All too often, fans of TV shows, movies, and video games fill the internet with broad declarations they have no intention of seeing through. I said I was going to buy a PlayStation 4 to play Marvel’s Spider-Man over the summer. And that’s exactly what I did.
So far, it was worth it. Also, console warriors can’t take a seat.
It was in this summer’s edition of Stacks on Stacks that I let slip the dogs of console war. That column exists to inspire people to share the games they’re excited about. That way, collectively, we may all gain a better understanding of each other’s tastes and share in everyone else excitement. That’s what I do. Reaching out to other entertainment lovers is what this site is all about.
The first response to my decision to buy a PlayStation 4 to play Spider-Man arrived through Facebook Messenger on my personal account. (Speaking of which, don’t be that guy. Just send me an email or leave a comment on the site’s Facebook page) It read “you’re a liar and I hate you!” I was a little taken aback. I mean, it usually takes more than just a single message for people to hate me and all that I stand for.
When I asked what I’d lied about, this person was blunt. I’d said I’d never buy a PlayStation, according to them. Now I was going back on that promise.
Yeah, I don’t remember ever saying I was a one-platform kind of guy. In fact, the only thing I’m willing to declare I’m never buying is a Tesla, and that’s for obvious reasons: I’d rather have a retirement fund and both of these things aren’t happening in the same lifetime.
I’ve since received feedback from a second reader in person. I haven’t seen someone so shocked, shocked that someone else did a thing since that one guy found out there was gambling going on in a certain establishment.
Do I prefer the Xbox One, with its straightforward interface, tiles, and links to Windows 10? I absolutely do. I’ll never not have an Xbox. That’s where my library is. That’s where my favorite features are. The people I enjoy playing games with all play there.
But preference isn’t the same thing as choosing a side. In the end, it’s all about the games. If Microsoft dropped a new Halo tomorrow, I’d be playing that too. Folks gotta stop taking this stuff personally. I have two Xbox Ones. I can’t also have a PlayStation or a Nintendo Switch?
Marvel’s Spider-Man was worth buying a PlayStation 4 to play. Once you’ve practiced, the controls are intuitive. You get a rush as you finesse your way from building to building without touching the ground. The combat, though I’m having some trouble adjusting to Sony’s DualShock 4 controller, is satisfying. The more you play, the more gadgets, abilities, and moves you unlock. Insomniacs’ take on the characters we all know feels fresh. This story is so interesting that I purchased the prequel novel to get more backstory on what’s going on.
So, do yourself a favor and play the games you want to play wherever you want to play them, and don’t be afraid to tell other people you plan to do so. And, if you haven’t played Marvel’s Spider-Man, you owe it to yourself to at least watch the trailer for the game.
You won’t be sorry.
