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Activision vs. insomniac: what games do better?

Activision vs. Insomniac | Gamers Share Insights on Spider-Man Games

By

Oliver Martinez

Mar 4, 2026, 09:33 AM

Edited By

Emma Collins

Updated

Mar 5, 2026, 11:57 AM

2 minutes of duration

A split screen showing an action scene from an Activision game and a vibrant world from an Insomniac game, highlighting the differences in graphics and gameplay style.
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A growing tension among gamers highlights differing opinions on Spider-Man games by Insomniac and Activision. Users on forums are weighing in on game mechanics, particularly web-slinging and storytelling, with various new perspectives surfacing in recent discussions.

Players Challenge Gameplay Dynamics

Contributors have noted issues with wall-crawling in Insomniac's games, stating it lacks the finesse found in titles like The Amazing Spider-Man. One commenter expressed, "Wall crawling is kinda bad in the Insomniac games, it was great in the TASM games."

While some praised Insomniac's latest Spider-Man 2 for surpassing older titles, given its traversal sequences, others still see an opportunity for improvement. "The traversal mechanics in the 2023 game are far better than the 2004 classic," one user declared, backing their claim with a detailed analysis of the game.

The Insomniac-Activision Divide

Another frequent point of contention is the repetitive storytelling in Insomniac's entries. Players pointed out that the narrative setup in Spider-Man: Miles Morales closely mirrors the original Spider-Man, with โ€œthe whole city under a pandemic/invasion.โ€ This sentiment was echoed when a user expressed the hope for unique storytelling elements in future titles: "I hope they do something new and unique for MSM3."

Meanwhile, Activision's games continue to be seen as fresh and innovative. Users remarked that the variety in Activision titles lends them a unique quality lacking in Insomniac's games. โ€œEvery Activision game felt new,โ€ one player asserted, noting that each offered different gameplay styles and settings.

"Activision's games left you wanting to play again with more challenges and variety," a member pointed out.

Character Depth and Replayability

Another significant theme emerges around character depth and world engagement. Many players argue that Insomniac's portrayal of characters like Mary Jane and Harry Osborn feels weaker compared to those from earlier games. โ€œSome characters detract from the story, making it feel less personal,โ€ stated one user, stressing a desire for a more profound connection to the characters.

Furthermore, past titles offered unique gameplay mechanics such as playing as villains, which fans miss in modern iterations. One player reminisced about how in Ultimate Spider-Man, they could freely roam as Venom.

Key Insights from Gamers

  • ๐Ÿ”น Insomniac's wall-crawling mechanics lack the finesse seen in Activision's games

  • ๐Ÿ”น Players express disappointment over repetitive storytelling in newer Insomniac titles

  • ๐Ÿ”น Activision's titles offer players a diverse range of gameplay styles

  • ๐Ÿ”น Many feel Insomniac's focus on characters has weakened compared to earlier versions

A blend of sentiments reveals a constant struggle between innovation and refinement. As players call for diverse experiences, both studios may need to evolve their designs in 2026, ultimately influencing gaming narratives in the years to come.