Peter’s story comes out on PS5.
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The Future of Spider-Man
There’s also the question of whetherSpider-Man: Miles Moralesis meant to be a taste of what’s to comein the next mainlineSpider-Mangame as well. With the tease at the end of the first game, fans likely assumed that Miles would either be a playable character or heavily involved in the nextSpider-Mangame’s story. This could still remain true, even thoughSpider-Man: Miles Moraleswill be a standalone game. One interesting theory is that this could potentially lead into multiple playable protagonists in the next mainlineSpider-Mangame, akin to that ofGrand Theft Auto 5. A more apt comparison would be the duality betweenInfamous: Second SonandInfamous: First Light.
ForSpider-Man: Miles Morales, fans only know for sure that Peter Parker is indisposedfor some reason, and that Miles needs to become Spider-Man in the meantime. Despite not knowing why, it does serve as a proper justification for not only Miles to flex his skills as the hero, but also opens up the possibility for him as a playable character in the next sequel. Considering his relationship with Peter based on the first game, why else would Miles be given the reigns to Spider-Man unless he’s going to be involved in the conflict moving forward. It would make sense assuming the next threat is exactly what was teased inSpider-ManPS4’s post-credits scene.
Embodying Spider-Man as Miles Morales in a standalone game would be the perfect lead up to both him and Peter fighting a common enemy in the mainline sequel.Both Peter and Miles embody a very different version of Spider-Man, one that’s not a sidekick of the other in any way. They’re two very independent versions of the hero that exists in two different timelines, but in PS4’sSpider-Manthey exist in the same universe. It’s an interesting dynamic, one that hopefully doesn’t relegate Miles into a partner role for Peter. Both are iconic version of Spider-Man that both deserve their time in the spotlight, somethingSpider-Man: Miles Moralesseems to be hinting at.
