It’s no secret that Marvel’s 2018Spider-ManPS4game was a massive hit. For years, fans waited for a new-gen game featuring the famous web-slinger, and Sony and Marvel’s collaborative gem certainly delivered. Not only were they successful in making an impeccable singular Spider-Man game, but also in establishing a new and profitable franchise of the future.
RELATED:Ranked: The 10 Best Spider-Man Video Games Of All Time
A sequel, which would likely release alongside the Playstation 5, is inevitable. As it is probably in production already, the game’s creators have a difficult decision as to who the protagonist will be. Will they stick with the standard Peter Parker, or will they utilize the already-established Miles Morales as he truly begins his journey as Spider-Man. With both characters carrying extensive lists of pros and cons along with them, here, we’ll take a look at reasons why each should be the protagonist.
10Miles Morales: A More Experienced Miles
No matter the protagonist of theSpider-Mansequel, the game will introduce a version of Miles Morales we’ve yet to see. As he trains under the wing of Peter Parker, we’ll likely see him eventually adopt the title of Spider-Man and, hopefully, his iconic suit as well.
While Miles' web-swinging and fighting styles will undoubtedly be less smooth and calculated than Peter’s were in the first game, we’ll still be presented with plenty of opportunities to play as Miles as he jumps into action. Watching Miles learn under Peter and become Spider-Man will be a main component of the sequel, just as it helped close out the first game. It would certainly be interesting to watch Miles' journey unfold with him as the protagonist, while Peter serves as his mentor.
9Peter Parker: Expanding On What We Already Have
One easy argument to make on the behalf of Peter Parker remaining the game’s protagonist is that it would be simple to build on the story Sony and Marvel have already put in motion. We were introduced to an experienced and developed Spider-Man in the 2018 game, with his dual lives constantly clashing around him. With such a rich and spectacular story already in place for Peter Parker, it may be easier for the sequel to pick up where he last left off. Overall, it may be an easier route for them to keep the same protagonist and let the story unfold through his eyes.
8Miles Morales: Building A Potential Spiderverse
The success and popularity of the 2018 hit filmSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Versehas undoubtedly brought Miles Morales into the mainstream. They use Miles as the centerpiece of building a multiverse filled with spider-people, bringing them together into one.
RELATED:5 Reasons Spider-Man PS4 Is The Best Superhero Game (& 5 Why It’s Batman: Arkham City)
So, what’s to say they wouldn’t use the character in a similar manner for the sequel? He presents an opportunity to introduce more spider-based characters into the Marvel gaming universe. To see Gwen Stacy’s Spider-Gwen would be pretty spectacular and only help build Miles' story. It’s a stretch, but using Miles as the protagonist may set up a chance for the multiverse to be further explored in the game.
7Peter Parker: A Never-Before-Seen Spider-Man
TheSpider-ManPS4 sequel could very well give us a uniquely new Peter Parker. The first game portrayed him after years of being Spider-Man, filled with knowledge and experience that made his every move graceful as ever.
That only means that Peter’s next appearance will take that to the next level. Hopefully, we see an even more evolved Spider-Man, equipped with some more advanced tech and potentially even some kind of personal lab or lair. Again, it’s a stretch to believe that a relatively broke Peter Parker is capable of all that, but it’s a fun thought to consider.
6Miles Morales: In Need of an Upgrade
It wouldn’t make much sense for the developers at Marvel, Sony, and Insomniac Games to build up the story of Miles Morales in the first game just to keep him as a side character in the sequel. Miles is deserving and in desperate need of an upgrade. Whether that be more time on-screen with more developed gameplay, or simply expanding his story and showing him become Spider-Man, it needs to happen. We can all expect more for Miles in theSpider-Mansequel. How that will take shape exactly, we’re still not sure but it’ll be a major focus, nonetheless.
5Peter Parker: Villain Potential
There’s no question that Peter Parker has a much deeper pool of villains for the game to bring to life. In the first, we saw him go up against key members of the Sinister Six such as Doc Ock, Vulture, and Rhino among others, and that’s only scratching the surface. There are still so many excellent villains of Peter Parker’s Spider-Man to choose from.
From the cliffhanger the first game ended on, it’s clear that the sequel is going to feature, in some form, either one of or both Venom and the Green Goblin; two characters that Peter Parker has a rich history with. That still means we could see any number of other villains including Mysterio, Kraven the Hunter, Carnage, and so many more. If Peter is to remain the protagonist, we’re only going to see a better roster of villains for him and Miles to take on during the sequel.
4Miles Morales: A Fascinating Story to Tell
Even though we’ve seen a good deal of Miles Morales' story, from the death of his father to acquiring his powers, there’s still so much more to tell. It’ll be interesting to see if they take the approach of Miles' uncle Aaron Davis, the Prowler, as that is one of the more interesting aspects of his story and one that was made wildly popularInto the Spider-Verse. Whatever angle they do end up taking on Miles' story, it would be unarguably easier to tell with him in the role of the protagonist.
3Peter Parker: Connecting the Marvel Gaming Universe
As more and more superhero games start to emerge and thrive, you have to wonder whether or not we’re on our way to a connected Marvel gaming universe.Spider-ManPS4 in itself alluded to a number of other Marvel heroes including the Avengers, Doctor Strange, and Black Panther.
RELATED:10 Spider-Man PS4 Spin-Offs We Need Right Now
If Marvel gaming is planning on creating a massive connected universe, it’d make the most sense to bring Spider-Man into that universe in the form of Peter Parker. In the unlikely event that theSpider-Mansequel does draw more connections to other Marvel games, such as the upcomingAvengersgame, they’ll want to keep Peter as the protagonist. His maturity and experience as a hero make him a much more realistic connection to a group like the Avengers.
2Miles Morales: Marketing Miles
As we already touched on earlier, Miles Morales has become a more popular character over the past couple of years. From both theSpider-Mangame and as the main character inSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, people are starting to familiarize themselves with Miles Morales. That means his role in theSpider-ManPS4 sequel is going to draw a lot of attention. If they choose to elevate his role in the game to that of the protagonist, the game would arguably be much more marketable. Regardless of if he’s the protagonist or not, Miles will likely earn a spot on the cover of the game and serve as a marketing tool, hopefully in his suit, alongside Peter.
1Peter Parker: Significant Storylines
This shouldn’t come as a surprise, butPeter Parker has so many more storiesfor the sequel to explore. From the symbiote storyline to the Clone Saga, Peter Parker’s Spider-Man is at the heart of some of the best Spidey narratives. With Peter Parker as the protagonist of the sequel game, they’re more likely to dive into some of those storylines, which would make the game all the better.
In the end, either Peter or Miles would work well in the protagonist role. Both offer plenty of potential storylines and new characters for the sequel to show off, but as long as we see the two fighting side by side in their iconic costumes, there’s really not much more we can ask for.
