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For a way to tell if a game is able to be played on the Steam Deck, Valve's Verified system is a mixed bag. Sometimes, it gets it perfectly, like Tomb Raider 4-6 Remastered, and sometimes it just gives a game the green checkmark that maybe shouldn't have it. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth comes to my mind for a game that shouldn't have it thanks to the big drops in cities like Kalm and Junon, but there are other games that maybe shouldn't be considered "great experiences" just yet, and Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is one of them.
Today, Spider-Man 2 got a Verified badge from Valve, which is a confirmation from Valve that the game is a "great experience" on the Steam Deck. This also requires it to meet certain criteria like having correct controller icons, legible text, and a default configuration that runs well. When I noticed that the game got the badge, I decided to redownload it to see for myself just how well it was running and if it had improved. While I would say it is a little better, there are still some issues I can see rearing its head.
Based on Valve's Verified system, the biggest issue I could see is the default graphics configuration not running well. There are a good chunk of moments that hit 30 FPS, but I also encountered many where I dropped to 27 FPS. I expect the framerate could go down even further with some heavier scenes (like Sandman's opening). I am unsure what Valve means by "performs well" since it could mean 30 FPS stable, but it isn't fully stable.
On top of that, I encountered a crash that was most likely due to high RAM usage. Having both crashes and framerate drops possible is not performing well. So, while the game is decently playable, albeit with a lot of visual compromises, I wouldn't say it's the best Steam Deck title.
That being said, I do think it should get the Playable badge. Other than the default configuration, the game fits every other criteria nicely. If the configuration were improved, I would say the Verified badge would be justified, but for now, Playable would make more sense.
It also sounds like Nixxes Software isn't slowing down with updates that improve stability and performance. Today, they released their third patch for the game, filled with bug fixes, stability improvements, and cinematic issues. With all of this in mind, I can see Marvel's Spider-Man 2 getting the Verified badge at some point, but I don't think now is the time just yet.
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 can be purchased on Steam for $59.99, but if you want to save some money, you can get it on GreenManGaming for $50.99 with coupon code FEB15.
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I wish they would add bronze, gold, and platinum sub rank to the verified status with better definitions. Platinum could be: 90 fps or more at max or default settings preset. Gold could be 90 fps more at medium settings. Bronze would be 90 fps or more at low settings. Playable would be anything that works but can only run between 30 and 60 fps and or does not have controller support.
There doesn't seem to be criteria or set standard to be verified on Steam Deck even f it runs on Steam Deck even at the lowest settings. I tried Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart and it runs horribly at all graphics setting; even when everything is set to low. Sounds like Spider-Man 2 may suffer just the same. I really did not think Spider-Man 2 would be verfied with more recent AAA titles being more demanding in power. There should be set requirements to be verified... mostly medium settings @ 30 fps. Games like Life is Strange: Double Exposure and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart should not have been verified. Spider-Man 2 should not be either.