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Spider-Man has one of the greatest rogues galleries in the world of comics, meaning his video games have plenty to pull from. Undoubtedly, some heavy hitters appear in Insomniac Games’ web-slinging sequel, so who are the villains in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2?
Editor’s Note: The following guide contains major story spoilers for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.
Who are the villains in Spider-Man 2’s main story?
Sandman
Miles and Peter’s initial encounter in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 introduces them to Flint Marko, also known as Sandman. Their first mission pits them against this formidable sand behemoth, igniting a series of intriguing questions that the dynamic duo will be compelled to explore throughout the game.
Sandman is also the subject of a series of side missions called Marko’s Memories scattered across NYC. The Spider-Man 2 quests center around rebuilding his memories and discovering the truth behind why he lost it in the game’s opening section.
Mister Negative
A central theme in the narrative of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is Miles’ internal struggle between his desire to let go of the pain he carries and his yearning for revenge against Martin Li, aka Mr. Negative. Although Li may not have as much physical presence in this installment as he did in the previous game, he remains a pivotal figure in the storyline. His character arc is notably well-developed, standing out as one of the most intricate and compelling among the series’ cast of villains.
The Lizard
Caught in Kraven’s relentless hunt, Dr. Curt Connors is thrust back into the fray when Kraven re-administers the Lizard serum, reviving the once-reformed villain’s reptilian alter ego. The Lizard becomes an even more formidable adversary with newfound strength and ferocity. It takes the combined forces of Peter and Miles to track down the monstrous threat and attempt to cure Connors from his reptilian side.
Kraven
The bulk of the game’s narrative is devoted to Kraven’s relentless pursuit of New York’s villains, ultimately leading to a confrontation with the Spider-Men. Kraven wastes no time making his presence felt, immediately demonstrating his intelligence, physical prowess, and unwavering determination.
Throughout much of the story, Kraven manages to stay one step ahead of Peter and Miles, casting a formidable and ever-looming shadow over the unfolding plot. He emerges as a truly dangerous adversary, living up to the compelling nature of his comic book counterpart and leaving players on the edge of their seats.
Scream
One of the biggest surprises in the game is the character Scream, who was absent from any promotional material. After Harry Osborn fully embraces the Venom symbiote, he embarks on a mission to create a formidable symbiote army. Shockingly, one of the victims of this transformation is none other than Mary Jane Watson, who is morphed into the incredibly dangerous Scream. The ensuing boss fight is not only thrilling but is also an emotional payoff that has been building across three games. While brief, Scream’s screen time is some of the most memorable and captivating in the game.
Venom
In the climactic final act of the game, one last villain emerges. Venom serves as both a physical threat and a major emotional antagonist for Peter Parker. After Peter successfully removes the symbiote, Harry Osborn reclaims it, undergoing a monstrous transformation. Venom immediately establishes himself as the most menacing presence in New York City. In a chilling moment, minutes after his rebirth, Venom mercilessly kills Kraven, leaving no doubt about who’s the new big bad.
This final confrontation is nothing short of brilliant because it transcends a typical showdown between the Spider Buds and Venom. It evolves into a multifaceted battle, pitting Peter, Miles, and Mary Jane against their once-beloved friend, Harry. The emotional stakes run high, leading to a cathartic and impactful conclusion. The final battle encapsulates the essence of the game, leaving players with a memorable and emotional experience.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 also introduces a number of smaller yet significant roles in the narrative. One noteworthy character is the reformed Tombstone, who appears in a mission as a supporting character. He finds himself caught in Kraven’s crosshairs and wants no part in the chaos that is unfolding around him. Scorpion also makes a brief appearance, launching an attack on Miles during the story. However, Kraven shortly after dispatches him on-screen, a stark reminder of the hunt’s brutal nature.
Vulture, Shocker, and Electro are also mentioned in the game. However, some implications suggest that they fell victim to Kraven’s relentless hunt. Doctor Octopus makes a brief appearance in a post-credits scene as well, hinting at potential developments in the next game or upcoming DLC.
Cameos and side mission villains in Spider-Man 2
In addition to the main story villains, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 offers an array of side-mission encounters. These feature both cameo appearances and formidable threats from Spider-Man’s rogues’ gallery.
A reformed Mysterio, otherwise known as Quentin Beck, appears in a series of side-missions. These revolve around the restoration of his enigmatic “Mysteriums” scattered throughout the city. This presents a compelling exploration of Beck’s character and the path of redemption he seems to be on.
Additionally, Kraven’s half-brother, Chameleon, makes a brief appearance at the conclusion of the “Targets Identified” side-missions. Chameleon’s cameo sets up the potential for his return in the expansive Insomniac universe.
Yuri Watanabe, the police captain from the first game, takes on a Punisher-like persona as Wraith in “The Flame” side-mission chain. Her readiness to take lethal measures puts her at odds with Peter Parker, leading to inevitable conflict.
Perhaps most notably, Cletus Kasady takes center stage as the primary threat in “The Flame”. Although Kasady does not transform into Carnage in this game, the conclusion of these missions lays the groundwork for Carnage’s emergence in either the next game or forthcoming DLC. Kasady’s psychopathic tendencies and his unnerving presence serve as a foreboding indication of a potentially darker and more menacing future for Spider-Man.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is now available exclusively on PlayStation 5.
