Insomniac Games have announced that Marvel's Spider-Man 2, the third sequel to their much successful Marvel's Spider-Man, will not feature a Co-Op mode and that the game will be designed as a single-player experience. This announcement came just a few days after the trailer's release, which showcased Miles and Peter facing off against the fan-favorite villain, Venom.
Though disappointing, the announcement was not all that surprising. Some fans were desperate for a new co-op mode since it would have expanded the game/franchise, thereby making it seem more like a multiplayer and less like a strict single-player. Others prefer the single-player mode, as it gives Insomniac the chance to improve upon the design and gameplay aspects of their previous Spider-Man games.
10 It Should Be Co-Op: Insomniac Could Amp Up The Difficulty
Though Insomniac's Spider-Man games can be difficult at times, it's not Dark Souls. If Co-Op were introduced then the producers could implement a harder game setting that would be specific to the mode. Not only would this provide a nice challenge for those who found the previous games too easy, but it would also incentivize gamers to play with their friends and family.
Enduring a challenging game with a companion makes the gaming experience that much more enjoyable. It could be like Portal 2, in the sense that the single-player aspects are amped up when in a two-person group.
9 It Should Be Single-Player: Implementing Co-Op Won't Be Simple
As fun as Co-Op would be, there are some vital gaming elements that Insomniac need to consider if they were to truly implement a noteworthy Co-Op mode into their Spider-Man 2 game. Unlike a shooter, Spider-Man is a very story-driven game, so the Co-Op mode would have to seamlessly blend in with the gameplay and story. This is a bit difficult since the story, up until this point, revolves around either Peter and Miles and their solo adventures around New York.
If Co-Op were implemented, the characters would always have to be near one another. So unless Insomniac wanted to make them a hero and sidekick pair, the Co-Op wouldn't really work with the story and characters. Likewise, if Co-Op were in the game, the developers would need to consider if local, online, or a combo of both Co-Op modes would be ideal.
8 It Should Be Co-Op: Co-Op Would Put The Game In The Middle Ground Between A Single-Player And A Multiplayer
What attracts most gamers to Co-Ops is that it's the middle ground between a strict single-player and an exclusive multiplayer. In a Co-Op, gamers get the immersive storytelling that traditionally comes with single-players, while also having the option to indulge in aspects of a multiplayer.
Likewise, it also helps to eradicate some of the most common issues that come with either a strict single-player or a strict multiplayer. Gamers won't have to worry about the game becoming too dull- since the single-player could turn into a multiplayer at any time, and it wouldn't isolate the solo gamers. Making them feel inferior to those who spend hours on the game, as many people who play multiplayers can understand.
7 It Should Be Single-Player: Co-Op Could Mess Up The Design
The ambiance that Insomniac was trying to create with the first two Spider-Man games was a feeling of superiority and adventure. Players got to travel around the boroughs of New York, beating up bad guys, exploring landmarks, and doing Taskmaster challenges. It was very much an adventure game. Because Insomniac's Spider-Man games are fighters, adding a Co-Op mode would make the game feel less like an adventure and more like a traditional Beat' em up.
For most fans, this would be a deal-breaker since it would be taking away a vital aspect of the franchise. Marvel's Spider-Man very much builds upon the classic Spider-Man 2 and the Arkham series so adding a Co-Op would be taking the franchise in an entirely new direction.
6 It Should Be Co-Op: A Co-Op Would Better Incorporate Peter And Miles Into The Game
From the initial trailer, it looks as though a big selling point for Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is that Peter and Miles will finally be in the game together, both as Spider-Man. They'll likely be teaming up to face off against Venom. Because of this, the game just screams Co-Op. There would be no easier way to incorporate both characters equally into the game than by making them playable.
Instead of just one main character, it will be two. Like most other games with two protagonists, a Co-Op mode would seemingly make the most sense.
5 It Should Be A Single-Player: A New Co-Op Mode Might Take Away From The Other Elements
Implementing a Co-Op mode might create some seen, and unseen, consequences/problems for the game overall. The situation might become analogous with the Batmobile in the Arkham Knight game. Fans were eager to drive the Batmobile, and most were demanding a playable Batmobile since the first game. Fans got what they wanted in Arkham Knight but at a price. The Batmobile was overused and made everything, including the Batmobile fights, tedious and boring.
Insomniac might have dodged a bullet here since implementing a Co-Op mode might have taken away from the more important elements of the game, like the story, the gameplay, and the graphics.
4 It Should Be A Co-op: Co-op Mode Could Create More Opportunities For Newer Features, Puzzles, And Activities
An essential aspect of any worthwhile single-player game is the side activities/quests. The previous Insomniac Spider-Man games had tons of things to do besides the main story mission, so adding a Co-Op would only help to expand the activities list. Co-Op could mean multiplayer puzzles, missions specific to the Co-Op, and challenges designed for two players.
A Co-Op mode would not only add more activities to the game but also could make the game feel more comprehensive. Insomniac could have added new web-slinging obstacle races for Co-Op, and endless fight mode where players face off against waves of enemies, or even more difficult puzzles and landmark challenges.
3 It Should Be A Single-Player: The Player Can Play As Both Miles And Peter
Since Peter and Miles will both be center stage in this game, it is inevitable that the player will get to play as both. The game will likely either incorporate a character switchback mechanic, similar to the Lego games (or at least very close to) or implement character-specific chapters.
The player won't have to pick between the better or worse character, they won't have to sideline their favorite character to friends, families, or strangers, and they'll get to experience the game from both perspectives. Choosing which character to play can have a great effect on your experiences with the game.
2 It Should Be A Co-Op: More Fun Playing Spider-Man With Others
Simply put, there's something extra special and fun about playing video games with friends. The experience is quite indescribable and something that can't be replicated in a single-player game. A Co-Op Spider-Man game would be especially fun. Spider-Man's come such a long way since his debut in 1962 and has become a trademark character for Marvel and Sony.
He's an every man's superhero. Because of this, having the opportunity to experience a shared love for Spider-Man, through a video game, would do wonders for the franchise and for the existing fanbase.
1 It Should Be A Single-Player: Insomniac Knows How To Make Good Single-Player Games
Though Insomniac is primarily known for Spider-Man, they've produced some great single-player hits. They were the company that produced the Spyro the Dragon and the Ratchet & Clank games, both wildly successful PlayStation hits. Although capable of making Co-Op games, their bread and butter has always been single-player games.
Likewise, their Spider-Man games were single-players, and it's worked well for the franchise, so why change the formula? As great as a Co-Op mode would be, Insomniac should stick to what they know best.