Avengers, assemble! Marvel characters have long captured the imaginations of fans worldwide, transcending comic book pages to become iconic figures in various forms of media. Among the most thrilling manifestations of these beloved superheroes and villains are the Marvel fighting games, where players can step into the shoes of their favourite characters and engage in epic battles within Marvel games.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top five Marvel fighting games that offer adrenaline-pumping action, immersive gameplay, and an opportunity to unleash the full extent of Marvel’s legendary roster of characters. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a devoted Marvel enthusiast, these games promise to deliver an electrifying experience filled with thrilling combat and unforgettable moments.
5 Best Marvel Fighting Games
1. Marvel Contest of Champions
Diving into the list of the 5 best Marvel fighting games, the first one goes to the Marvel Contest of Champions.
As the mobile gaming industry continues to flourish, Marvel have ventured into the realm of multiplayer games — a free-to-play fighting game available on iOS and Android platforms. Marvel Contest of Champions, launched in 2014 and continuously updated, offers players a diverse array of Marvel characters summoned to battle in an arena.
In this game, players must enhance their chosen fighter by engaging in multiple battles against iconic Marvel characters. The gameplay resembles that of recent Mortal Kombat titles, with characters depicted in 3D but fighting within a 2D environment. However, due to the constraints of mobile devices, the game’s controls are limited to tapping the screen, resulting in a somewhat simplified move list for each character and occasionally repetitive combat encounters.
Developers: Kabam, Raw Thrills
Platforms: Android, iOS, Arcade
Release Date: December 10, 2014
2. Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter
Moving on next in the list of the best Marvel fighting games comes Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter. Following the successful collaboration between CapCom and Marvel with X-Men vs. Street Fighter, Marvel seized the opportunity to elevate the visibility of additional characters. Before the advent of the MCU, Wolverine, Spider-Man, and The Hulk were among the few well-known figures in the early 90s. Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter aimed to expand this roster by featuring characters like Captain America, Shuma Gorath, and Blackheart alongside the more recognisable ones.
Gameplay-wise, the title closely resembled classic Street Fighter games and its predecessor, X-Men vs. Street Fighter. It retained familiar elements such as combo moves and art style, though the PS1 version lacked the tag team mechanic present in the arcade edition.
Street Fighter might remind you of another great fighting game — the Tekken series, and the latest Tekken 8 was released back then in late January, and you can discover details of the game’s story in this article.
Developer: Capcom
Platforms: Arcade, PS1, Sega Saturn
Release Date: August 27, 1997
3. Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite
Since its inception in 1998, the Marvel vs. Capcom series has steadily grown in popularity. Following the success of Marvel Superheroes vs. Street Fighter, Capcom sought to diversify their character roster in Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Superheroes. This 2D fighting game expanded upon its predecessor by introducing more Capcom characters like Mega Man, Strider, and Morrigan alongside the existing array of Marvel characters.
Subsequent entries in the series adhered to this winning formula, but after a five-year hiatus, Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite was released in 2017. Returning to the franchise’s signature 2D tag team fighting format, this instalment’s storyline was heavily influenced by the success of the MCU. In the game, Marvel and Capcom heroes join forces to thwart Ultron’s quest to collect the Infinity Stones. These stones also granted unique super moves to teams in possession of them.
Developer: Capcom
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date: September 19, 2017
Also Read: 8 Ultimate Spider-Man Games to Play in Your Free Time
4. Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes
@mizuhashitaiki Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes versi konsol Sega Dreamcast. Boleh cuba dekat android atau pc guna emulator Flycast, Redream atau RetroArch. Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes ialah permainan pertarungan silang yang dibangunkan dan diterbitkan oleh Capcom. Ia merupakan ansuran keempat dalam siri Marvel vs. Capcom, yang menampilkan watak daripada kedua-dua francais permainan video Capcom dan siri buku komik yang diterbitkan oleh Marvel Comics. Pada asalnya dikeluarkan dalam arked Jepun pada tahun 2000, permainan ini menerima port ke peranti Dreamcast, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox, Xbox 360 dan iOS dalam tempoh dua belas tahun. #redream #android #emulator ♬ HAD ME LIKE [CLEAN] – Lem Thyret
Developers faced a daunting challenge in enhancing the previous iterations of fighting games featuring Marvel and Capcom characters. With the formula seemingly perfected in 2D fighting games, expectations were high for the next instalment, which was anticipated to primarily focus on graphics enhancements and the addition of new playable characters to the roster.
Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes elevated the gameplay of its forerunners across various aspects. Notably, it revamped the tag team combat system by incorporating three team members on each side, eliminating the need for one to be controlled by AI. Additionally, team members not currently active on-screen would gradually regenerate health until they were summoned back into the fray. These subtle alterations marked a significant shift in the series’ dynamics, setting a new standard for subsequent entries. With the upgraded dynamics and gameplay, this game is marked as one of the best Marvel fighting games.
Developers: Capcom, Backbone Entertainment
Platforms: Arcade , iOS , Dreamcast , PS2 , PS3 , Xbox (Original) , Xbox 360
Release Date: June 29, 2000
5. Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds
Last but not least, the last spot of the best Marvel fighting games goes to Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds. Following the success of its predecessor, Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds faced the daunting task of surpassing its predecessor’s achievements. Yet, the final instalment of the trilogy managed to retain the essence of its predecessor while introducing several commendable enhancements.
Notably, the game transitioned to 3D graphics for the next-gen consoles, offering a visually stunning experience. Moreover, the combat system underwent a significant overhaul, reducing the main attack buttons from four to three to enhance accessibility for newcomers, while retaining the intricate combo moves cherished by longtime fans. Additionally, the introduction of the X-Factor gauge, which was filled to grant players enhanced attacks, introduced a new layer of strategic depth to the series. And if you’re a gamer into strategic games, you might want to check out our other article on the best puzzle-solving games for some brainstorming.
Developer: Capcom, Eighting
Platforms: PS3 , Xbox 360
Release Date: February 15, 2011
Final Say
In conclusion, the realm of Marvel fighting games offers a rich tapestry of exhilarating combat experiences that captivate both casual players and devoted fans alike. Each title in this list of the best Marvel fighting games showcases the depth of Marvel’s character roster and the innovation of gameplay mechanics.
Whether reliving classic battles or embarking on new adventures, these games stand as testaments to the enduring appeal of Marvel‘s iconic heroes and villains. With each instalment building upon the legacy of its predecessors, the future of Marvel fighting games promises even greater thrills and excitement for gamers worldwide.
Read Next: 7 Best Stealth Games Franchise That You Should Play Once in Your Lifetime