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Between its wintry setting, themes and Miles’ character arc, Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales is the video game for getting into the holiday spirit.
While many have fond memories surrounding video games and the holidays, there really aren’t all that many titles centered around this time of year in the same way that there are Christmas movies and festive episodes of TV shows. However, while there’s obviously far more going on, Insomniac Games’ Spider-Man: Miles Morales just may be the best Christmas game ever made.
Set during December in New York City, Spider-Man: Miles Morales often feels like a playable movie thanks to its narrative style. Because of that, the game flows easily as it explores the titular character and the world around him. Not only does the holiday season make for a nice background that stands out against that of it’s predecessor, Marvel’s Spider-Man, but it also enhances its themes and helps drives the game’s moral home.
While Spider-Man: Miles Morales really could be set at any time of year, the fact that it takes place during the holiday season makes the story — and Miles’ transition into Spider-Man — even more powerful. It starts about a year after the first game, during which Miles’ father, Jefferson, died protecting innocents after classic antagonist Mr. Negative set off a bomb during a rally. Now, Miles and his mother, Rio, have moved to Harlem and must adjust to living in a new neighborhood while also getting through Christmas without Jefferson.
While this set up is far from merry, Miles’ friend Ganke keeps him company over the winter break, and the two focus on making Miles a better Spider-Man. Through their tinkering, they create a suit that makes Miles feel more independent and an app that gives him a way to help others. Parallel to that, Rio’s campaign for City Council pushes her son’s civilian identity into the spotlight, making him realize he isn’t as alone as he thought. However, just as Miles needs to be reminded that he has people who care about him, he also has to remind others of the same thing.
A great example of this with Phin, a.k.a. The Tinkerer. Miles childhood friend turned enemy, Phin’s path to get revenge for her brother’s death leads her to take the fight to Roxxon, putting innocent lives at risk. Throughout the game, Miles tries to remind her that she isn’t alone and there’s still time to make the right choice. The same can be said for Miles’ Uncle Aaron, a.k.a. the Prowler, who Roxxon hires, putting the two at odds. This ends in a fight where Miles reminds Aaron that he has to protect people and that family shouldn’t fight over doing the right thing.
Spider-Man: Miles Morales puts a heavy emphasis on community and family, reminding players that there’s always warmth in the comfort of others, even during a blizzard. Between heartfelt, emotional moments that deal with Miles’ grief and more chaotic, action-packed ones — like when Miles and Peter have to stop the Rhino as he rampages through a busy mall — the game exemplifies everything that the holiday season entails. Beyond simply the lights and the snow, Spider-Man: Miles Morales is about compassion and love, things that also apply to the Christmas season.
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