New Interviews Reveal PS5 Spider-Man 2 Map Size and Character Switch Dynamic

After an epic gameplay reveal for Spider-Man 2 at the 2023 PlayStation showcase, new information on the latest web-slinging adventure is immensely sought after. The new footage boasts new areas and an interesting character switch reveal, but raises the question: what will the PS5 Spider-Man 2 map size be, and what’s the system for switching between Miles and Peter?

In separate interviews with Eurogamer and Gematsu, Spider-Man 2 creative director Bryan Intihar and game director Ryan Smith answered everyone’s burning questions and shared some exciting new gameplay details.

When speaking with Gematsu, Spider-Man 2 creative director Bryan Intihar had this to say about the size of the map in Spider-Man 2:

“We’ve added Queens and Brooklyn this time, so roughly speaking map size is about two times larger than the previous titles. Since these two areas are somewhat smaller and residential, we think you’ll find them different from Manhattan. We’ve prepared some unexpected situations we haven’t done before, like a battle on the river between two of the cities, so I hope you’ll look forward to them.”

—Bryan Intihar speaking with Gematsu

An expanded map is not only welcome news but a necessity at this point in the franchise. Spider-Man and Spider-Man: Miles Morales are stellar games in their own regard, but because both share the same map in all except a small seasonal variance, fans were due for an upgrade. Queens and Brooklyn are both vastly different environments than Manhattan, which will undoubtedly lead to more fun exploration in Spider-Man 2.

Arguably the biggest question about this game following the reveal at the PlayStation showcase is the dual Spider-Man dynamic. Both Spider-Man and Spider-Man: Miles Morales are centrally focused on their titular characters, what’s it going to be like to have them share the spotlight in the same game? Intihar elaborated on this when speaking to Eurogamer:

“When you’re playing the main story, we control when you switch between Pete and Miles…it’s done in service to the story when we’re making those switches, for sure. So, as you saw on that gameplay reveal, which is a segment of the main story, we are pre-determining those based on what we want to do for how the story plays out.”

—Bryan Intihar speaking with Eurogamer

This makes perfect sense, but it doesn’t tell the full story. Having the game decide how the campaign plays out is nothing new for this franchise, as players are more along for the ride in a very linear, albeit marvelous story. What sets these games apart is the free-roam aspect and the feeling of pure nirvana when you’re swinging around New York City. Bryan Intihar also shared how open-world gameplay will work in Spider-Man 2:

“We have content designed around Peter, we have content designed around Miles, and we have content where you can play either. You’ll be able to—in the open world—freely switch between them with a simple button press.”

—Bryan Intihar speaking with Eurogamer

Intihar went on to detail how awesome it is to switch back and forth between your favorite characters and participate in activities designed specifically for them. This is setting up to be an absolute paradise for Spider-Man fans.

One of these games’ defining traits is the advanced combat that builds out as you expand upon each character’s skill tree. It takes the majority of each game to max out Miles and Peter’s respective skill trees, so how can we expect the dual dynamic to work? Game director Ryan Smith answered this question, putting any potential worry to rest:

“We want to make sure that when you do switch between the heroes, there’s a sense of familiarity. They’re both Spider-Man, you know how to play the game, but you still have that flexibility in that customization for upgrading each of them with their skill trees. We saw in the gameplay reveal where Miles has the evolved Venom powers, whereas Peter has the Symbiote abilities. And so those, those change a bit of how you play, and you can upgrade those in their respective trees as well.”

—Game director Ryan Smith speaking with Eurogamer

This is exciting news. The detail of the previous games’ skill trees pales in comparison to the symbiote suit and upgraded venom powers—the Spider-Man 2 skill trees are sure to be crafted to perfection. Given the sheer magnitude of this game, it’s likely we’ll see players forced to choose a certain play style for both characters, with the freedom to use whatever they like upon completing the game and unlocking New Game+.