Introducing Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales: A Showcase of the PlayStation 5
In the exhilarating action-adventure video game ‘Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales’, players are treated to a visual feast and a glimpse into the new capabilities of the PlayStation 5. However, beneath the surface lies a sense of impending darkness.
Set in pre-2020 New York, the game delves into the cultural and societal tensions that have long plagued many communities, but have come to the forefront this year. The storyline tackles issues such as racial injustice and gentrification, mirroring real-life events that have sparked nationwide protests.
One chilling scene features a privatized military force turning their guns on the game’s protagonist, Miles Morales, a teenager of Puerto Rican and African American descent. With his hands raised, Miles becomes a symbol of the victims of police brutality, as bystanders capture the scene on their smartphones. Fortunately, Miles’ superhero abilities save him from tragedy, framing the incident as a misunderstanding.
Another poignant moment occurs when Morales’ mother, now involved in politics, speaks about the disappearance of small businesses in Harlem, which is being threatened by corporate interests. During a political rally, the game also touches on the callous disregard for public health, as one speaker dismisses the wellbeing of sick individuals as a mere consequence of doing business.
Developed exclusively for the next-gen PlayStation 5 and PS4 by Insomniac Games, ‘Spider-Man: Miles Morales’ highlights a city consumed by the obsession of American individualism. Nadji Jeter lends his voice to the earnest and energetically portrayed Morales, who not only battles comic book villains and evil energy companies, but also existential threats to his community. A prevailing selfishness has eroded institutional belief, leaving the residents of New York City disillusioned.
The game explores the complexities of Morales’ identity and the obstacles he faces due to his father’s profession as a New York City cop. The repercussions of this career choice create rifts within Morales’ family, adding depth to the character. While the game does not fully delve into the ramifications, it excels in building the character of Morales through missions that focus on Harlem. These missions, although not necessary to complete the main story, breathe life into the community and capture its spirit one bodega cat at a time.
Playing the game, I found myself drawn not only to the main narrative, but also to the city itself. Soaring through New York as Spider-Man is a delight, but it is the narratives woven into the fabric of the game’s design that truly captivated me. Whether engaging in specific tasks, such as conversing with a pigeon wrangler, or traversing the city’s changing landscape, the game provokes thought about the kind of community we aspire to build.
Unlike its predecessor, which emphasized Spider-Man’s collaboration with the NYPD and portrayed them as uncomplicated heroes, ‘Miles Morales’ takes a different approach. By stepping away from the strong connection to law enforcement, the game reflects the evolving cultural landscape and addresses the issues of 2020. This intentional omission has sparked criticism, but it is also a statement in itself.
Brian Horton, the game’s creative director, acknowledges the delicate balance that games must navigate when addressing real-world issues. He points to an in-game app that connects Morales to the happenings in Harlem and beyond, serving as a direct conduit for residents to seek Spider-Man’s help. This narrative device bypasses the need for police involvement and showcases who the people of New York truly trust.
Horton explains, “We felt it was important to have a direct conduit to the people of the city… This way of citizen reporting and people getting involved in their community to help protect is the everyday hero story we wanted to tell.”
‘Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales’ is not just a game; it is an immersive experience that raises questions about social injustices, community values, and the power of individual action. As players swing through the concrete jungle, they are reminded that true heroism lies not only in superhuman abilities, but also in the dedication to protect and uplift the communities we call home.
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