The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014 video game)
Open-world Spider-Man sequel with a Hero-Menace morality system.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is a 2014 action-adventure game for Microsoft Windows, Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Wii U, and Xbox 360, with a digital-only Xbox One version and a separate mobile release for iOS, Android, and Windows Phone. Developed by Beenox, it follows the 2012 game 'The Amazing Spider-Man' and is set after the 2014 film, expanding on the movie's universe by weaving in extra characters and elements from Spider-Man comics and the wider Marvel Universe. It launched in North America on April 29 and in Europe on May 2, with physical Xbox One copies delayed by two weeks; a mobile version came out on April 17. Square Enix handled a Japanese localization released on multiple platforms. The game received mixed reviews, with critics targeting the plot, writing, repetitive combat, and the Hero-Menace morality system.
Players control Spider-Man in a third-person open world based on Manhattan, completing linear story missions while free to explore and take on random side activities between them. The Web-Rush mechanic from the previous game returns, now allowing critical strikes, dodges, and rolls. Combat uses a free-flow system with counterattacks, letting Spider-Man incapacitate enemies temporarily by throwing objects, then webbing them for good. Upgrades include ionic webbing to destroy metal armor and vibro blasts to stun foes. New enemy types include Brutes, Speeders, and Glider riders, each requiring specific tactics, though most can be taken down easily in stealth segments. Side missions—stopping crimes, car chases, gunfights, bomb disposal, rescuing civilians, and firefighting—are randomly generated. The Hero-Menace system tracks reputation: completing missions boosts hero status, while ignoring crimes makes Spider-Man a menace, which can cause Enhanced Crime Task Force officers to attack Spider-Man if his Hero rank is low enough, but not in all cases.
The map is larger than the predecessor and includes a fast-travel point to Peter Parker’s home in Queens, where players can equip alternate costumes (unlocked via Russian hideouts or DLC); mission replay is accessed from the main menu. A smartphone provides a map with real-time activity info and manages messages and upgrades. Missions now often occur outdoors and offer multiple approaches, letting players fight all enemies or use stealth. Stealth improvements allow tak
- Developer
- Beenox
- Publisher
- Gameloft (mobile), Square Enix (Japan, multi-platform)
- Platforms
- Microsoft Windows, Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Wii U, Xbox 360, Xbox One (digital), iOS, Android, Windows Phone
- Release Date
- April 29, 2014 (North America), May 2, 2014 (Europe); mobile version April 17, 2014
- Genre
- Action-adventure, third-person, open world
- Metacritic Reception
- Generally mixed reviews
Lore & Background
The game follows Peter Parker, who has been fighting crime as Spider-Man for a year, motivated by the death of his Uncle Ben. He tracks down criminal Dennis Carradine, but Carradine is killed by the 'Carnage Killer', a serial killer targeting other criminals. Spider-Man vows to capture the killer. Meanwhile, Spider-Man stops Schultz's gang and the Russian Mob from raiding Oscorp for advanced weapons, rescues engineer Max Dillon, and defeats Schultz, who calls himself 'Shocker'. Harry Osborn and Wilson Fisk fund the Enhanced Crime Task Force to contain criminals and vigilantes. Spider-Man is ambushed by Krave
Reader's Guide
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is significant as a licensed tie-in game that expands the film's narrative with comic-book elements, though it received generally mixed reviews. Critics particularly criticized the plot, writing, repetitive combat, and the Hero-Menace morality system. The game introduced a subway system allowing travel to Peter Parker's home in Queens, which serves as a hub for replaying missions and equipping alternate costumes. The Web-Rush mechanic from the predecessor was expanded to include critical strikes, dodges, and rolls. New enemy types—Brutes, Speeders, and Glider riders—required specific tactics. The Hero-Menace system affected gameplay: failing to respond to crimes made Spider-Man a 'Menace', triggering Enhanced Crime Task Force officers who attacked on sight and disabled web shooters. The game's legacy lies in its attempt to blend film and comic lore, though its mixed reception highlighted challenges in adapting superhero films into games. The mobile version, released earlier by Gameloft, and the Japanese PlayStation-exclusive localization by Square Enix, extended its reach.
Did You Know?
- The game's plot includes the Carnage Killer, Cletus Kasady, who is experimented on with a red substance called 'Venom'.
- The Hero-Menace system causes Enhanced Crime Task Force officers to attack Spider-Man on sight if his reputation drops too low.
- Players can travel to Peter Parker's home in Queens via a subway system, which serves as a hub for replaying missions and equipping alternate costumes.
- The Xbox One version was released digitally alongside other platforms, but physical copies were delayed by two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014 video game)?
It is a 2014 action-adventure sequel created by Beenox that picks up where the 2012 game left off, set across an open-world Manhattan and packed with extra Marvel characters beyond the 2014 film's roster.
What are Spider-Man's powers/role in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014 video game)?
Players take on Peter Parker with web-slinging traversal, wall-crawling, and a full combat toolkit, while a Hero-Menace morality system lets choices reshape how the city's citizens treat the web-head.
How does The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014 video game)'s story end?
The narrative wraps up by having Spider-Man put a stop to the main antagonists threatening New York, bringing closure to the arc that started in the 2012 predecessor.
Why is The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014 video game) important?
It introduced a dynamic Hero-Menace morality system to the open-world Spider-Man formula, meaning player decisions visibly change NPC reactions and the overall tone of the city rather than just triggering a score.
What platforms is The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014 video game) available on?
The game shipped on PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One (digital-only), Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, and PC, with a standalone mobile build for iOS, Android, and Windows Phone.
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