Minor spoilers ahead for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2TheMarvel’s Spider-Manfranchise has a lot of personality. The series' wholesome and creative identity shines through in its characters, humor, and small details like the in-game podcasts that will air as players swing through the city. If Insomniac wants to flesh out this particular detail in the sequel toMarvel’s Spider-Man 2, there’s an easy option available.
Although not everyNPC returns inSpider-Man 2, plenty of them do, including J. Jonah Jameson and Danika Hart, two in-game media producers occupying opposite ends of theSpider-Manin-universe content spectrum. J. Jonah Jameson famously detests the Spider-Men and attempts to paint them in the worst light possible, while Danika Hart is a bit more relaxed and paints the heroes in a more positive light. Both these podcasters serve as lighthearted comedic relief most of the time, otherwise they are giving some additional context about the events of the game’s story and how the people of NYC view Spider-Man. They are minor characters, but their inclusion is mostly appreciated by players, and they will likely return in the series' third entry. However, there is one more podcast Insomniac should add, and it would star Mary Jane Watson.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 3: Incorporating MJ’s “The New Normal” Podcast
It’s not entirely clear what roleMJ will play inSpider-Man 3, but it’s likely to involve her new career path, at least to some degree. After quitting the Bugle and disillusioned by the outlet’s poor commitment to journalistic integrity, MJ decides to start her own podcast, doing reporting her own way. Entitled “The New Normal,” the podcast aims to tell the story of a New York City that is rebuilding after the tumultuous events of the latest game.
Not much is known aboutThe New Normal, as it’s only introduced at the end of the game, but the way that Mary Jane describes it in cutscenes and on the Danikast make it seem like an NPR-style, boots on the ground podcast featuring interviews with everyday people. Overall, the podcast is a big step for the somewhatcontroversial MJ of theSpider-Mangames, and presents a unique opportunity for the next entry in the series.
Why The New Normal Is a No-Brainer for Marvel’s Spider-Man 3
Podcasts in theMarvel’s Spider-Mangames are effective and efficient methods of in-game storytelling, allowing for exposition and the delivery of additional context without taking the player out of gameplay. Giving MJ a podcast that would play intermittently throughout the game would accomplish this, while having an extra layer of familiarity with both the player and the Spider-Men. The podcast could also play intoPeter and MJ’s relationship dynamic, offering both moments of dramatic tension and comedic relief. Potential functions ofThe New Normalcould include:
Because Mary Jane is directly connected to the plot of theMarvel’s Spider-Mangames, her podcast episodes could carry more weight than those of Danika Hart or JJJ, who are firmly positioned as inconsequential side characters. If MJ continues to be relevant in the story ofMarvel’s Spider-Man, she will naturally have a unique perspective that can be expanded upon through the podcast. There were someexciting MJ missions inSpider-Man 2which, combined with the establishment ofThe New Normal, could set the foundation for a version of the character that is more important, interesting, and fleshed out inMarvel’s Spider-Man 3.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Spider-Men Peter Parker and Miles Morales face the ultimate test of strength inside and outside the mask as they fight to save the city, each other and the ones they love, from the monstrous Venom and the dangerous new symbiote threat.Explore an expansive Marvel’s New York with faster web-swinging and the all-new Web Wings, quickly switching between Peter and Miles to experience different stories, epic new abilities and high-tech gear.Wield Peter’s symbiote abilities and Miles’ explosive bio-electric powers in battle against new and iconic Marvel Super Villains – including an original take on a symbiote-infused Venom, the ruthless Kraven the Hunter, the volatile Lizard, and more from the Marvel Rogues’ Gallery.
