5 Most Ambitious Game Crossovers in History

Key Takeaways

Kingdom Hearts merges Final Fantasy and Disney characters successfully over the years.
Marvel Vs. Capcom pits iconic superheroes against Capcom fighters despite licensing hurdles.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate offers a massive crossover with 89 playable characters from various Nintendo franchises.

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the digital worlds of these iconic franchises, I must say that the collaborative efforts showcased in games like LEGO Dimensions, Mortal Kombat, and Super Smash Bros. are nothing short of breathtaking.

In the vast world of gaming, it’s uncommon to experiment by blending different franchises, especially those that are already popular. However, there are instances where such a move isn’t just smart, but can be incredibly profitable. Of course, when we talk about crossover games, there’s always a lot of legal hurdles and negotiations involved before any development can begin. But when these deals are successfully struck, they often lead to remarkable creations.

Because of their inherent characteristics, blending certain concepts, like merging an adult-rated violent game with a child-friendly one might not be feasible. However, when worlds from distinct realms harmoniously collide and strengthen each other, the resulting synergy is apparent right away. Here are some exceptionally daring crossover games.

5 The Kingdom Hearts Series

Final Fantasy And Disney Characters Work Together

The Kingdom Hearts franchise has been around for several years
The games have featured Disney characters like Woody, Donald Duck, and Mickey Mouse

The Kingdom Hearts series, which has been in existence for quite some time, boasts a substantial fanbase and numerous dedicated players. One of the key factors that set this franchise apart is its unique blend of characters from the Final Fantasy world and a smattering from Disney’s universe.

Despite appearing unusual and seemingly incapable of functioning well together, surprisingly, this combination works and the franchise’s prosperity serves as proof of its effectiveness.

4 The Marvel Vs. Capcom Series

Two Enormous Companies Deliver A Great Fighting Game

Players can pit the most powerful Marvel characters against classic Capcom fighters
This franchise’s history has been a little bumpy due to licensing issues here and there

There’s no denying that the Marvel franchise is full of amazing superheroes who have formidable powers and are great at fighting battles against both Earthlings and aliens. Pitting them against some of the best fighters in the Capcom universe just makes sense, and it’s a way to discover, once and for all, who has the strongest brawlers. This is where the Marvel vs. Capcom series comes in.

Among characters such as Wolverine, Magneto, Akuma, Cable, Dhalsim, and Spider-Man (plus many others), players often ponder who would emerge victorious in hypothetical battles. Over time, this crossover has sparked the creation of numerous games based on it. However, occasional licensing disputes have caused delays in production for some titles and possibly prevented others from ever being made.

3 LEGO Dimensions

An All-Out LEGO Multiverse Adventure

Characters from the DC universe, The Lord of the Rings, and The Lego Movie work together
Fun gameplay and a decent story

For several years, the LEGO universe has been partnering with numerous franchises, but not all of these collaborations can be categorized as crossovers. Games like LEGO Star Wars are actually part of the franchise, featuring LEGO components, rather than true crossovers. However, LEGO Dimensions stands out as a different case. This game brings together characters from the DC universe, The LEGO Movie, and J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings.

In an unexpected fashion, this blend of elements might seem improbable on a theoretical level, but surprisingly, it functions flawlessly. Gamers will need to navigate multiple stages, embodying renowned characters hailing from distinct universes, in order to unfold the narrative and ultimately finish the game. It’s possible that this game wouldn’t resonate as well if presented with a different theme or aesthetic; maybe it’s the LEGO-like design that makes these seemingly disparate ideas harmonize so well.

2 The Mortal Kombat Series

Mortal Kombat Has Had Some Incredible Guests Over The Years

The Mortal Kombat franchise is well known for introducing guest characters from other franchises into their rosters
Kratos, Homelander, and Omniman are just a few of the guest appearances the game has seen over the years

For over three decades, the Mortal Kombat series has been known for its extreme Fatalities, ruthless characters, and the occasional inclusion of guest fighters. These additions to the roster have generally been well-received and integrated effectively into the gameplay.

Over time, the Mortal Kombat series has included characters such as Kratos, known from the God of War series, along with Homelander, the merciless protagonist of The Boys, and Omniman, hailing from Invincible’s animated universe. Even though many of the main fighters in the Mortal Kombat games are already powerful and intriguing, it’s always exciting to witness a favorite character from another franchise join the battlefield.

1 The Super Smash Bros. Series

Probably The Most Ambitious Nintendo Crossover In History

89 playable characters are available in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Players can pit characters from various Nintendo franchises against each other

The Super Smash Bros. series, created by Nintendo, is arguably one of its most comprehensive and successful releases ever, with a rich history spanning many years. Each game in this franchise boasts something special that makes it stand out, and they consistently offer fresh battle arenas and useful items for combat. With a whopping 89 characters hailing from various Nintendo franchises like The Legend of Zelda, Fire Emblem, Kirby Universe, Star Fox Universe, and numerous others, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate truly excels in its array of options and diversity, providing players with an extensive selection to choose from.

It’s quite fascinating to witness characters from all across the Nintendo universe clashing against each other, a scenario that wouldn’t typically occur. However, it’s highly unlikely that future installments of Super Smash Bros. will include fighters from outside companies or IPs. Yet, in the interim, players have a wealth of choices in this extensive crossover event.

2024-10-21 05:05