You know that feeling when you're swinging through a digital New York and it feels like the people on the other end of the radio are actually real? That’s what Insomniac pulled off. It’s not just about the web-swinging. Honestly, the way Spider-Man 2 PS5 characters were handled makes the first game feel like a warm-up.
But there’s a lot of noise out there. People keep arguing about who the "real" Venom is or if MJ’s missions actually belong in a superhero game. Let’s cut through the fluff and look at who these people actually are.
The Dual Protagonists: Peter and Miles
Peter Parker is basically a mess when this game starts. He’s trying to hold down a job, fix Aunt May’s house in Queens, and keep his relationship with Mary Jane from imploding. Yuri Lowenthal brings this frantic, desperate energy to the role that feels so human. You’ve got a guy who has been Spider-Man for eight years and he’s still broke. It's relatable.
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Then you have Miles Morales. He’s the heart. While Peter is spiraling, Miles is trying to write a college essay and deal with the fact that Martin Li—the guy who killed his dad—is back in the picture. Nadji Jeter plays Miles with this growing confidence. He’s not just "the other Spider-Man" anymore. He’s a lead.
The dynamic shifts when the symbiote enters the room. Peter becomes a jerk. Not just a "tough guy" jerk, but a scary, aggressive version of himself. Watching Miles have to step up and potentially fight his mentor is the emotional core of the whole experience.
The New Harry Osborn
A lot of fans were surprised by Harry. In the first game, he was just a voice in a tube. Now, voiced by Graham Phillips, he’s a fully realized person.
He’s not the privileged brat you see in some comics. He’s a guy who just wants to "heal the world" with his best friend. The Emily-May Foundation is his legacy project. But the tragedy of Harry is that his survival depends on the thing that’s trying to destroy the city.
The bond between Peter and Harry is what makes the final act hurt so much. You want them to win. You want them to be the "Dynamic Duo" they keep talking about. But the symbiote has other plans.
Why Kraven the Hunter Actually Matters
Kraven isn't just a guy in a lion vest this time. He’s Sergei Kravinoff, a man dying of cancer who wants one last "Great Hunt."
He’s basically a force of nature. Jim Pirri voices him with a gravelly, terrifying authority. Most villains want money or power. Kraven? He just wants someone strong enough to kill him. This makes him incredibly dangerous because he has absolutely nothing to lose.
He turns New York into a literal urban jungle. His "Hunters" are everywhere. He doesn't just go after the Spider-Men; he clears out the bench. He targets the Sinister Six. He kills Vulture, Shocker, and Scorpion off-screen or during gameplay. It’s a ruthless way to raise the stakes and show that this isn't the same New York we patrolled in 2018.
The Symbiote and Venom: A Different Beast
Let's talk about the 19-inch-statue in the room. Venom.
Tony Todd (the legend from Candyman) provides the voice, and it is nightmare fuel. This isn't Eddie Brock. In this universe, the symbiote bonds with Harry Osborn.
What most people get wrong is thinking Venom is just a "monster of the week." In this story, the symbiote is a corruptive influence that exploits the host's deepest desires. For Harry, that desire is to save the world and be with Peter. The result is a twisted, "world-healing" invasion that turns New York into a hive.
The gameplay transition where you actually play as Venom inside Oscorp? Incredible. It’s a power trip that makes the later boss fights feel personal.
Supporting Cast and Side Stories
The world feels alive because of the people who don’t wear masks.
- Mary Jane Watson: Voiced by Laura Bailey. She’s more than a reporter now. She’s a survivor who has been training in Symkaria. Her missions involve a stun gun and actual stealth mechanics. Some players hate these, but honestly, they show the scale of the threat. If a normal human is this terrified, the Spider-Men should be too.
- Ganke Lee: The guy in the chair. He’s the tech glue. He’s also the one who keeps Miles grounded when things get weird.
- Rio Morales: Miles’ mom and a city councilwoman. She’s the moral compass of the Harlem community.
- Hailey Cooper: This was a standout. Hailey is a deaf street artist, played by Natasha Ofili. Her "Graffiti Trouble" mission is entirely silent, relying on visual cues and haptic feedback. It’s a masterclass in accessibility and character-driven world-building.
- Wraith (Yuriko Watanabe): The former cop has gone full vigilante. Her story with "The Flame" (Cletus Kasady) sets up some very dark things for the future.
The Villains in the Shadows
Not everyone gets a main-stage spotlight.
Sandman (Flint Marko) opens the game in a massive, city-sized boss fight. But later, you find his "memories" scattered around the city. It turns out he’s just a scared dad who was pushed too far by Kraven.
Mister Negative (Martin Li) gets a redemption arc that actually works. His interactions with Miles in the "mindscape" are some of the best-written scenes in the game. It’s not about punching him harder; it’s about Miles choosing not to be consumed by hate.
And then there's Cletus Kasady. He’s the leader of a cult called The Flame. If you finish his side missions, you know he gets his hands on a symbiote. Red. Dangerous. The "Carnage" tease is real, and it’s going to be messy.
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Actionable Insights for Players
If you’re diving back in or starting for the first time, don't just rush the yellow icons. The character depth is hidden in the optional stuff.
Focus on the Emily-May Foundation tasks. They seem like simple science puzzles, but they provide the backstory for Harry and Peter’s friendship that makes the ending hit ten times harder.
Listen to the podcasts. Both J. Jonah Jameson and Danika Hart offer different perspectives on how the city sees these characters. It’s world-building that doesn’t require a cutscene.
Complete the Brooklyn Visions and Cultural Museum missions. These are Miles-specific and show why he’s the "Friendly Neighborhood" Spider-Man. It’s about people, not just super-villains.
Pay attention to the Prowler stashes. Aaron Davis (Miles' uncle) has a great redemption arc tucked away in those puzzles. It shows a criminal trying to do better, which mirrors the themes of the main story.
The game isn't just a sequel. It’s a messy, emotional look at what happens when your past (Kraven, Li, Otto) and your future (Harry, the Symbiote) collide in the present. It’s the characters that make the swing worth it.