If it wasn’t for Doctor Otto Octavius insinuating that the sequel toMarvel’s Spider-Man 2would be the “final chapter” in a subtle fourth-wall break, it would’ve been neat to see how all of its character introductions, teases, and developments could’ve been pursued in multiple entries. Alas, unless Insomniac decides to state otherwise, it seems as ifMarvel’s Spider-Man 3will be tasked with wrapping everything up so that nothing is left on an unsatisfying note without appropriate closure, and that’s fairly disappointing if so considering how many more exciting stories could be told inInsomniac’sSpider-Mancontinuity.
For example, symbiotes have suddenly become incredibly influential—Peter Parker now possesses an Anti-Venom symbiote, and Cletus Kasady had a spectacular debut inMarvel’s Spider-Man 2that Insomniac wisely took its time building up to via a violent cult, which brought Insomniac’sSpider-Manfranchise to a refreshingly dark place. Now, with Otto Octavius grimacing and scheming from within the Raft since the end ofMarvel’s Spider-Manand a future antagonist reprisal being inevitable, there are clear paths Insomniac could take to debut its own iteration of Monster-Ock or Atrocity if it wished.
How Marvel’s Spider-Man Lays a Foundation for Monster-Ock
Monster-Ock is a combination of Doctor Octopus and Carnage’s red symbiote that debuted inNeversoft and Activision’sSpider-Man(2000). Monster-Ock is a snarling beast whose cries are haunting as he incessantly pursues Spider-Man. Because he isn’t particularly intimidating appearance-wise—Monster-Ock is only a bit bigger than Spider-Man himself—much of what makes him fearsome is the brilliant tedium and stress of navigating rigid, narrow tunnels with Monster-Ock hot on players’ tails. Still, it’s an excellent design that was never revisited one-to-one.
InMarvel’s Spider-Man 3, Cletus’ symbiote could conceivably latch onto Otto, but with Carnage being far more likely to appear it is perhaps a stretch to imagine that both Carnage and Monster-Ock would receive screen time like inSpider-Man. Carnage being teased so heavily will necessitate a big emphasis on the red symbiote with Cletus as its host and, while Monster-Ock would be extraordinary and wholly possible now that a red symbiote has been introduced, there’s probably no room for aMonster-Ock whenMarvel’s Spider-Man 3also needs to make its bed for a highly anticipated Green Goblin.
How Marvel’s Spider-Man Lays a Foundation for Atrocity
Atrocity, on the other hand, is a combination of Doctor Octopus, Anti-Venom (with Eddie Brock as its host), and Walker Sloan that debuted inBeenox and Activision’sSpider-Man: Edge of Time. Atrocity is a gargantuan monstrosity leaning more toward an alien-esque aesthetic with a bloated figure, a hulking arm, a limp tongue perpetually dangling from its mouth, and beady red eyes emulating Doctor Octopus’ goggles.
Instead of simply representing a host/symbiote relationship like Monster-Ock, Atrocity is created when all three characters stumble intoEdge of Time’s time-travel gateway.
Regardless,Peter’s Anti-Venom symbiotecould conceivably latch onto Otto inMarvel’s Spider-Man 3with or without a third host bunched into the monstrosity’s amalgamation. Playing devil’s advocate, though,Spider-Man: Edge of Time’s Atrocity plays such a large role as a recurring antagonist that it may be better to leave its specific design and aesthetic alone for that individual game to remain unique.
Atrocity is a peculiar and particular entity that might be difficult to reprise under vastly different circumstances, even if alluding to it with Doctor Octopus and the Anti-Venom symbiote alone could be a wonderful and nostalgic surprise inMarvel’s Spider-Man 3. Either way, it will be interesting to see what Insomniac has in store for Peter’s symbiote, as well as any other symbiotes still lurking around, wheneverMarvel’s Spider-Man 3eventually launches.
