Marvel's Spider-Man 2, produced by Insomniac Games, is on its way to give fans a reflective taste of the much-anticipated gaming experience. In the game, fans can expect to see exciting changes and evolution of characters from the first game. One such character, Dr. Curtis Connors, also known as Lizard, features a design refresh in this upcoming sequel which is slated for a 20th October release on PlayStation 5.
Though the character comes from the realm of fantasy, Insomniac Games looked to more realistic references during the design process. The more monstrous and intimidating design of the Lizard was primarily inspired by actual, living reptiles. In a discussion on the PlayStation Blog, Insomniac Senior Art Director Jacinda Chew detailed the creative process behind bringing one of Spider-Man’s iconic antagonists to life.
“We looked at a lot of lizard skin for research," expressed Chew. The observation yielded unexpected results as she continued, "Most people who looked at our Lizard kept initially saying, 'He's not slimy enough.'" But it seems the reality of reptilian skin texture is less slimy and more dry. Still, recognizing how most people picture a generic lizard-like creature, Lizard in the game has been given a shinier skin surface.
To ensure that the character's design represented a far more beastly incarnation, Insomniac wanted it to look realistic yet striking. The skin isn't the only element inspired by actual lizards. For this character redesign, Lizard has also been given spikes. Chew explains, "I tried looking at real-life lizards that looked a bit more prehistoric because some lizards can look soft and cute." She sought inspiration from more aggressive, spike-covered, and snake-like lizard kinds to form a more intimidating figure.
Pushing the envelope further, the developers have also created an interesting simulation where Lizard can shed his skin. It was mentioned that game artists used special programming to mimic how his skin should move, especially when fluttering in the wind.
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is already generating excitement with the new reveals about its villain designs among fans. With the game launch nearing, anticipation builds on scaling new adventures. Will the game become as real as it can get? Well, with a touch of lizard reality, the game definitely seems to be slithering its way to a far more realistic rendition.
On a related note, the game has also released render images of other villains and side characters. Additionally, it's revealed that Spider-Man 2 will add features to make the swinging mechanism more challenging for players. It also puts forth new requirements for gamers to achieve everything a Spider can.
However, the key focus remains on the innovative design approach adopted for the antagonist, Lizard, that intertwines both fiction and reality. As the game draws closer and excitement keeps mounting, only time (and creatures of nature) will see what more inspirations leap out of the reptile battle royale in Marvel's Spider-Man 2.
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