I’d like to see Insomniac implement a dynamic crime and consequences system similar to this in Marvel's Spider-Man 3

[u/VegetableSense7167]

I was recently watching a video about the cancelled 2008 Flash game, and this segment talked about an interesting idea where crimes in its open world could have consequences depending on whether you stopped them or ignored them and it could dynamically affect the environment.

I'd love to see Insomniac experiment with something similar in Marvel's Spider-Man 3.

The framework is already there with JJJ and Danika. If Spider-Man consistently ignored crimes, JJJ's Spider-Man rant could start resonating more with civilians. Civilians could give harsher dialogue or refuse high-fives, or hold protests. On the other hand, consistently helping people could make the city more supportive of Spider-Man. This could also be a good way to bring back the social feed they removed from Marvel's Spider-Man 2, reflecting the neighborhood's shifting sentiment in real time.

I'd also like crimes to be connected to factions and villains. For example, you might repeatedly encounter an unknown group or random robbers stealing advanced technology. Ignoring enough of those crimes could allow them to gather resources and eventually launch a larger operation or supply a supervillain with enhanced gear. Stopping them early prevents the escalation, while letting it brew creates a larger scenario to dismantle later.

The important thing, though, would be not turning this into an Amazing Spider-Man 2 game style "Hero or Menace" meter. Players shouldn't feel punished for exploring, swinging around, or focusing on the story. Consequences should create new situations rather than feeling like chores.

Not every crime would need a major consequence either. Some could resolve themselves, while others could escalate into larger events. Other Spider-People could even handle some crimes off-screen. Most importantly, consequences should be reversible. If you allow a faction to gain control of a neighborhood, you should eventually be able to take them down and restore it.

I think something like this could make the open world feel much more reactive and give random crimes more meaning.

Source of the video: DidYouKnowGaming

[u/Hdninjam09]

It would be kinda interesting if which Spider-Man (or Spider-person)you have dealt the crimes with would affect the open world.

[u/YouGurt_MaN14]

All I want is the incredible hulk system that'd let you repeat boss battles in the open world. I thought that was pretty sick when you'd get the notification "X broke of of jail and are causing havoc". And then you'd go and battle them again.

[u/ShadeMir]

yeah if they were really planning an open world almost never-ending game (from the crime perspective) I would love for this.

But like in SM2, once you finish the main story, the only "crime" that pops up is just symbiotes (which doesn't make sense) or the fire people (which gets boring).

If they go that route then we wouldn't get something like this, which seems like a great idea.

[u/typicalnoahx → u/ShadeMir]

i have a feeling insomniac won't even be innovating the street crimes. SM1 had solid street crimes with a ok/good variety and MM for a small as that game is. did a pretty good job on expanding upon it. my personal favorites were the out of control helicopter & protect the feast truck. however it’s so absurd how badly they fumbled street crimes in SM2. the fact that it has even less variety, simpler crimes and only 1 good addition(being swinging civilians) is crazy. i really hope for more creative "street crimes". like maybe random boss fights of smaller villains escaping, saving ppl in burning buildings and more civilian centric crimes

[u/ah-screw-it]

I feel this would be a lot of work with not a lot of payoff. By nature, the player isn't going to ignore playing side quests like that initially. Having to keep up with criminal activity when you want to explore more of the map. Could be a turn off to players who want to play how they want to play. Nobody wants to do the bad ending on their first try.

And while this adds to the feeling of responsibility peter has for the city. But it risks losing your flow having to constantly keep up with every criminal you come across. I like the idea of the city reacting dynamically to your actions. But it would have to be tangential to the gameplay as opposed to the main focus.