It’s easy for new releases to get overshadowed, especially when it comes to DLC releases after the massive success of Spider-Man on PS4, but there is still a decent amount of fans wanting more added content even though the game released a month and a half ago.
The first of three DLC episodes being released for PlayStation’s Spider-Man is available now from Insomniac Games. The episode – fittingly titled, “The Heist” – features Spider-Man meeting and eventually teaming up with long-time “it’s complicated” love interest Felicia Hardy, better known as Black Cat. Although her presence was felt throughout the original game through the use of side missions, this is the first time Black Cat actually makes an appearance. While Spider-Man’s The Heist DLC provides a fun, new story highlighting Spider-Man’s most intriguing antiheroine, the overall content was a bit too familiar, with little to offer in the way of new abilities or other gameplay dynamics.
The Heist begins with Spider-Man and Mary Jane investigating a robbery taking place at an art museum, which leads to Black Cat making her appearance. Spider-Man trails Black Cat as she works to turn the Maggia crime families against each other. The duo eventually ends up working together with Spider-Man continuing his plea for Felicia to “go straight” and give up her life of crime. As is her way, Black Cat presents Spider-Man with plenty of twists along the way, with the biggest one occurring at the end of the episode, providing a cliffhanger that will no doubt play into the next two episodes.
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There is not a typical boss fight in The Heist – which is likely being saved for the next two episodes – with the battle dynamics being nearly identical to those in the original game, with Spider-Man having to take on a horde of thugs all at once. Rockets and miniguns provide additional difficulty to the fights, but the button-mashing battle tactics continue to feel tired and a bit boring. Black Cat joins Spider-Man for a few of the battles, but her presence is not really felt, leaving Spider-Man having to do all of the work (although you wouldn’t think that from the dialogue that takes place between the two mid-battle).
The Heist provides new content in the form of side missions, including tracking down items stolen by Felicia’s dad – the original Black Cat. A new villain also provides Spidey with some side missions littered throughout the city, though said villain is not exactly a household name. Finally, and probably most importantly to players, The Heist introduces three new unlockable Spider-Man suits. The three suits are far easier to unlock than those from the original game. However, none of the suits come with any powers or special abilities and are for cosmetic purposes only.
The Heist’s story is the highlight of the episode. Featuring the fan-favorite character of Black Cat as an obvious choice given her existence in the original game, and her complex character is performed flawlessly, as is the portrayal of the relationship she shares with Peter Parker, which fans of the Spider-Man series will be able to appreciate. Ultimately, the character of Black Cat steals the show, single-handedly making The Heist DLC worth playing.
While The Heist’s overall content may leave a bit to be desired, fans of the original Spider-Man game will enjoy the episode for what it is: a fun, nighttime romp through the city of New York alongside the flirtatious Black Cat.
Stay tuned to The Gamer for our review of Spider-Man’s next DLC episode, “Turf Wars,” coming out next month, followed by “Silver Lining”, which will be released in December.
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