PGC NEWS

Spider-Man has always been synonymous with New York City, and in 2018, Insomniac Games delivered a critically acclaimed PlayStation exclusive that truly captured the spirit of the web-slinger navigating the urban jungle. Now, thanks to Nixxes Software and PlayStation Studios’ commitment to bringing their flagship titles to a wider audience, Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered has arrived on PC, promising enhanced visuals and performance. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the details and see if this version truly delivers a spectacular experience.

Spider-Man Remastered

A Web of Improvements

Porting games to PC was once a secondary concern for many developers, often resulting in subpar experiences riddled with technical issues. Recent years, however, have witnessed a shift towards more dedicated PC ports, with studios gaining access to the original source code and meticulously optimizing for the platform. Nixxes Software, known for their porting expertise, has partnered with Insomniac Games to deliver a Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered experience that surpasses the original in several key aspects.

Unlike the direct port of God of War (2018), Spider-Man Remastered has undergone a more extensive overhaul. The game runs smoothly across a wide range of PC hardware configurations, eliminating compatibility issues that plagued earlier ports. For those with high-refresh-rate monitors, the game boasts unlocked framerates, allowing for incredibly fluid web-swinging through the bustling city. Support for ultrawide 21:9 monitors further enhances the cinematic experience, immersing players in the breathtaking cityscape.

Spider-Man Remastered

Perhaps the most striking upgrade is the implementation of ray tracing, a technology previously added to the PlayStation 5 version. Ray tracing dramatically elevates the visual fidelity, transforming New York City into a stunningly realistic environment. Reflections and shadows are rendered with remarkable accuracy, surpassing even the impressive visuals of the original release. While the original game pushed the PlayStation 4’s hardware to its limits, certain visual compromises were necessary to maintain a smooth framerate. With ray tracing enabled on PC, Spider-Man Remastered truly shines, offering a graphical showcase that rivals the most visually advanced AAA titles.

Spider-Man Remastered

Performance and Features: A Tangled Web?

Of course, such graphical enhancements come at a cost. Ray tracing can be demanding on hardware, and Nixxes Software has addressed this by incorporating both AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution 2.0 and NVIDIA DLSS. These upscaling technologies allow even relatively modest graphics cards, like the NVIDIA RTX 2060 or AMD RX 6600, to enjoy the benefits of ray tracing at respectable framerates.

Beyond the technical improvements, Spider-Man Remastered also offers enhanced features for PC players. DualSense controller support allows for haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, providing a more immersive experience compared to traditional mouse and keyboard controls. The game also features an updated Peter Parker character model, an enhanced Photo Mode with new effects and suits, and all the original DLC content. The core gameplay, story, and sound design remain as captivating as ever, offering a compelling narrative that stays true to the spirit of the Marvel universe.

Spider-Man Remastered

Some Sticky Situations

While Nixxes Software has delivered a commendable port, Spider-Man Remastered isn’t without its flaws. Like their previous work on Horizon Zero Dawn PC, the game suffers from some technical hiccups. The heavy use of ray tracing can significantly impact performance, particularly in scenes with complex reflections and lighting. The game’s launch was also marred by various bugs, including object clipping, glitches with ray tracing, and occasional crashes. However, the developers have been actively releasing patches to address these issues. Furthermore, the game inherits some camera angle issues from the original, occasionally obscuring the player’s view with environmental objects.

Spider-Man Remastered

Conclusion: A Heroic Swing Onto PC

Despite some lingering technical issues, Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered on PC is a remarkable achievement. It elevates the original experience with enhanced visuals, improved performance, and support for advanced PC gaming features. While the demanding ray tracing and occasional bugs might detract slightly, the overall package is a must-have for fans of the web-slinger and newcomers alike. The game delivers a thrilling and visually stunning adventure that truly captures the essence of Spider-Man.

Spider-Man Remastered

Spider-Man Remastered