Summary
TheMarvel’s Spider-Manfranchise has become one of the most successful superhero video game franchises of all time since it began in 2018, with its success being attributed to a host of features the series brought to the table. Not only did Insomniac nearly perfect traversal mechanics that many past developers had attempted to implement and fallen short of, but it also replicated and refined the revolutionary combat system that theBatman: Arkhamgames introduced to the action-adventure superhero genre of video games. However, of all the attractive features of theMarvel’s Spider-Manseries, one stands out as a consistently requested fan-favorite: suit customization.
After the recent and unfortunate ransomware attack against Insomniac Games, many of the developer’s planned releases were divulged to the world, including an upcoming Venom game seemingly titledVenom: Lethal Protector. While the prospect of a Venom game has excited fans of theMarvel’s Spider-Manfranchise, one can’t help but wonder whether theSpider-Man 2’s suit customization optionswill translate well (or at all) into a game that centers around Venom as a main and playable character. After all, a wide variety of suit styles makes sense for someone who actually wears a suit — like Peter Parker and Miles Morales — whereas Venom’s “suit” is simply tied to his nature, leaving him with essentially only one option.
Insomniac Will Need to Get Creative With Venom’s Appearances
Venom’s Cosmetic Options Should Primarily Take Inspiration From the Comics
At this point, having some sort of appearance customization options in an Insomniac superhero game is a fairly non-negotiable feature. Otherwise, there might be a rather loud outcry from fans requesting that it be added to any game that lacks it. Insomniac knows this, so itsupcoming Venom gameis almost guaranteed to implement the feature to some extent. So, the question is not whether the developer will add it toLethal Protector, but how.
The most obvious option would be to take inspiration from the comics, as Venom has taken on many different appearances that are usually tied to the symbiote’s host. For example, the symbiote bonded with Frank Castle, the Punisher, in Marvel’sWhat If…?comic run, which altered Venom’s appearance accordingly. While this only changed the symbol on Venom’s chest from the spider to the Punisher’s logo, it was enough of a noticeable change that it could very well be an option in Insomniac’sLethal Protectortitle.Venom Hulkand Venom Wolverine are other great examples from the comics of times when the symbiote bonded with a host and took on a different appearance.
As Insomniac has been known to includecomic book-inspired suits in theMarvel’s Spider-Manseries, they’ll likely giveLethal Protectorthe same treatment. There are, after all, plenty of options to choose from, and many of them are intricate enough that they would stand out among Venom’s more iconic looks. That being said, the developer also takes every liberty to design original suits for its games, so that’s an option as well.
Insomniac Will Most Likely Also Design Original Looks for Venom
Aside from taking inspiration from theSpider-Mancomics, Insomniac hasn’t shied away from designing original suits for Peter and Miles. While the original designs don’t always land the way Insomniac most likely expects them to, they are still a fun way for the developer to connect with fans and add some creative flair to its work. If the history of original suits in theMarvel’s Spider-Manseries suggests anything, it’s thatthe leakedVenom: Lethal Protectorgamewill also receive a generous selection of unique looks designed specifically for it. Barring this occurring, it will be interesting to see what Insomniac’s design artists can come up with.
At first thought, it may not seem possible for Insomniac to stay loyal to its tradition of including a wide variety of cosmetic options inVenom: Lethal Protector, as Venom’s appearance seems rather one-dimensional. However, there are more than enough inspirations available in thewider Marvel universe, especially in the comics. Furthermore, Insomniac has proven in the past that it has enough creative talent in its design team to pull off some memorable appearances for the iconic symbiote, soLethal Protectoris almost guaranteed to have some original designs to choose from as well.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Spider-Men Peter Parker and Miles Morales face the ultimate test of strength inside and outside the mask as they fight to save the city, each other and the ones they love, from the monstrous Venom and the dangerous new symbiote threat.Explore an expansive Marvel’s New York with faster web-swinging and the all-new Web Wings, quickly switching between Peter and Miles to experience different stories, epic new abilities and high-tech gear.Wield Peter’s symbiote abilities and Miles’ explosive bio-electric powers in battle against new and iconic Marvel Super Villains – including an original take on a symbiote-infused Venom, the ruthless Kraven the Hunter, the volatile Lizard, and more from the Marvel Rogues’ Gallery.
