Spider-Man 2 Game Swings into Action with an Epic Storyline, Still Some Mixed Feelings Over Character Changes- NO Spoilers

By: Abby Jensen

Published: October 23, 2023

The web-slinger is back in action as Spider-Man 2, the highly anticipated open world video game, was released on Friday, October 20, 2023 for the Playstation 5. While the game has been hailed for its captivating storyline, this gamer can't help but express mixed emotions about the significant changes in character appearances, especially for Peter Parker.

Thrilling Storyline, Mixed Feeling on Past Character Changes

Spider-Man 2 continues the tradition of delivering an enthralling narrative that plunges players into the heart of the Marvel Universe. As players swing through an intricately designed open-world of New York City, they confront new challenges and formidable villains that have captivated both critics and fans. 

However, the noticeable change in the appearance of the game's characters has been a point of contention. The alterations to Peter Parker's CGI character is a departure from the previous depictions in the first Sony Spider-Man game. While players were already introduced to these changes in the previous Sony Spider-Man Miles Morales game, the adjustment is still met with disappointment by some fans who were attached to the original character designs. 

A Tale of Two Parkers

Notwithstanding these changes, it's important to acknowledge the brilliance of the performances of the actors behind the characters: John Bubniak, replaced by Ben Jordan. Both Peter Parker portrayals are excellent, breathing life into the beloved superhero. 

John Bubniak: Spider-Man's model in the first game

Ben Jordan: Spider-Man 2's model

My personal suggestion to Sony would be to allow players to choose their preferred Peter Parker appearances, similar to selecting a skin in other games. This could be a way to respect both actors and provide an incentive for gamers to replay the game with their preferred character model as well as the other. 

Swinging Through a Fantastic Experience

Setting aside the character appearance changes, Spider-Man 2 offers an immersive and enjoyable experience that retains all the elements fans have come to live from the previous Spider-Man games. The game seamlessly continues the narrative from the previous two games.

Even if you haven't played the Spider-Man Miles Morales game, you'll find it easy to follow the plot of Spider-Man 2. However, it's definitely worth noting that Spider-Man Miles Morales is a great game in its own right and worth exploring.

The gamer's soundtrack adds to the overall enjoyment, complementing a storyline filled with new and intriguing villains to the game, found in the comics. The graphics are top-notch and meticulously executed, demonstrating the evident passion and craftsmanship that went into the game's development, done by Insomnia. With every new game there are some 'bugs' where you will need to close out of the game and restart it. Not to worry, your progress will save, unlike the monstrous glitch that was in Hogwarts Legacy game. 

Get the game!

In spite of the mixed feelings surrounding the character changes, Spider-Man 2 offers a thrilling and enjoyable gaming experience that builds upon the legacy of its predecessors. If you were hesitant about picking up this game, take it as a sign to swing into action and enjoy an entertaining evening or weekend with one of the most iconic superheroes of all time. 

Spotlight on David Tennant at New York Comic Con Main Stage- Overstuffed!

 

New York Comic Con brought out the star power as David Tennant took the stage with a gleam of excitement in his eyes, ready to engage with his fans. The panel was a unique opportunity for attendees to get to know the actor behind some of their favorite roles. The atmosphere was especially electric considering the ongoing writer's strike, which left no room for comments or questions on newly created content. 

During the panel, one amusing moment was when Tennant was asked to choose his favorite New York style food -- bagels, pizza, or cheesecake. With a laugh, he noted that any choice would disappoint two-thirds of the population, but he eventually settled on overstuffed bagels, emphasizing the need for them to be really overstuffed. 

Tennant shared his excitement about his upcoming role as Macbeth at the Landmark Theatre in Philadelphia, running from November 14th to 18th. He revealed that he had been working on it just that morning, understanding the unique challenges of bringing a supernatural play like Macbeth to the stage. 

When asked about which other character he'd like to play, Tennant joked about Lady Macbeth, but quickly stated the importance of such roles being played by talented women, showing his respect for gender-appropriate casting. 

Tennant also discussed the beauty of Shakespearean plays, highlighting how different actors can bring unique interpretations to the same material, providing audiences with fresh perspectives and experiences. 

The topic then shifted to whether Tennant had seen any recent theater productions, but he admitted that he couldn't go as often as he'd like due with having his children. 

When asked about the possibilities of doing a musical, Tennant expressed interest but also humility, acknowledged that he might not have the singing talent of performers like Idina Menzel in Wicked.

When asked about his name, Tennant took a trip down memory lane when discussing his choice of the stage name 'Tennant,' revealing that he orginally considered 'David Brandon' before settling on his last name inspired by Neil Tennant of The Pet Shop Boys. The Screen Actors Guild required him to formally change his name if he wanted to keep the name Tennant, so David MacDonald became David Tennant. He was getting married, adopting his son, and expecting a daughter all simaltaneously; so his family followed suit in adopting the name 'Tennant'.

The actor reminisced about his lockdown project, the TV comedy series 'Staged', filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic. He, Michael Sheen, and others found solace in working on the virtual series and were thrilled by the positive response from viewers.

Tennant also spoke about his role in the audiobook 'How to Train Your Dragon, sharing the story of how he returned to the project after doing the original audiobook, after twenty years. "Yes, I am impossibly young! I was ten then," he jokes. He praised the books, particularly for 8-9 year olds. 

Reflecting on his career, Tennant expressed gratitude for the diverse media he has worked in, calling it a "real treat." He explained that he doesn't always get to choose his roles, as they are often based on practical factors, like proximity to his family and if the role feels right.

Discussing his drama school experience, Tennant valued the sense of community but also noted the lack of practical life skills taught in drama schools, like managing taxes and fame. 

As for his foray into the podcast world, Tennant felt like an imposter, as he is not a journalist, but enjoyed it nonetheless. He acknowledged the oversaturated market and humbly blushed at an audience member's enthusiastic support. 

When the audience changed for him to write a book, Tennant playfully protested, claiming the book would be too boring and it would feel like doing homework. 

When asked what advice he would give to the audience, Tennant initially appeared stumped, but what followed was a refreshingly candid and relatable response. 

With a furrowed brow, Tennant began by humbly stating that he didn't believe he had much valuable advice to offer. He even humorously admitted to struggling with tasks as mundane as tying his shoes. However, an idea suddenly struck him, as he seized the moment to share a piece of wisdom. 

Looking down at his feet, Tennant made it explicitly clear that he was not paid to make this statement, and he humorously quipped, "This is not an advert!" As he peered down at his Niky shoes he got for Christmas, he stated in low excited tone: "These shoes are really comfortable." Tennant's face brightened as he emphasized, "Good shoes do make a difference. Strive for a comfortable shoe!"

David Tennant's engaging and candid panel at New York Comic Con offered fans a glimpse into the life and personality of the beloved actor, leaving them with a deeper appreciation for his diverse career and down-to-earth nature. 

NYC Comic Con 2023: A Familiar Yet Challenging Year for Fans and Vendors

By Abby Jensen

Published: October 12, 2023

Manhattan, New York City

Comic Con, the annual mecca for fans of comics, movies, TV shows, and pop culture, returned for its 2023 edition, but this time, there was a noticeable shift in the atmosphere. While the show floor and artist alley remained as vibrant as ever, the prevailing economic challenges have cast a shadow over the convention's traditional appeal. 

Familiar Faces on the Show Floor: 

As attendees wandered through the bustling show floor and artist alley, they were greeted by a sight that had become all too familiar. Booths were brimming with an array of merchandise, from vintage comics to limited-edition collectibles, all echoing the nostalgia and enthusiasm that Comic Con is known for. However, beneath this surface, something was notably different. 

Economic Struggles Loom: 

The primary divergence this year was the harsh economic reality many attendees faced. With financial burdens weighing heavily on people's minds, the allure of purchasing items that could be easily found on e-commerce platforms like Amazon or eBay at a fraction of the cost seemed to have waned. The common sentiment appeared to be that with every dollar spent at Comic Con, one less dollar could be allocated to essential expenses like bills and groceries. 

Diminished Interest in Familiar Offerings: 

In the midst of this economic turmoil, attendees seemed less inclined to explore each booth in detail. The enthusiasm for items that frequently grace Comic Con, year after year, was at an all-time low. With the struggle to make ends meet overshadowing the joy of collecting, many visitors opted for a more cursory experience of the show floor, bypassing the meticulous examination of items that had once fueled their passion and looking for photo opportunities of themselves in front of scenic backgrounds or of other Cosplayers whose costumes they admired. 

Familiarity Breeds Disinterest: 

One recurring sentiment among returning Comic Con goers was that, for those who had attended multiple times, the show floor had begun to feel repetitive. The feeling of "seen it all before" permeated the convention, making the novelty of exploring the vendor booths less appealing. For these attendees, the show floor held significance primarily if they were in search of a specific item or sought to assess the quality of a product before purchase. 

A Glimmer of Hope: 

Despite the challenges, Comic Con remained a source of connection and community for fans. Cosplayers continued to impress with their creativity, and panels and discussions offered valuable insights and entertainment. The convention's role as a gathering place for fans of all things pop culture remained unshaken, even in the face of economic hardships. 

 From the panel: "Geekspaces Assemble! Safe Spaces for our Marginalized Communities" featuring speakers: Amin Amat, Andre Frattino, Jennifer Yin Li, & Katie Pryde.

In conclusion, Comic Con 2023 provided an opportunity for fans to come together and celebrate their passions, but it was evident that economic woes had taken a toll on the traditional excitement associated with the show floor. While the convention retained its sense of community and inclusivity, attendees had to navigate the stark reality of balancing their love for pop culture with the pressing demands of their wallets.