Spider-Man 2 is a mixed bag. While the combat and world traversal brought over from the first game are polished and enhanced and the visuals and mechanics are pushed to the absolute-bleeding edge, much else was lacking. This was primarily evident in the artificiality and milque-toastiness of every side character apart from a select few. Dialogue is mostly just safe, to put it lightly. NPCs blather on about the latest trending social topics, meaning this game will be severely dated in a matter of months. Characters granting side quests frequently come off as plastic and inorganic, largely due to their hyper-sanitized way of speaking about science projects, current issues, and infuriatingly bland topics that have no business being in a Spider-Man game. Additionally, Insomniac seems hell-bent on forcing players to endure several MJ stealth missions (a feature of the previous game that was almost universally despised) as well as a handful of other pedestrian-level side quests that barely even qualify as walking simulators.
On the upside, Kraven and Venom both steal every scene they are allowed to be in through sheer charisma and intimidation. The main story, while occasionally taking obligatory breaks to waste time, is pretty solid as a Spider-Man story goes. Long time fans will have more than enough to be satisfied in terms of respect being given to (most) legacy characters.
Ultimately, I'd recommend a play-through, but it's a far cry from the masterpiece so many seem to think it is.
On the upside, Kraven and Venom both steal every scene they are allowed to be in through sheer charisma and intimidation. The main story, while occasionally taking obligatory breaks to waste time, is pretty solid as a Spider-Man story goes. Long time fans will have more than enough to be satisfied in terms of respect being given to (most) legacy characters.
Ultimately, I'd recommend a play-through, but it's a far cry from the masterpiece so many seem to think it is.