Gaming

Spider-Man 2 review: Twice the Spidey, twice the fun

Comes out swinging

Published

October 16, 2023

Rodneil Quiteles

WARNING: POTENTIAL MILD SPOILERS AHEAD FOR MARVEL’S SPIDER-MAN 2.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is a balancing act that Insomniac Games could have easily fumbled. Instead, what we get is another carefully weaved web of set pieces, heart-wrenching moments, and bombastic action.

Like usual, our Spider heroes find themselves in situations where being the hero gets in the way of their everyday lives. What ensues is an epic adventure that will likely live rent-free in the minds of web-heads across the world.

Falling… with style

Let’s start with the most exciting addition to traversal — the Web Wings. As shown in previous gameplay and cinematic trailers, moving through the expanded New York map in Spider-Man 2 is now aided by Web Wings which both Peter and Miles have. And yes, it really is just falling with style (credit: Buzz Lightyear).

While in the air, you simply press the triangle button and deploy the Web Wings. Navigating can be tricky at first. By default, you pull the left stick down to gain altitude, and you push it up to dive down. You can change this on the settings, of course, but I decided to stick with the default.

Using the Web Wings is a lot slower than swinging. But there are certain moments and areas in the map where it just makes more sense to glide than swing. It’s also integrated in how fast travel works and is a really clever implementation.

As you play, you’ll get more traversal options to extend your gliding. I found it a really chill way to get around town. More than what it does in this game, Insomniac might have unlocked a “flight mechanic” they can implement in other titles, perhaps with other marvel heroes with that ability.

Swinging felt as good as it did as the previous two games. In fact, it feels like you swing further and faster even when you haven’t unlocked those skill boosts yet.

Yes, you can turn down the swing assist. I personally didn’t enjoy that experience especially when I tried it during main story missions. You’re already juggling a lot as it is. I didn’t want to add worrying about swinging to that list, especially while under a deadline.

Frenetic, kinetic, dynamic

As strong as Spider-Man is, the character is more known for guile and agility in battle. That’s even more true in Spider-Man 2 than in the two previous games. Here, you’ll encounter mobs after mobs of enemies, each needing to be dealt with in different ways.

In many enemy encounters, you’ll be forced to use all the combat mechanics. That includes dodging, air launching, web-swinging, and the newest one — parrying.

Parrying is the newest combat mechanic added to the game. Some enemies can be dealt with much more easily when you learn to parry their attacks. The parry window is generous, what makes things tricky is the enemies come at you all at once. You’ll find yourself needing to parry just right after dodging an enemy whether up close or from a distance.

It’s a fun addition and adds a deeper layer to an otherwise simple combat experience.

Gadgets and gizmos not as plenty

Unlike the first game where you had a gadget wheel, you’re reduced to four gadgets in Spider-Man 2 that’s shared between Peter and Miles. Well, five if you count normal webbing which is upgradeable in the menu.

While fewer, the gadgets are efficient and mostly help with crowd control. My personal favorite is the Web-Grabber (a pre-order freebie). It pulls multiple enemies to a single spot, making them vulnerable to melee attacks or special Spidey abilities.

The other gadgets launch enemies to the air, blow them away, and webs-up multiple enemies dealing webbed and melee damage. All are great tools for managing waves of enemies coming at you.

The gadgets can be accessed by pressing R1 and then the corresponding face button. Meanwhile, the special spidey abilities are triggered by pressing L1 plus any of the face buttons.

Special spidey abilities

We already know Miles has venom powers (not to be confused with Venom the character). To level the playing field, Peter now has the Spider Arms, likely inspired by his tussle against Doc Ock. It’s never explicitly mentioned nor addressed. They’re just there.

While the gadgets are made for crowd control, the abilities focus on dealing damage. Both Spider-Men possess abilities that deal massive damage to a single enemy, launch enemies to the air, apply stun, and at least one for dealing with multiple enemies.

Knowing which ability to use with which gadget, timing your dodges and parries, and unleashing a barrage of punches and kicks mixed with finishers help keep the combat engaging all throughout the campaign.

Miles stronger?

I’m not entirely sure if this is intentional or even accurate, but during the start of the game, Miles feels slightly stronger than Peter. It feels like Peter needs to land more hits before taking an opponent down.

And this changes when Pete gets access to the symbiote suit. Again, I’m not entirely sure if this is true. But from my experience, it felt that way at least. It’s a cool way to showcase power scaling.

Set pieces, boss fights, and moments in between

The first-ever gameplay trailer showcased the river chase scene involving The Lizard as well as the Hunters. That already looked action-packed and you can expect to experience plenty of that in this game.

There is absolutely no shortage of breathtaking action moments. There’s a good mix of going around the city or exploring/navigating certain enemy strongholds.

Won’t spoil anything but I can certainly say the boss-level fights in Spider-Man 2 easily blow the previous two games out of the water. Insomniac did a good job of incorporating existing combat mechanics and adding another layer to them during certain boss fights.

You’ll find yourself leaning on the skills you learned taking down mobs as well using your environment, when dealing with the many, many, many boss fights in the game.

The moment-to-moment action is exhilarating, but Insomniac did a good job of inserting slower, quieter gameplay beats to keep the pace balanced.

Some of those moments include skippable mini-games. But these are much better crafted than they used to be and are not placed during odd moments in the story that you wouldn’t mind playing through them.

You also get plenty of time to do open-world things in-between the story beats. And they happen during moments in the story when things don’t seem as dire.

My tip is to tick off as many open-world and side quests as you can before progressing to the main story. Experienced gamers should be able to tell immediately where these sections are. Like a Spider-sense, you’ll also know instinctively when to tackle the main story.

The pace of this game is really good and there are few if none-at-all moments and quests that you would think are misplaced.

Heal the world

The trailers revealed so far give you a pretty good idea of how the story will go. But what Insomniac did masterfully in crafting the story of Spider-Man 2 is how the build-up to some of the moments already revealed make them a worthy pay-off.

That’s incredibly hard to pull-off. There’s nothing here that will pull the rug under you. However, all of it is done so well, written so expertly, and executed with so much care that you’ll find yourself immersed in the story and invested in the characters.

Now, I’m not saying there are no surprises. There are. But they happen in ways that make sense for the story that Insomniac Games is trying to tell.

From the very first moment that Peter interacts with Harry, you kind of get a general idea on what will happen eventually. But none of it will prepare you for how things actually happen. And some of these moments, I believe, will be etched in the minds of players for a long time.

Quick zips

Sharing some quick observations below that didn’t exactly fit the article’s flow.

MJ Missions. Yes, there are still MJ Missions, but they’re infinitely more fun to play thanks largely to the Symkaria trip MJ and Pete went on (as mentioned in Spider-Man: Miles Morales). Oh and there are more playable characters than Pete, Miles, and MJ. 😉

Previously On. There’s a recap video that you can access at the start menu. It’s Pete and Miles recounting what happened in the previous two games told in a way only Pete and Miles can.

Dense open world. The New York City featured in Spider-Man 2 feels a lot more dense and lived in. Truly a city that never sleeps vibe. And open-world encounters open you up to team-ups — both expected and unexpected.

Where’s the cat? Felicia fans, know that your favorite feline thief is indeed in the game. And the mission featuring her confirms the involvement of a few strange things.

Platinum. You can get the platinum trophy in a single playthrough. For what it’s worth, I completed the game, platinum trophy and all, after 35 hours of play time.

So many Suits. But Insomniac left plenty out that can be added either later on or on what feels like an inevitable Part 3 to the game.

Easter Eggs. There are plenty. Whether it’s directly Spidey-related or just references to pop culture, there’s plenty of nods here and there that will give you a chuckle.

DLC? There’s no confirmed news as of writing, but there’s definitely potential for another set of “The City that Never Sleeps” DLC here based on a couple of side missions.

Be Greater. Together.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 by Insomniac Games is easily one of the best story-driven, action games out there. Playing the game is like playing through an expertly crafted, high-budget Spider-Man television series.

The gameplay and story keeps you engaged. The action is exhilarating but gives you properly timed beats to catch your breath. And the boss fights can be punishing but with enough moments of reprieve.

Two Spider-Men in one game could have been a recipe for disaster. But Insomniac Games navigated it with the cleverness, wit, perseverance, and sense of duty that any Spider-Man would have.

Once again, we’re treated to a Spider-Man piece of entertainment that’s about as Spidey as it can get.

Our review copy was provided by Sony PlayStation. All images are also c/o Sony PlayStation.

Gaming

IKEA, Xbox launch nine-piece YXSTABY gaming collection

Gaming inspired furniture

Published

November 6, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

Gaming setups don’t have to look like dedicated gaming rooms. IKEA and Xbox are making that easier with their new YXSTABY collection.

The nine-piece collection combines IKEA’s furniture design expertise with Xbox’s understanding of gaming. It brings together functional furniture and playful accessories inspired by Xbox controllers.

IKEA launched the collection in the Philippines on November 4 at its Pasay showroom. The event featured interactive room setups that demonstrated how the furniture fits into everyday homes.

The launch also included a cosplay runway inspired by IKEA’s iconic blue and yellow FRAKTA bag. Guests explored immersive gaming stations and experienced the collection firsthand.

Gaming furniture designed for everyday homes

YXSTABY addresses the challenges of fitting gaming setups into shared living spaces. Its furniture supports different gaming positions while keeping accessories organized.

The gaming lounge chair accommodates both forward-leaning gameplay and relaxed reclining positions. A rolling side table keeps gaming accessories within reach.

The collection also includes flexible storage for cables and accessories. Its felt inserts protect stored items, while its foldable design doubles as a laptop stand.

Families can also move their gaming setups between rooms. A TV stand with castors makes it easier to relocate equipment without dedicating an entire room to gaming.

Xbox controller-inspired accessories

Xbox’s influence extends beyond the collection’s gaming furniture. Several accessories take inspiration from familiar controller elements.

The Gaming D-pad cushion recreates the controller’s distinctive directional button. A stainless steel platter also borrows its design from the D-pad.

Another standout is the tilting thumbstick stool, which takes inspiration from an Xbox controller’s analog stick. A mirrored display box gives collectors a dedicated space for controllers and other gaming memorabilia.

Bringing gaming into Filipino homes

IKEA Philippines Sales Leader May Castillo highlighted the collection’s relevance to local households.

She pointed to the Philippines’ strong gaming culture and the country’s high engagement with video games across different devices.

IKEA Philippines Selling Manager Sarah Cox said the collection draws inspiration from Xbox controllers and how gamers actually play. It also incorporates IKEA’s playful approach to furniture design.

The collaboration brings together two brands with different strengths. IKEA understands how people use their living spaces, while Xbox understands what players need from their gaming setups.

The result is furniture that makes gaming more convenient without making the rest of the home feel like a gaming room.

Gaming

The next Elder Scrolls game is called Sentinel

And it will be set in Hammerfell.

Published

November 4, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Can you believe that it’s been over eight years since Bethesda announced The Elder Scrolls VI. Since then, we’ve seen neither hide nor hair of the upcoming title. Today, the studio has mercifully revealed a tiny bit more about the game including its title and setting.

Historically, the Elder Scrolls franchise is not known for its numbering. It’s not The Elder Scrolls III, IV, and V; it’s Morrowind, Oblivion, and Skyrim. Now, we know what The Elder Scrolls VI will be called — Sentinel.

The name is also a huge clue as to where the game will take place. Besides being the name of the game itself, Sentinel is also the capital of Hammerfell, a region in northwest Tamriel. The teaser, which shows a sword being uncovered from a pile of sand, confirms this. After all, the Alik’r Desert is one of the region’s highlights.

Now, Hammerfell is not a new region for players. The region, especially the titular Sentinel, was previously featured in The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall. Obviously, not a lot of gamers would have played this classic game before, so a return will introduce the region to a lot more modern players.

Unfortunately, despite throwing us a bone with the name and the setting, Bethesda did not reveal when the title is coming. Given that Grand Theft Auto VI is launching very soon, the time is ripe for the launch of another much-awaited title.

Gaming

Wild Rift Patch 7.3, celebrates K/DA comeback

K/DA returns with FIRESTARTER

Published

November 2, 2026

GadgetMatch

Riot Games is celebrating the return of virtual K-pop group K/DA with new music, exclusive skins, and major gameplay updates in League of Legends: Wild Rift Patch 7.3.

After a six-year hiatus, K/DA returns with FIRESTARTER, the group’s newest track and the title track of an EP featuring three additional songs. The release marks a new chapter for the virtual group, which brings its latest musical era to the mobile MOBA through the new HEATBRINGER skinline.

To celebrate the comeback, Riot Games hosted FIRE IT UP: The K/DA Comeback Party in the Philippines. The event brought fans together for a listening party featuring music from across Riot Games’ virtual acts, live Wild Rift gameplay, community activities, and exclusive photo opportunities.

Attendees also experienced live AAA ARAM matches featuring gameplay disruptions and augments inspired by Riot Games’ musical universe, including HEARTSTEEL, Pentakill, and TRUE DAMAGE.

K/DA returns with new HEATBRINGER skins

The K/DA comeback introduces the HEATBRINGER skinline, featuring new looks for the group’s four original members: Ahri, Akali, Evelynn, and Kai’Sa.

The skins give the champions a new visual identity inspired by K/DA’s latest musical era, with fiery red and white elements that bring their stage presence to the Rift.

The collection also includes Prestige K/DA HEATBRINGER Evelynn.

The new skins are exclusive to Wild Rift and are scheduled to launch on November 4, 2026.

The comeback extends beyond the cosmetics. With FIRESTARTER and its accompanying EP now available on major music streaming platforms, K/DA’s return brings together Riot Games’ music and gaming communities.

Wild Rift Patch 7.3 overhauls marksmen and item builds

Beyond the K/DA celebration, Patch 7.3 introduces significant gameplay changes that reshape champion builds, jungle strategies, and objective control.

One of the biggest changes targets marksmen, giving critical-strike builds more room to scale. Base critical-strike damage increases from 175% to 200%, while the attack-speed cap rises from 2.5 to 3 attacks per second.

Several marksmen also receive individual adjustments, including Ezreal, Kai’Sa, Twitch, Lucian, Caitlyn, Draven, Miss Fortune, Samira, Zeri, Jinx, Vayne, and Ashe.

The item system gets an overhaul to support these changes. Players can explore new or redesigned options, including Hexoptics, Yun Tal Wildarrows, Fiendhuler Bolts, Stormrazor, Rapid Firecannon, and Immortal Shieldbow.

Lifesteal also receives changes intended to support basic attacks, on-hit damage, and abilities treated as basic attacks.

Support items are part of the update, too. Echoes of Helia is positioned toward offensive supports who want to convert damage into healing, while Ardent Censer, Staff of Flowing Water, and Harmonic Echo also receive changes.

Jungle changes reward efficient farming

Patch 7.3 also changes how junglers approach the early and mid-game.

The updated jungle system rewards consistent camp clearing with bonus gold and introduces a catch-up mechanic for junglers who fall behind. This reduces the pressure to constantly gank and encourages players to balance farming with opportunities to assist their teammates.

Clearing camps also progresses Ecosystem Protection stacks, allowing Smite to scale from 600 to 1,000 and eventually 1,400 true damage.

These changes make efficient farming more important when preparing to secure major objectives such as Baron Nashor, Rift Herald, and Dragons.

Epic monsters also adjust to the pace of each match, scaling according to the average player level rather than simply growing stronger as time passes.

Turrets receive substantial changes as well. Plating now extends to outer, inner, and inhibitor turrets and remains permanently. The new Crystalline Overgrowth mechanic lets turrets accumulate crystals that champions can detonate with their first basic attack.

Together, these changes place greater emphasis on lane pressure, defensive positioning, and coordinated pushes. Winning team fights remains important, but teams must also turn their advantages into meaningful objective damage.

Hwei, Sylas, and Rek’Sai join the roster

Patch 7.3 expands the champion roster with three additions: Hwei, Sylas, and Rek’Sai.

Hwei, the Visionary, brings a flexible set of abilities to the mid lane. His Subject: Disaster, Subject: Serenity, and Subject: Torment ability groups give him tools for dealing damage, supporting allies, and controlling opponents.

Sylas offers explosive damage and crowd control. His kit includes an ability that pulls enemies into a stun-to-knock-up combination, while Kingslayer restores health based on his missing health. His ultimate lets him steal an enemy champion’s ultimate ability.

Rek’Sai brings another approach to initiating team fights. Her Unburrow ability knocks up nearby champions, while her ultimate helps her track nearby enemies before striking.

These additions give players more options for adapting their team compositions and strategies.

Ranked play and game modes get updates

Competitive players also get changes to Ranked and Legendary Ranked.

The S/A and MVP scoring systems now evaluate performance according to a player’s lane and champion role instead of relying on a single universal metric. Strong performances can also yield more Ranked energy.

Legendary Ranked receives adjustments to its seasonal entry requirements for former Grand Masters, alongside a new trial format designed to help top performers advance from Legendary Commander Rank.

Players looking for something different can also try Rift Rumble, a new 3v3 mode played on a symmetrical map. Teams battle for kills and compete to capture ultimate stones that can change how their champions secure eliminations.

Meanwhile, AAA Realm continues to evolve with a music-themed season and new augment cards. These include Sonic Waves, which draws inspiration from Riot Games’ musical acts, including HEARTSTEEL, Pentakill, and TRUE DAMAGE.

A new era for K/DA and Wild Rift

With FIRESTARTER, the HEATBRINGER skins, and a sweeping gameplay update, Patch 7.3 connects Riot Games’ music and gaming communities through a shared celebration.

K/DA’s return gives fans a new soundtrack and fresh looks for their favorite champions, while the gameplay changes introduce new ways to approach champion builds, jungle farming, and map control.

Players can follow Wild Rift Philippines’ official social media channels for updates on the latest patch, champion releases, and in-game content.

K/DA returns with FIRESTARTER.