Spider-Man: The City That Never Sleeps

Welcome to our look at Marvel’s Spider-Man: The City That Never Sleeps, the DLC expansion for the PlayStation 4 title. Originally released on September 7, 2018, Spider-Man became an instant hit. Garnering many high review scores across the internet, Spider-Man proved to be the next major step in successful comic-game adaptations after the Batman Arkham series.

Shortly after the release, Insomniac released three pieces of DLC. Featuring a story involving Black Cat, Hammerhead, Yuri Watanabe, and Silver Sable, Spider-Man finds himself tied up in a storyline hiding many dark secrets. Spider-Man must decide how to help his friends while stopping Hammerhead’s warpath of destruction.

Contents of the DLC

In Spider-Man: The City That Never Sleeps, you’ll encounter three chapters: The Heist, Turf Wars, and Silver Lining. All three episodes are connected in an episodic fashion. Plus all three have their own side-quests.

In the Heist, The Black Cat works with the Maggia Family. While Spider-Man tries to help her, he learns more about her past. You can find out more about her long-lost father by completing side-quests.

Turf Wars begins Hammerhead’s ambition to gain power in order to rule over the crime scene of New York. With Kingpin still in prison, Hammerhead devises a plan to take down all the dons while upgrading his own strength using mechanical upgrades. Codenamed Project Olympus, Hammerhead uses stolen tech from Silver Sable to create a powerful bio-armor in the process.

Finally, Silver Lining marks the return of Silver Sable. Seeking to reclaim her stolen tech, you’ll learn more about her personal struggle in her home country of Symkaria. Moreover, you’ll learn of a much darker side of Yuri Watanabe, known as Wraith in the comics, as you uncover her side-quest.

The side-quests function similarly to the main game, but with new storylines. You’ll face off against Screwball while nabbing bonus points – known as Photobombs – for her challenges. You’ll also take on much tougher gauntlet challenges than before. These optional side-quests will uncover new storyline as well as offer you a chance to fully upgrade your gear. In addition, you’ll unlock some fancy new suits to wear on your campaign.

For those reading this before playing, good news! Two new suits Spider-Man: Far From Home, the Marvel film from July 2019, recently debuted in the game. You can grab these as soon as you update the title.

Gameplay

Back into familiar territory, you’ll still be web-slinging with Spidey through the streets of New York. You’ll also have all the abilities you kept from the end of the game. However, the game throws a few new twists at you in the process.

For starters, Screwball’s challenges offer new ways to test your skill. In doing so, you’ll have to learn to juggle a maximum of two sub-weapons. Learning how to use them together is key and will test how well you use them together. Furthermore, Screwball’s own challenges include a unique way of disarming bombs and stealth missions that use motion sensors.

The combat, however, changes thanks to the appearance of new enemies. Hammerhead’s goons, equipped using Project Olympus gear, will be much tougher than the enemies you fought before. You’ll have men shooting lasers at you and heavies that resist many types of attacks. Plus you’ll have fighters flying jetpacks and even shield users who will dash into you. Instead of just being a storyline expansion, the DLC evolved the gameplay even further thanks to these new battles.

Final Thoughts

I found the writing of the Spider-Man DLC to be compelling and even chilling at times. You’ll learn dark secrets by uncovering a therapist’s recording session or even witness the seeming demise of a character. On the flipside, Screwball’s missions feel upbeat. Despite people being in danger, her commentary and photobomb challenges bring the mood up. Even Spider-Man’s conversations with MJ and his quips against the enemy maintain consistent humor throughout the campaign.

I enjoyed the character chemistry as well. Black Cat’s constant flirtations still show her true feelings for Spider-Man. Meanwhile, Silver Sable remains cold as she and Spider-Man attempt to gain each other’s respect. But Yuri Watanabe’s storyline may have been the most daring and eye-opening storyline in the expansion.

For roughly 6-8 hours, you’ll find yourself fighting tough challenges and tying up loose ends. For what it’s worth, The City That Never Sleeps is a fine expansion to an already phenomenal PS4 title. If you haven’t already, I strongly recommend grabbing this expansion! It’s the perfect reason to come back to Spider-Man!

Thank you for reading our article on Spider-Man: The City That Never Sleeps for PS4! Have you considered getting it yet? Let us know in the comments below!