Highlights
- Spider-Man 2 hints at the introduction of the Green Goblin as the next game's main villain, with references to the G-Serum and Norman Osborn's involvement in its creation.
- The G-Serum is a mysterious concoction with different origins in various Spider-Man timelines, but it typically grants enhanced strength and abilities at the cost of the user's sanity.
- While it's uncertain who will become the Green Goblin in Spider-Man 3, both Norman and his son Harry are potential candidates, with the use of the serum potentially tied to their personal motivations and conflicts.
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 just released earlier this month, but the game has decades of lore to pull from. Spider-Man made his first comic book appearance in the early 1960s and since then has gone on to become one of the most popular superheroes in the world. While New York's arachnid savior has been well-loved for decades now, Insomniac Games' Spider-Man 2 is reaching a huge audience that might not be entirely caught up on every one of the hero's escapades. While the game is easy to follow for fanatics and casual fans alike, there are many small details that only those familiar with Spider-Man's other adventures might catch.
One small detail that likely means a lot more to long-time fans is the game's mentioning of the G-Serum. The mysterious serum is mentioned several times throughout the game but is relegated chiefly to its tail end. While it comes up, it's primarily there as foreshadowing. Spider-Man 3 is unannounced, but was heavily hinted at and could feature a third playable Spider-Person. While the appearance of another potential hero has left fams excoted, the presence of G-Serum also makes the villain of the next game rather clear to long-time fans. Insomniac Games has been building tension around Norman Osborne and his corporation since the first entry, and the presence of G-Serum means that Norman will likely take up the mantle of one of Spider-Man's most iconic villains in the next game.
The Green Goblin Will Likely Be Spider-Man 3's Antagonist
What Exactly is Marvel's Spider-Man 2's G-Serum?
G-Serum refers to the Goblin Serum. Different versions of Spidey's story have featured varying origins for the mysterious concoction, but its presence typically means one thing: the Green Goblin is on his way. Some Spider-Man timelines say that the serum was originally a medicine for the ill, and others say it is a failed attempt to make a formula to create super-soldiers. Another variation is that it was developed as a form of revenge by Doc Ock against Norman Osborn. Whichever timeline fans read or watch, however, the serum gives the consumer enhanced strength and abilities at the cost of their mental well-being.
The Green Goblin has taken many forms across different Spider-Man series. While some subsets of the franchise depict him as a monster who has been mutated by the serum, others, like the popular Raimi adaptation, depict the Green Goblin as a man in a suit with enhanced abilities, not dissimilar to Spider-Man himself. Because the Green Goblin is typically Norman Osborn, these iterations of the story typically depict him as using Oscorp's immense wealth and power to create technology that aids him. The most iconic Green Goblin Gadgets are his pumpkin bombs and the Goblin Glider, which he uses to fly around the city at immense speeds.
The Identity of Marvel's Spider-Man 2's Green Goblin Remains Uncertain
G-Serum's presence in Spider-Man 2 continues the series' ongoing foreshadowing of Green Goblin as an impending villain. Given that we see Norman make a phone call to request it, the biggest question remaining is not if the villain will appear, but rather who it will be. While Norman is typically the one to dawn the suit, Harry is horribly ill and has become Green Goblin in several other stories. Given the serum's use as a medicine in some timelines, Norman could either want it for his revenge or as a last-ditch effort to save his son. One thing that seems certain, however, is that this version of the Green Goblin will likely be a technology-based one, given the series' focus on Oscorp and its tech.
While Spider-Man 3 is unannounced and most certainly years away, the impending arrival of the Green Goblin means that Insomniac's protagonists will likely embark on their darkest mission to date. Given Peter's emotional proximity to the Osborn family, combating the Green Goblin will surely tug on some heartstrings. Despite the Green Goblin's legendary status, any good superhero game needs multiple antagonists, so Insomniac games should dive into some of Spider-Man's darkest villains to fully embrace the tonal shift that the second game has set the series on course for.
Marvel's Spider-Man 2
The sequel to 2018's Spider-Man and its Miles Morales spin-off, Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is a PS5 console exclusive. Insomniac's open-world game features Peter Parker and Miles Morales as dual protagonists, with the two heroes going up against the likes of Kraven, Venom, and Lizard.
- Franchise
- Spider-Man
- Platform(s)
- PS5
- Released
- October 20, 2023
- Developer(s)
- Insomniac Games
- Genre(s)
- Open-World , Action-Adventure
