Should You Play Spider-Man Remastered or Miles Morales First? A Deep Dive
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
So, you’re ready to sling some webs and save New York City, but you’re facing a critical decision: Spider-Man Remastered or Spider-Man: Miles Morales? The definitive answer is: start with Spider-Man Remastered. While Miles Morales is a fantastic experience, it builds directly upon the narrative, gameplay mechanics, and character development established in Spider-Man Remastered. Jumping straight into Miles Morales would be like starting a book in the middle – you’d miss crucial context and character introductions that enhance the overall enjoyment.
Let’s delve into why playing Spider-Man Remastered first is the optimal choice, and then explore the nuances of each game to help you make the most informed decision.
The Case for Starting with Spider-Man Remastered
There are several compelling reasons to prioritize Spider-Man Remastered before diving into Miles Morales:
-
Story Continuity: As the article mentions, Miles Morales is a direct sequel to Spider-Man Remastered. The story picks up after the events of the first game, referencing Peter Parker’s experiences and relationships, particularly his mentorship role with Miles. Understanding the history between Peter and Miles, and the events that shape Peter’s life as Spider-Man, enriches Miles’s journey in the sequel. Imagine watching Empire Strikes Back without seeing A New Hope – you’d be missing vital plot points and character arcs.
-
Character Introduction and Development: Spider-Man Remastered introduces you to Peter Parker’s Spider-Man, his supporting cast (Mary Jane Watson, Aunt May, Harry Osborn), and the core villains. These characters reappear in Miles Morales, and having a pre-existing understanding of their motivations and relationships allows you to appreciate their roles in Miles’s story on a deeper level.
-
Gameplay Progression: Spider-Man Remastered introduces you to the basic mechanics of web-swinging, combat, and gadget usage. Miles Morales expands upon these mechanics, adding new abilities specific to Miles, like venom powers and camouflage. Starting with Remastered allows you to gradually learn and master the fundamentals before tackling the more advanced skills in Miles Morales.
-
World-Building: Spider-Man Remastered meticulously builds the world of Marvel’s New York City. You’ll explore iconic landmarks, complete side missions that flesh out the city’s lore, and encounter various factions and threats. Miles Morales reuses the same city map but introduces new areas and activities specific to Harlem. Knowing the city’s layout and the overall state of affairs beforehand enhances your immersion in Miles Morales.
-
Visual and Technical Upgrade Appreciation: Spider-Man Remastered is a significant visual upgrade over the original PS4 version, especially on the PS5. Playing it first allows you to appreciate the improvements in character models, textures, lighting, and frame rates. When you then transition to Miles Morales, which is also a visual showcase for the PS5, you’ll further appreciate the refined graphics and performance.
Understanding the Games: A Comparative Overview
While Spider-Man Remastered and Miles Morales share the same gameplay foundations, they offer distinct experiences:
-
Spider-Man Remastered: This is a complete package, featuring a longer campaign, a diverse range of villains, and a more extensive skill tree for Peter Parker. The story revolves around Peter balancing his personal life with his responsibilities as Spider-Man, while facing threats from classic villains like Doctor Octopus and Mr. Negative.
-
Spider-Man: Miles Morales: This is a shorter, more focused experience that centers on Miles Morales stepping into the role of Spider-Man while Peter is out of town. The story explores Miles’s unique perspective as a young, Afro-Latino hero, his struggles with responsibility, and his connection to his community. He also has unique Venom Powers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the differences and help you decide which Spider-Man game is right for you:
1. Is Miles Morales a stand-alone game?
Yes, Miles Morales is a stand-alone game, meaning you don’t need to have played Spider-Man Remastered to start it. However, as mentioned above, playing Remastered first will significantly enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the story and characters.
2. Which game has better graphics?
Both Spider-Man Remastered and Miles Morales are visually stunning, especially on the PS5. However, Miles Morales might have a slight edge due to being built specifically for the PS5, allowing for more advanced graphical features like ray tracing and improved textures.
3. How long does it take to beat each game?
Spider-Man Remastered takes approximately 35-45 hours to complete the main story and most side content. Miles Morales is shorter, taking around 7-8 hours for the main story and up to 18 hours for 100% completion.
4. Can I upgrade my PS4 version of Spider-Man to the Remastered version on PS5?
Yes, if you own the Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate Edition on PS4, you can upgrade to the PS5 version of Spider-Man Remastered.
5. Is Spider-Man Remastered worth buying?
Absolutely! Spider-Man Remastered is a fantastic game with a compelling story, engaging gameplay, and stunning visuals. If you haven’t played the original PS4 version, the Remastered version is the definitive way to experience it.
6. Does Miles Morales have a different combat system than Peter Parker?
Yes. While the core mechanics are similar, Miles has unique abilities such as Venom powers and Camouflage that significantly alter his combat style. His Venom powers allow him to deliver powerful electric attacks, while his camouflage allows him to turn invisible, offering new stealth options.
7. Is Miles Morales’ story as good as Peter Parker’s?
This is subjective, but many players find Miles Morales’s story to be equally compelling, if not more so, due to its focus on community, identity, and the challenges of being a young hero. Miles’s more complex family dynamics and connection to Harlem resonate with many players.
8. What are the biggest differences between the two games?
The biggest differences are the story, the protagonist, and the unique abilities of each Spider-Man. Spider-Man Remastered tells Peter Parker’s story, while Miles Morales focuses on Miles’s journey. Miles also has Venom powers and camouflage, which Peter lacks.
9. Can I play Miles Morales without knowing anything about Spider-Man?
You can, but you’ll miss a lot of context and backstory. It’s highly recommended to play Spider-Man Remastered first to fully appreciate Miles’s character and the world he inhabits. Because Miles’s character is introduced in original SM and he has a role in many events with some major backstory established in that game.
10. Does Spider-Man Remastered include all the DLC from the original game?
Yes, Spider-Man Remastered includes all three DLC chapters from “The City That Never Sleeps” storyline: “The Heist,” “Turf Wars,” and “Silver Lining.”
11. Which game is better for beginners?
Spider-Man Remastered is arguably better for beginners because it gradually introduces the core gameplay mechanics and provides a longer playtime to master them before facing more challenging enemies and situations.
12. What is the Ultimate Edition of Miles Morales?
The Ultimate Edition of Spider-Man: Miles Morales includes Miles Morales and Spider-Man Remastered. It’s the best way to experience both games on the PS5.
13. Is Spider-Man 2 the best for PS5?
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 isn’t just the best Spider-Man game of all-time, it’s also one of the best PS5 games out there right now. Following on from its success with 2018’s Spider-Man and its web-swinging expansion, Insomniac worked smartly to build on solid foundations.
14. Is Spider-Man Remastered on PS5 better than the PS4 version?
Graphically, the remastered version is a significant upgrade. The visuals are nothing short of breathtaking, even on the PS4. The attention to detail in the character models, cityscape, and the dynamic weather system immerse you in the Marvel universe like never before.
15. Does Miles Morales relate to video games and education?
While not overtly educational, both Spider-Man Remastered and Miles Morales can be viewed through an educational lens. They promote problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and an understanding of social responsibility. Educational elements in games are studied by organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org, highlighting how games can be used as tools for learning and development.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while both Spider-Man Remastered and Spider-Man: Miles Morales are excellent games, playing Spider-Man Remastered first is the recommended approach. It provides essential context, introduces key characters, and allows you to gradually learn the gameplay mechanics before diving into the more specialized abilities and story of Miles Morales. By playing in this order, you’ll enjoy a richer, more rewarding, and complete Spider-Man experience. So grab your web-shooters, pick up Spider-Man Remastered, and get ready to swing into action!