Disney’s acquisition of Marvel has sparked growing interest. It isn’t limited to the cinematic world. In fact, Marvel’s gaming history is filled with memorable moments too. We at Player.me, have carefully curated the best Marvel games for you.
From PCs to modern consoles, many Marvel games have been launched. However, the curse of poor game adaptations lingers. Only a few Marvel games have broken this mould. They’ve earned praise from critics and players alike. But hey — let’s cut to the chase. Here are five notable Marvel games that have made a mark on the gaming world.
Also Read: 7 Best Games Coming in the Second Half of 2023
1. Marvel’s Spider-Man (Series)
2018’s Marvel’s Spider-Man (And the whole series in general) for PS4 by Insomniac Games is topping our list. Spider-Man games were always destined to feature, even without this offering. The web-slinging, wall-crawling, friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man’s gaming journey dates back to 1982. So, our beloved Marvel superhero’s game history is quite lengthy. Let’s also remember the 2002 PS2 game Spider-Man, seen as the series’ forebear under Activision.
Marvel’s Spider-Man is universally hailed as one of the best. It’s a worthy recipient of high praise, thanks to its smooth combat, compelling storyline, high-quality visuals and sounds, and the joy of navigating an open-world NYC. Its resounding success led to the Remastered version for PS5 and PC. Leveraging the latest tech, it reached a wider audience and garnered even more acclaim.
The 2020 sequel, Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, brought fresh energy and was well-received. Fans eagerly await Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, set to launch on October 20, 2023. Considering everything, we have decided to award the top spot on our list of the best Marvel games.
Release Date: September 7, 2018
Developer: Insomniac Games
Where to Buy: Steam, PS Store
Related: Spider-Man 2 Gameplay Looks Great
2. Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3
Discussing superheroes without mentioning arcade-era fighting games? Not on our watch. The historic collaboration between Capcom, the makers of Street Fighter, and Marvel heroes spans from arcade halls to modern platforms. The series kicked off with X-Men vs. Street Fighter. With various Marvel and Capcom characters, the series etched its name in history with Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes. The critics’ darling? Marvel vs. Capcom 2.
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 presents an upgraded version of the original Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds. It boasts new characters, modes, fight scenes, and more, enhancing the gameplay balance and experience. Initially released for PS3, Vita and Xbox360, it later graced PS4, Xbox One and PC.
The game, popular for online play, retains its old charm despite sequels. It’s loved by Marvel fans, fighting game enthusiasts, and players of all ages. Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 earns second place in our best Marvel games list. Only Spider-Man could deny it the crown.
Release Date: November 2011 (PS3, Xbox 360) — December 2016 (PS4) — March 2017 (Xbox One, Windows)
Developer: Capcom, Eighting
Where to Buy: Steam, PS Store, Xbox Store
Also Read: 5 Best Upcoming Indie Games in 2024
3. X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse
It’s hardly shocking to see X-Men Legends II, by Raven Software, sitting at number three on our list. As the precursor to the Marvel: Ultimate Alliance series, X-Men Legends II paves the way for what followed. This role-playing action game, released across multiple platforms in 2005, garnered widespread acclaim from critics and players. It’s often dubbed the best X-Men game, available on PS2, GameCube, Xbox, PSP, N-Gage, and Windows.
It became a standout title for its era, thanks to the added online multiplayer option, a range of extra mutant powers, and high-quality cinematics and voiceovers by Blur Studio. Its sales exceeded expectations, earning it a spot on the PlayStation 2’s Greatest Hits list. True to early 2000s RPG dynamics, superheroes can boost their mutant powers and unique traits with gained XP and execute combo attacks through character interaction.
Beyond the story mode, which follows the X-Men and Brotherhood of Mutants uniting against Apocalypse, it offers a popular Skirmish mode for PVP or PVE combat. So, in third place, we present X-Men Legends II. This game represents its series and serves as a precursor to the Marvel: Ultimate Alliance series, symbolically earning that series a spot on our best Marvel games list too.
Release Date: September 2005 (PC, PS2, Xbox, GameCube)
Developer: Raven Software
Where to Buy: Game’s rights are abandoned. Download here.
Also Read: 5 Best TV Series Based on Video Games
4. LEGO Marvel Super Heroes
As demonstrated by our second and third picks, Marvel games are often best enjoyed with others. Despite the allure of Spider-Man’s solo adventure, the charm of Marvel comics, cartoons, and movies lies in team-ups of multiple heroes. This is where LEGO Marvel Super Heroes shines, offering a fun, collective gaming experience. The game, featuring 180 characters from the Marvel universe, is a joyful experience to share with friends, family, or online players of any skill level.
Crafted by British studio Traveller’s Tales, known for other Lego games, LEGO Marvel Super Heroes is one of the best Marvel games out there. It is a Lego-themed action adventure. It’s a must-play for fans of all ages, offering Marvel heroes in Lego form on a quest for “Cosmic Bricks”. Its comedic elements and jokes embedded in the story bring fun to the gameplay. You might have already completed the series if you’re a fan of both Lego and Marvel. After the first game’s multiplatform release in 2013, its sequel followed in 2017.
Release Date: November 2013 (Almost all platforms) — October 2021 (Nintendo Switch)
Developer: Traveller’s Tales
Where to Buy: Steam, PS Store, Xbox Store, Nintendo Store
Also Read: 5 Best PS5 Co-Op Games
5. Marvel Snap
Most Marvel games lean heavily into action, making it a key element. However, the most recent addition to our five best Marvel games list, released in 2022 and claiming the fifth spot, takes a different route, devoid of action.
Marvel Snap, a collectable digital card battler game, hooks you with addictive gameplay mechanics. Collecting cards, building decks, and testing your deck against other players creates an immersive experience that’s hard to quit. After all, we’re talking about a game that clinched the Best Mobile Game of the Year award in 2022.
Release Date: October 18, 2022 (PC, iOS, Android and MacOS)
Developer: Second Dinner
Where to Buy: It’s free-to-play, but it has microtransactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is the No 1 Superhero in Marvel?
Spider-Man, the web-slinging hero birthed by Steve Ditko and Stan Lee, has captivated audiences since his debut in the world of comics. The unique blend of human relatability and superhero feats quickly propelled him to the forefront of fan admiration.
What Marvel Game Is Like GTA?
Marvel’s Spider-Man series takes the gaming experience up a notch. It features an expansive, open-world exploration akin to the feel of GTA. It beautifully merges swift action sequences with a large-scale city interaction, immersing players in Spidey’s New York. You’re not merely a bystander but an active participant in Spider-Man’s thrilling adventures.
What Is the Latest Marvel Mobile Game?
The Marvel brand has kept pace with technology and user demands in mobile games. Their latest offering, MARVEL World of Heroes, launched in 2023, harnesses the power of Augmented Reality (AR).
Produced by the creators of Pokemon GO, this game transcends traditional gaming boundaries. It merges the real world with the fantastical Marvel Universe, adding a dimension of realness to your superhero escapades. It’s not one of the best Marvel games but hey — it’s a good idea.
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- My journey into the world of video games began at four, when I was first introduced to arcade machines in 1996. Over the past decades, I've been fortunate enough to witness the incredible evolution of gaming, as it has grown from a niche hobby to a thriving art. Today, I'm dedicated to creating content that celebrates all genres of games. We will talk about them at Player.me.
