Summary
Superheroes are the perfect subject to be used in various genres of video games, from open-world RPGS to tournamentfighting gamesin the style ofStreet FighterorMortal Kombat. It is the ideal way to live out the ultimate power fantasy, blasting an enemy opponent with the iconic superpower or weapon of a superhero from Marvel, DC, and other franchises.
Many superhero fighting games attract both casual gamers who want to play as their favorite characters and dedicated fighting game fans. Players can enjoy fast-paced gameplay solo, with friends, or online against random opponents. Additionally, they can immerse themselves in comic book worlds through engaging storylines that serve as the backdrop for numerous battles.
Those expecting a Capcom-esque fighting game in the vein ofX-Men: Children Of The Atomwere surprised byX-Men: Next Dimension, which took on a 3D gameplay style.A more accurate comparison would beSoulcaliburorTekken, even featuring a story mode about the villain Bastion, creating a plot that would force the X-Men and the Brotherhood of Mutants to fight.
Before the emergence of titles likeInjusticeand later iterations ofMarvel Vs. Capcom,X-Men: Next Dimensiondeserves recognition for presenting a storyline in a fighting game, even if it is straightforward. Each character possesses their trademark abilities and fighting styles that accurately represent the comic books, leading to engaging gameplay that fans can truly appreciate.
Before they became famous forWarCraftandDiablo, Blizzard created the first DC fighting game,Justice League: Task Force. Unlike theInjusticegames, which took inspiration fromMortal Kombat,Justice League: Task Forceis a clear imitation ofStreet Fighter, even featuring slow-motion finishes in matches.
The resemblance toStreet Fighterhelps anyone determine if they’ll enjoy it, but DC fans might also be intrigued by the unconventional cast of characters influenced by 90s comics at the time. Superman with his infamous mullet, Green Arrow, Aquaman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, and Batman make up a small roster, but one that was ahead of its time, doing things that foreshadowedInjustice.
As the fourth game in the series with so many Marvel and Capcom franchises to pull characters from,Marvel Vs. Capcom: Infiniteproved to be a disappointment on release. Even with all the DLC, the visual style of the game, with uninspired character designs and unappealing backgrounds, made players feel detached from what is a potentially strong fighter.
However, thanks to fans like Maximillian_Dood on YouTube,mods resurrectedMarvel Vs. Capcom: Infiniteto feel like a proper sequel, with new animations, improved gameplay, and an overhauled art style. This expansion mod,Marvel Vs. Capcom: Infinite & Beyondmakes it feel like an entirely different game, which led to gamers rediscovering the game and showing love for it.
Despite being a mobile game,Marvel Contest of Championsprovides an addictive experience that can be played at home, on the go, and now on PCs. After years of patches and updates, it has polished its simplistic yet engaging gameplay to provide an experience that can be enjoyable whether someone is just starting fighting games or has played them for years.
Like many mobile games, there is a push for microtransactions; however, they are not required to playMarvel Contest of Champions. By simply grinding every day, players can unlock dozens of heroes, villains, and anti-heroes from across the multiverse, making it one of thelargest ensembles in Marvel games, up there withMarvel Ultimate AllianceandMarvel Heroes Omega.
From the originalMighty Morphin’ Power Rangersto the 2017 rebootto even the modern shows,Power Rangers: Battle For The Gridfeatures many characters on its roster. It’s not just fan-service either, as everyPower Rangerhas different moves and special attacks to diversify the gameplay as a 3v3 tag-team fighter.
Those familiar withStreet Fightergameplay will adjust easily to the fast-paced gameplay ofPower Rangers: Battle For The Grid, with lots of dodging and dashing to get in closer with powerful barrages of attacks. There are evenStreet Fightercharacters featured in the game, given Power Ranger suits and abilities, combined with their familiar attacks.
Arc System Works, the developers behind theGuilty Geargames, used their talent to bringcharacters like Goku and Vegetato life in their signature style. Unlike otherDragon Ballgames,Dragon Ball FighterZsticks to a 2D perspective but utilizes 2.5D visuals to make the characters and their various powers look as authentic to the anime as possible.
For longtime fans of Dragon Ball, there are characters from the original series,Dragon Ball Z,Dragon Ball GT,Dragon Ball Super, and even a multitude of movies over the years. Similar toPower Rangers, it puts heavy emphasis on 3v3 tag-team fighting, which can result in so many mixes and matches to create a team that appeals to the player’s tastes.
Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3leaped into 3D visuals, utilizing cel-shaded animation to create ultra-colorful visuals that are almost comic-book-like. This somehow works for characters on both the Marvel and Capcom sides of things, with the latter having inclusions likeChris Redfield fromResident Eviland various heroes from theMega Manfranchise.
Even the Marvel side was expanded on, especially in theUltimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3version, which added new characters, modes, and even updated moves for base characters. New additions include Rocket Raccoon, Doctor Strange, Iron Fist, and many more. While not as strong as its predecessor,Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3proved to be a worthwhile addition to the franchise.
Even thoughMortal Kombat Vs. DC Universewasn’t a hit; it was essentially the seed that would grow and blossom intoInjustice: Gods Among Us, developed by Netherrealm Studios as their second IP. It has similar gameplay toMortal Kombatbut with enough twists to not only make the game more distinguished but also fit an all-DC fighting game.
Injustice: Gods Among Usalso excels because of its cinematic story mode, which has been praised for being on par or even better than several DC movies. With heroes and villains, including Batman, The Flash, Lobo, Killer Frost, and many more,Injusticewas so successful that even the films took inspiration from it.
In the long line ofMarvel/Capcom fighting games,Marvel Vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroesis often regarded as the most beloved. It takes the already polished 3v3 gameplay of past games and goes even further. The visual style fits both Marvel and Capcom characters to create what looks like an interactive animated movie, with sprites that are still unrivaled to this day.
For years,Marvel Vs. Capcom 2: New Age Of Heroesremained a title played at tournaments, despite there being multiple sequels. This resulted in the game and many others being brought back in theMarvel Vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics, with gamers able to go online and continue the fight in multiplayer matches.
While sometimes less is more,Injustice 2proves that sometimes bigger is better. It evolves from the first game with more characters, a grander storyline, and visuals that shame the original. Even the gameplay is similar toInjustice: Gods Among Us, but with significant improvements that make battling DC heroes and villains more enjoyable.
The new gear system inInjustice 2also enhances the gameplay, offering thousands of items that can be unlocked to customize and create the Batman or Swamp Thing of the player’s dreams.Injustice 2also features superheroes from other comic book universes,including the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtlesand Hellboy, which results in a memorable roster when combined with someMortal Kombatcharacters.
