Marvel characters have taken up space in the video gaming world for years at this point, and that’s no surprise. They’re practically made for it. The Marvel Universe has been adapted into different video game genres, most recently the 3D open-world space, but there’s room for the classics to make a comeback, as well.
Here’s to hoping that someone in the gaming industry decides to take the following some of the most iconic Marvel characters, and crafts a Streets of Rage-style sidescrolling beat-em-up title using them. There’s a load of opportunity to expand on the traditional fighting game formula and make a memorable brawler that friends can enjoy together.
10 Doctor Strange Could Make Great Use Of His Powers
Doctor Strange would be a great fit for a side-scrolling beat-em-up title, especially when his magical abilities were factored in. He’s already a great combatant, but his use of the arcane arts would allow him to wield magic-based swords, shields, and other weapons to incorporate into devastating combo attacks.
Strange could also be accompanied by other playable characters as well, including the Scarlet Witch, Daimon Hellstrom, and Wong, to name a few. A strong mixture of fighting game mechanics with a little arcane goodness thrown in could make for one astonishing platformer.
9 Daredevil’s Extra Senses Would Be A Great Tool
Daredevil has appeared in a few video games over the years, particularly a Shinobi-style side scroller, but nothing as in-depth as a Final Fight-style game would allow. Quite frankly, Daredevil is the perfect character for it. Not only is his martial arts prowess and superhuman agility a natural fit for such a game, but there’s room to expand on the formula.
The game could incorporate Daredevil’s extra senses into the game, somehow. Subtle on-screen cues could alert the player that Daredevil hears something; perhaps an alternate path leading to a different stage. Add in some co-op characters for him to fight alongside, and it would be a surefire winner.
8 Thor Could Dominate Boss Encounters
The Asgardian God has appeared in video games before, but they’ve most remain relegated to the 3D or isometric overhead model. It’s high time he got his beat-em-up title, and it’s safe to say that it would be one for the ages. His incredible strength and superpowers would mean a lot of on-screen flashiness, as well as some excellent boss encounters.
It’s easy to imagine Thor going up against Frost Giants or a big baddie like Surtur that takes up half the screen. Thor could be aided by his fellow Asgardian pals such as Lady Sif, as it would feel too cheap to bring the Avengers into it. This should be a standalone game focused on Thor as the primary character.
7 X-23’s Healing Abilities Would Be A Great Game Mechanic
Wolverine has been featured in side-scrollers before, most notably games like 1989’s arcade hit X-Men. For that reason, the focus could shift onto his successor, X-23. This biological daughter of Logan possesses the same healing factor and retractable claws as her father, which could open up a new mutant-focused storyline.
It wouldn’t be a bad idea to bring in some of her X-Force compatriots as secondary playable characters, either. This would serve as an excellent bridge for Marvel fans, and newcomers who aren’t familiar with X-23’s character, or how she relates to Wolverine.
6 Deadpool’s Game Could Be A Parody And Homage All-In-One
The Merc with a Mouth needs his own beat-em-up title, particularly since it would give developers every excuse to break the fourth wall in a hilarious fashion. Spoofing other video games based on Marvel characters could be just one way a Deadpool game could liven things up with great comedic effect.
Combat should be swift, brutal, and mixed with slapstick to truly bring out the laughs. If done correctly, it could be one of the most incredibly crazy and fun beat-em-ups ever committed to a video game. Naturally, co-op would be a must, which means pairing Deadpool with Domino, Colossus and Copycat, to name a few.
5 Black Panther’s Agility Practically Begs For A Game
One character seriously in need of a beat-em-up title is Black Panther. The character’s innate agility and fighting prowess practically begs for a game, and there are multiple ways to incorporate his suit into combat, as well. Utilizing the kinetic charge buildup in the suit could be one way of turning the tides in a pitched battle against bosses and enemy characters.
Incorporating supporting Wakanda characters into the game for co-op purposes could be a major win, as well. It also wouldn’t hurt to see in-game cameos from characters like Luke Cage or Storm. Add in some sprawling, hand-painted environments, and there’s a winner here.
4 Black Widow’s Skills Would Make For A Good Game
There’s no reason Black Widow shouldn’t get her own game, especially if a S.H.I.E.L.D. storyline is mixed into the gameplay. She’s got enough fighting skills and high-tech gadgets to make for an excellent side scrolling fighting title, and throwing in a few Marvel heroes like Captain America or Nick Fury would be icing on the cake.
Enemy bosses like Alexi Shostakov, Viper, and Bullseye can make appearances if they fit into the story, which could incorporate elements of her mysterious past for a little exposition.
3 Ghost Rider’s Game Could Include Racing Elements
Terrifying vigilante Johnny Blaze has never received a side scrolling fighting title before, and this could (and should) change. The gameplay could be a combination of traditional fighting mechanics mixed with Battletoads racing levels (sans the infuriating design) where Ghost Rider drives his motorcycle and attacks enemies chasing after him.
There’s a lot of creativity to be had all around, including the combat system. Ghost Rider should be able to use his hellish powers, combined with his chain-whip to deal out damage to foes in a 2D God of War variant. Co-op characters can include Vengeance, Molek, and Morbius, to name a few.
2 Blade Deserves To Slice And Dice Through Foes
If the Blade films taught us anything, it’s that the character definitely deserves his own beat-em-up game. It’s easy as pie to imagine Blade slicing and dicing his way through legions of vampiric foes, while slowly progressing to a series of intense boss fights against Deacon Frost, Baroness Blood, and Count Von Stadt.
Co-op allies could include Claudia Belles, Morbius, and Spectrum, with a little off-screen Streets of Rage-style backup by Whistler. The game should be dark, atmospheric, and loaded with action befitting of the character.
1 A Moon Knight Game Would Be A Great Way To Introduce Him To The Mainstream Audience
Moon Knight has never really made a mainstream splash outside of the comics, but that is set to change with some upcoming projects featuring the titular character. Now would be a good time to produce a video game to introduce audiences to what he’s all about, especially given the subject matter.
The game could blend traditional street beat-em-up mechanics with a heavy dose of mysticism and magic. After all, Moon Knight has squared off against Ammut, Arc, the Demogoblin, and Nightmare, to name a few. Seeing them make appearances in the game would be icing on the cake.
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