WARNING: The following article contains spoiler's for Insomniac Games' Spider-Man, in stores now.
It has been only a little more than a week since Marvel's Spider-Man by developer Insomniac Games went on sale for PlayStation 4. The new superhero video game is so addictive that many gamers have already completed the game's story mode and earned all the unlockables. Now comes the wait for downloadable content -- also known as DLC -- to web-swing back into the exciting and emotional storyline and earn new suits for the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. The good news is, DLC called The City that Never Sleeps is on the way, and it consists of three new storylines: "The Heist" (October), "Turf Wars" (November) and "Silver Lining" (December). When all is said and done, a fourth DLC adventure should be added: Kraven's Last Hunt.
Created by writer J.M. DeMatteis and artist Mike Zeck, Kraven's Last Hunt is widely regarded as one of the Wall-Crawler's best storylines. Without blatantly spoiling it (after all, it's never too late to enjoy a good story for the first time), the character-driven conflict revolves around Kraven the Hunter finally defeating Spider-Man. It's a gripping, dark, emotional and occasionally trippy ride as the classic villain earns the victory he sought for so long.
RELATED: Marvel’s Spider-Man Game Is Actually the Best Spider-Man Movie
After seeing how Insomniac Games handled the story in Spider-Man, it's crystal clear a loose adaptation of DeMatteis and Zeck's epic comic book storyline can be accomplished in the video game. Not only would this tale add to Insomniac Games' new Spider-Man mythos, it would also add to the exciting gameplay.
Spider-Man's story was surprisingly mature. It featured all the heroism, laughter and heartwarming moments fans would expect from any great Spider-Man story, but it also took some shockingly heartbreaking turns as it dealt with a plot involving terrorist attacks and the loss of loved ones. For many versions of Spider-Man, Kraven's Last Hunt is simply too dark to properly adapt, but Spider-Man's compelling storyline proved it can handle the heavier and more twisted moments from the beloved comic. A story like Kraven's Last Hunt would feel right at home in this video game universe. It could include plenty of fun and heartwarming moments -- especially between Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson -- before the atmosphere does a total 180 and gives Spider-Man a conflict like he has never faced before.
The world in Spider-Man has everything needed to adapt the storyline. Kraven's half-brother, the Chameleon, exists in the video game world (he was name-dropped), and in the comics it was Chameleon who convinced Kraven to come to New York to deal with the Web-Slinger (the hero kept thwarting his plans). Furthermore, despite Spider-Man's history as a hero in the game's timeline, there was no mention of Kraven the Hunter and, as far as we can tell, no noticeable nod to the foe. Based on this, it means there's room for Insomniac Games to give Kraven the Hunter a noteworthy introduction and storyline. The game's sequel will (probably) focus heavily on the Green Goblin and include several other characters, but Kraven's story shouldn't be some side mission in the next game -- it deserves more than that.
Page 2: [valnet-url-page page=2 paginated=0 text='Playing As Kraven Could Open All-New Gameplay Opportunities']
The DLC's story could craft an engaging tale that includes taking down the Chameleon, the introduction (and defeat) of Kraven the Hunter, Spider-Man's loss and eventual rematch against Vermin and Kraven finally proving he's the "superior" Spider-Man before the hero swings back into action. A completely accurate adaptation of this narrative is an unrealistic expectation -- especially since Insomniac Games is crafting a new mythos that pays respect to the source material -- but a loose adaptation that includes key parts from the story is 100 percent doable and it would give the already great Spider-Man storyline even more emotional weight. The video game's story proved it's more than capable of telling a new version of the fan-favorite comic tale without watering it down.
RELATED: Spider-Man Fans Set Record for Largest Gathering of People Dressed as Spidey
This DLC could add to the game's map. The storyline could take gamers into the sewers of New York, add a zoo in Central Park and even bring gamers to an estate just outside of the city. As for the gameplay, traps throughout the city could offer quick-time events and the constant need to have your finger near the "O" button to dodge a plethora of projectiles like poison darts, nets, bolas, spears and much more. Boss battles against Chameleon, Vermin and Kraven can offer a variety of different challenges, especially since Spider-Man is destined to win his first fight with Kraven, but lose in the eventual rematch.
Gamers could once again step into Mary Jane Watson's shoes to investigate the Chameleon or Kraven's plans (as well as Peter's disappearance) and, eventually, they could play as Kraven as he slips into Spider-Man's suit and fights crime in his own way. The conflict with Mr. Negative and Scorpion in Spider-Man is evidence the game could handle some of Kraven's Last Hunt's trippy sequences as well. Of course, the DLC could also offer new suits, and maybe even a new gadget or two.
RELATED: You Can’t Punch Pedestrians in Marvel’s Spider-Man, But You Can Say Hi
As an added bonus, J. Jonah Jameson was initially a fan of Kraven, so that gives the developer the opportunity to deliver even more hilarious dialogue as he praises Kraven's arrival to the city and continues to blame Spider-Man for, well, just about everything in new episodes of Just the Facts with J. Jonah Jameson.
Spider-Man's surprisingly amazing storyline proves it could do a loose adaptation of Kraven's Last Hunt justice. Before Green Goblin presumably arrives as the Wall-Crawler's next big threat, DLC that revolves around an action-packed and emotional conflict with Kraven the Hunter would be well worth every penny.
Marvel’s Spider-Man is developed by Insomniac Games and published by Sony exclusively for the PlayStation 4. It is available for purchase at all major retailers now.