One of the biggest issues sequels have to overcome is expectations. This can be especially hard for DLC, since you have to do a lot in a relatively small amount of time. With Spider-Man’s first expansion focusing on Black Cat, one of Peter’s more interesting relationships, there is plenty to explore. With new enemies and story, is this expansion a must or does it fail to live up to expectations?
Spider-Man: The Heist manages to do a lot and very little at the same time. Most of the expansion focuses on the relationship between Peter and Felicia, which makes for an interesting dynamic. Where the story starts to waver is when the actual adventure comes into play.
For better or worse, this expansion is just part of a larger story. It might conclude in the next expansion, though odds are it will span all three expansions. This decreases the chance of another major villain appearing, instead leaving Hammerhead to give the first title the send of it deserves. Naturally, since this is just part of a larger story, a lot of questions are left unanswered.
Outside of story is a rather familiar adventure with Peter. With most, if not all, of the content taking place in existing locations, much of the expansion is going from objective to objective. To help make things fresh, a few new missions and objectives were added.
A new crime syndicate appears, giving players a couple different crimes to stop. Even if some of them are familiar, they’re different enough where it helps with diversity. Collectibles are limited, on the map and ultimately pointless outside of the reward for completing them. Players can also do the newly added Screwball challenges.
These stages are largely based off Taskmaster’s challenges, they’re just set up a little differently. Much like the challenges they’re based off of, they’re easy to beat and hard to master. However, there aren’t many and there isn’t any benefit to doing them besides trophies.
Verdict
What stands out about Spider-Man: The Heist isn’t the content, though there are a fairly substantial amount of cutscenes, but how little it adds. Even if some things are different or new, they don’t much value. Costumes don’t add new powers, nor do abilities change, so the main motivator is story, followed by trophies. Combine this with there just being a hint of an upcoming confrontation with a major villain and it’s the type of experience that might lead to greater things but isn’t great itself. So, unless you’re dying to play more, I strongly suggest waiting to see where this adventure goes.
[Editor’s Note: Spider-Man: The Heist was reviewed on PS4 platform. The game was provided to us by the publisher for review purposes.]
