Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 presents a straightforward beginning before delving into unprecedented narrative twists involving a symbiote invasion. Kraven is abruptly sidelined in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, making way for Venom to emerge as the new threat, culminating in a hurried third act. Here, Insomniac makes a bewildering choice.
Peter Parker inadvertently acquires the symbiote while on the brink of death, and it miraculously saves his life by removing a perilous blade lodged in him. It remains perplexing how Peter is miraculously cured when he separates from the symbiote. Meanwhile, Harry Osborn promptly relapses upon its removal, raising further questions. Subsequently, Peter gains the Anti-Venom symbiote, seemingly possessing all the benefits without the drawbacks of the original symbiote, yet he opts to keep it for himself instead of aiding his ailing friend.
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By not making an effort to rid himself of it, Peter's casual acceptance of its integration into his being seems lackadaisical. Furthermore, Harry's survival, albeit in a comatose state at the conclusion of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, leaves room for various directions Insomniac could take with his character.
Harry might become a symbiotic host again in Insomniac’s rumored Venom spin-off, or he could play a role in Marvel’s Spider-Man 3, either as a recurring antagonist or a son desperately seeking to connect with his now-villainous father. Opting not to eliminate Harry was a cautious decision, possibly influenced by the impact of Kraven's demise, preventing Insomniac from losing another character.
It seems peculiar that Peter possesses a seemingly consequence-free substance, behaving exactly as Harry and Norman Osborn envisioned the original symbiote would, yet Peter's immediate thought after defeating the symbiotes wasn't to offer it to Harry. Given Peter's ability to freely share it with Harry, assuming it lacks a parasitic or manipulative hold over him, Harry's need appears more pressing than Peter's.
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Peter now wields a symbiote as part of his arsenal, a remarkable change from relying solely on his gadgets. Insomniac likely aims to maintain his parity with Miles, whose bioelectricity and optic camouflage could otherwise make him the more captivating Spider-Man to play.
However, a symbiote-infused Spider-Man, without any drawbacks, capable of unleashing havoc in New York City's open world, presents a significant adjustment that Marvel’s Spider-Man 3 must address. If Peter had intended to give it to Harry, it should have been done at the conclusion of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 to save him. Insomniac may have chosen to retain Harry in a dire state to intensify Norman’s descent into anger and grief.
Exploring Peter's life with the symbiote and its integration into the narrative, whether he decides to retain it or its eventual fate, will be intriguing. However, the lack of immediate consideration to offer it to Harry for his rescue raises enduring concerns. Hopefully, these questions will be resolved if Insomniac's Venom spin-off materializes.