The question on every web-slinging gamer’s mind: Is Spider-Man PS4 Remastered free? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t a straightforward “yes.” But don’t worry, we’re here to untangle the web of information and provide a clear explanation of how you can experience this enhanced version of the beloved superhero game.
Understanding the Spider-Man PS4 Remastered Situation
Spider-Man PS4 Remastered isn’t a standalone free upgrade for owners of the original Spider-Man PS4 game. It’s a separate, enhanced version of the game featuring improved graphics, performance, and other enhancements designed to take advantage of the PlayStation 5’s capabilities.
The key takeaway: you can’t simply download Spider-Man PS4 Remastered if you already own the original Spider-Man PS4.
How to Access Spider-Man PS4 Remastered
There are two primary ways to get your hands on Spider-Man PS4 Remastered. Both involve purchasing a specific product. Let’s break down each option.
Buying Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate Edition
The most direct way to obtain Spider-Man PS4 Remastered is through the purchase of Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate Edition for the PlayStation 5. This version includes both the Miles Morales game and a digital voucher code for Spider-Man PS4 Remastered. This allows you to experience the new Spider-Man adventure and relive Peter Parker’s original story with enhanced visuals and performance.
Important Note: The voucher code is usually included in the physical or digital version of Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate Edition. Be sure to check the product description before purchasing to confirm its inclusion.
Purchasing Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales Standard Edition and Upgrading (Limited Availability)
Initially, players who purchased the standard edition of Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales on PlayStation 5 had the option to upgrade to the Ultimate Edition. This upgrade unlocked access to Spider-Man PS4 Remastered.
However, this upgrade path is no longer consistently available through the PlayStation Store. While it might occasionally reappear, relying on it as a method to obtain the Remastered version isn’t recommended.
Check the PlayStation Store: It’s always worth checking the PlayStation Store to see if the upgrade option is available, but don’t be surprised if it’s not there.
The Enhancements of Spider-Man PS4 Remastered: Why the Upgrade Matters
Spider-Man PS4 Remastered isn’t just a simple graphical update. It’s a comprehensive overhaul designed to take full advantage of the PS5’s hardware. Let’s delve into some of the key enhancements that make it a worthwhile experience.
Visual Fidelity and Performance
The most noticeable upgrade is the visual fidelity. The game boasts significantly improved graphics, including:
- Enhanced textures: Character models, environments, and objects are rendered with much higher levels of detail.
- Improved lighting and shadows: The game utilizes ray tracing, a rendering technique that simulates realistic light behavior, resulting in more immersive environments and dynamic lighting effects.
- Higher frame rates: Spider-Man PS4 Remastered supports up to 60 frames per second (FPS), providing a smoother and more responsive gameplay experience.
These visual improvements combine to create a stunningly realistic and immersive world for players to swing through.
Peter Parker’s Facial Redesign
One of the more controversial changes was the facial redesign of Peter Parker. Insomniac Games opted to use a new facial model, Ben Jordan, to better match the facial capture performance of Yuri Lowenthal, the voice actor for Peter Parker.
Fan Reaction: The change sparked considerable debate among fans, with some preferring the original design and others appreciating the improved performance capture.
New Photo Mode Features
Spider-Man PS4 already had a robust photo mode, but the Remastered version expands upon it with new features and options. Players can now utilize new lighting options, stickers, and other creative tools to capture even more stunning in-game photographs.
New Suits and Content
The Remastered version includes all the DLC from the original game, as well as three new suits for Peter Parker to wear. This includes The Amazing Suit, Arachnid Rider Suit, and Last Stand Suit. These additions provide players with even more customization options and a fresh look for their web-slinging adventures.
Understanding the Price Point and Value Proposition
While Spider-Man PS4 Remastered isn’t free, it’s important to consider the value proposition. When bundled with Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate Edition, you’re essentially getting two high-quality games for the price of one (albeit a slightly higher price point than a standard game).
Consider the Complete Package: If you haven’t played Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, the Ultimate Edition offers a fantastic entry point into both storylines, with the added benefit of the enhanced Remastered version of the original.
The Future of Spider-Man Games: What to Expect
The success of Spider-Man PS4 and its Remastered version, along with the Miles Morales spin-off, has cemented Spider-Man’s place as a major force in the gaming world. Insomniac Games has continued to build on this success with Spider-Man 2 for the PS5. This signifies a continued commitment to delivering high-quality Spider-Man experiences for years to come.
Conclusion: Is Spider-Man PS4 Remastered Worth It?
While Spider-Man PS4 Remastered isn’t a free upgrade, it offers significant enhancements over the original game. If you’re a fan of Spider-Man and haven’t experienced the game on the PS5, purchasing Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate Edition is the recommended way to get your hands on it. The improved graphics, performance, and added content make it a worthwhile upgrade for both new and returning players.
Is Spider-Man PS4 Remastered available as a free upgrade if I already own the original Spider-Man PS4 game?
No, Spider-Man PS4 Remastered is not offered as a free upgrade to owners of the original Spider-Man PS4 game. Acquiring the Remastered version requires purchasing either the Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate Edition on PlayStation 5 or buying the Remastered version as a standalone purchase if you already own Spider-Man: Miles Morales on PS5. The Remastered version features significant graphical and performance enhancements specifically designed for the PlayStation 5 hardware.
This means if you only own the base Spider-Man PS4 game, you won’t automatically receive the Remastered edition. To play the enhanced version with updated visuals, character models, and other improvements, you must either purchase the Ultimate Edition of Miles Morales or, potentially, buy the Remastered version separately through the PlayStation Store if you already own the Miles Morales game on PS5. Keep an eye out for any future promotions or bundles Sony might offer.
What are the key differences between Spider-Man PS4 and Spider-Man PS4 Remastered?
Spider-Man PS4 Remastered is a significant upgrade over the original Spider-Man PS4 game, boasting enhanced visuals and performance specifically tailored for the PlayStation 5. This includes improved character models, higher resolution textures, ray-traced reflections, and faster loading times thanks to the PS5’s SSD. The Remastered version also includes all previously released DLC, collectively known as “The City That Never Sleeps.”
Beyond graphical enhancements, the Remastered version benefits from the PS5’s processing power, resulting in a smoother frame rate. Peter Parker’s face model was also updated. In addition to these visual and performance improvements, the inclusion of all DLC ensures a complete and seamless Spider-Man experience for players new to the game or returning fans looking to revisit the world of Spider-Man in its best possible form.
How can I get Spider-Man PS4 Remastered?
The primary way to obtain Spider-Man PS4 Remastered is through the Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate Edition, which is available for purchase on the PlayStation 5. This bundle includes both Spider-Man: Miles Morales and the Spider-Man PS4 Remastered version, allowing you to experience both games on the PS5 console. It’s the definitive way to get the Remastered version.
Alternatively, if you already own Spider-Man: Miles Morales on PS5, you may be given the option to purchase Spider-Man PS4 Remastered separately through the in-game menu or PlayStation Store. However, this depends on whether you purchased the standard edition of Miles Morales initially. Keep an eye on the PlayStation Store for the most up-to-date information on availability and pricing.
Is it worth purchasing Spider-Man PS4 Remastered if I already own the original Spider-Man PS4?
Whether or not Spider-Man PS4 Remastered is worth purchasing if you already own the original depends on your priorities and tolerance for replaying a game. If you highly value graphical fidelity, faster loading times, and a generally smoother experience, the Remastered version offers a significant upgrade that enhances the overall gameplay. The inclusion of all DLC is another strong incentive.
However, if you are content with the original’s visuals and performance, and the improvements are not crucial to your enjoyment, then it may not be worth the additional cost. Consider whether you are willing to pay for the visual and performance enhancements, and if the inclusion of the DLC is a significant draw. Ultimately, the decision hinges on your personal preferences and gaming priorities.
Will my progress from the original Spider-Man PS4 game transfer to Spider-Man PS4 Remastered?
Yes, Insomniac Games did implement a save transfer feature that allows players to transfer their progress from the original Spider-Man PS4 game to the Spider-Man PS4 Remastered version. This means you can pick up where you left off in the original game without losing your progress, unlocked suits, and other accomplishments. This feature was added in a later update after the Remastered version’s initial release.
To utilize this feature, you’ll need to ensure both the original Spider-Man PS4 game and Spider-Man PS4 Remastered are installed on your PlayStation console. Follow the in-game instructions within the original Spider-Man PS4 to upload your save data, and then download it within the Remastered version. This allows you to seamlessly transition to the enhanced version without having to start from scratch.
Is Spider-Man PS4 Remastered available on PC?
Yes, Spider-Man PS4 Remastered (often referred to as Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered on PC) is available on PC. It was released on PC some time after its initial release on the PlayStation 5. This version includes all the graphical and performance enhancements found in the PS5 version, tailored for PC hardware.
The PC version also features additional enhancements, such as ultrawide monitor support, unlocked frame rates, and customizable graphics settings to optimize performance for a wide range of PC configurations. It’s available on platforms such as Steam and the Epic Games Store, offering PC gamers the chance to experience the enhanced version of Spider-Man.
Are there any differences between the Spider-Man PS4 Remastered version on PS5 and the one on PC?
While both versions of Spider-Man PS4 Remastered (on PS5 and PC) offer significant improvements over the original PS4 game, there are some key differences. The PS5 version is optimized specifically for the console’s hardware, offering a consistent experience tailored to the PlayStation ecosystem. This includes features like DualSense controller support for enhanced immersion.
The PC version, on the other hand, provides greater customization options and graphical fidelity potential, depending on the user’s hardware. It supports higher resolutions, ultrawide monitors, and unlocked frame rates, allowing players with powerful PCs to achieve even better visual quality. However, performance on PC can vary greatly depending on the system specifications, whereas the PS5 offers a more consistent and predictable experience.