Summary
Insomniac Games struck gold withMarvel’s Spider-Manwhen it released to critical acclaim in 2018. The developer’sSpider-Manuniverse has since expanded to include story DLC and theSpider-Man: Miles Moralesspin-off, cementing the franchise as one of the best comic book properties in the industry. That legacy is prepared to grow even more with the impending release ofMarvel’s Spider-Man 2, as Insomniac promises a rich evolution of the formula established in the first game. From iconic villains to an even greater open world,Marvel’s Spider-Man 2could go down as the best superhero game ever made.
To say that Marvel is riding a high of stellar video game releases thanks to Insomniac would be an understatement. This isn’t the first time the comic company has found success in the gaming space, however, as Marvel has been behind a handful of thrilling releases over the years. Just as its stories cover a diverse range of stories, from intergalactic threats to street-level sagas, Marvel’s video games have touched on multiple genres and gameplay experiences.Insomniac’sMarvel’s Spider-Manseriesmay be at the top of the mountain, but many other titles sit not too far from the peak.
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Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy
Square Enix’s first effort with a Marvel title,Marvel’s Avengers, was a resounding failureto the point that it’s been delisted from digital storefronts just three years after release.Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, however, was a much more satisfying experience thanks to its stellar story and inspired gameplay mechanics. Following the band of misfits as they take on an intergalactic cult,Guardianshad players take sole control of Star-Lord and give commands to the other members in combat. Full of heart and passion for the comics,Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxyis an underrated gem deserving of widespread acclaim.
Marvel Ultimate Alliance
Marvel Ultimate Allianceis emblematic of a past era for Marvel gaming. Developed by now-Call-of-Duty-studio Raven Software and published by nowMicrosoft-owned Activision,Marvel Ultimate Alliancebrought some of comic’s biggest names into one entertaining experience. From X-Men like Cyclops to Avengers like Captain America, players were able to build a team of four heroes to take on the forces of evil. The simple, isometric gameplay and comic-like story helpedMarvel Ultimate Alliancereach great heights when it released, and its legacy carries on in the form ofMarvelUltimate Alliance 3on the Switch.
Marvel Snap
Many of Marvel’s most momentous games are single-player console releases, butMarvel Snaphas demonstrated how the comic company can thrive in unfamiliar territory.Snapis a collectible card game developed by the minds behindHearthstone, and its dynamic gameplay has allowed it to become one of the hottest mobile card games of the last few years. ThoughMarvel Snaps' card collecting can be a grind, building decks allows for a wide range of creativity, and there’s a wealth of art styles for each character that can help players showcase their personality.
Marvel’s work in the video game industry may ebb and flow, but when it hits its mark it does so emphatically.Marvel’s Spider-Man 2is shaping up to be one of the greatest superhero games of all time, but it’s important to remember that good Marvel games existed before Insomniac was given the reins to the company’s most well-known hero. With projects likeSkydance’s Captain America and Black Panthergame in the works, there’s a chance that more Marvel games will reach the same heights. It’s hard to match the near-universal appeal of Spider-Man, but with the right developer, any hero can find a memorable game of their own.
