With Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on the cusp of release, the reviews and early impressions are pouring in, and it seems the game has effectively put to rest the infamous “puddlegate” debate that stirred the gaming community in the past.
While the game’s action, traversal, and storytelling have been widely praised, it’s worth noting that the issue of puddles received significant attention. In the first Spider-Man game, some players observed a difference between the E3 2017 gameplay trailer, featuring larger and more defined puddles, and the actual release version. This led to a social media storm and the birth of “puddlegate.”
Insomniac Games, the developers behind the Spider-Man series, took the controversy in good spirits and even added a playful solution with “puddle stickers” to the first game. However, the sequel, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, has resolved the issue so effectively that it doesn’t require stickers.
Industry insider shinobi602 playfully noted, “Insomniac took puddlegate personally,” and shared a side-by-side comparison of a puddle-rich area in Spider-Man Remastered (in fidelity mode) and Spider-Man 2 (also in fidelity mode).
While both games are visually impressive, there’s an undeniable upgrade in the sequel’s puddle quality. In the sequel, passerby footsteps are accurately reflected on the puddle’s surface, and the trees above cast a dappled effect in the water. It’s safe to say that ‘puddlegate’ is officially a thing of the past.
Insomniac Games’ community and marketing director, James Stevenson, acknowledged this achievement, stating, “I told you we had next-gen puddles.” It’s clear that the development team has gone to great lengths to ensure that Spider-Man 2’s visuals not only meet but exceed the expectations of fans and critics alike.
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I told you we had next-gen puddles. @JavaCoolDude and @fitzymj and the team wouldn't let me down. https://t.co/enwBjlG60o
— James Stevenson (@JamesStevenson) October 16, 2023
This marks a significant triumph for the Spider-Man franchise, as the attention to detail and visual improvements showcased in the sequel add a layer of depth and immersion that fans can truly appreciate.
