7 Bizarre Marvel Games You Won't Believe Exist

Summary

Marvel games have a range of difficulty levels, some titles are exceptionally challenging.
Some Marvel games, like the Howard the Duck movie tie-in, were major disappointments.
Unusual crossovers, like Iron Man with X-O Manowar, have left fans scratching their heads.

Fans of Marvel have a wealth of options in video games, while supporters of DC find themselves yearning for a resurgence similar to the popular Batman Arkham series.

For over four decades, since 1982, there’s been a continuous stream of Marvel-themed video games. Some have risen to become the finest superhero games ever created, while others have fallen flat and some have been so bizarre that even Grant Morrison might find them peculiar. Quite an achievement indeed, as it takes skill to make Scrooge McDuck wielding a bazooka seem even more unusual than usual. And here we are.

7. Kellogg’s The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Game

They’re Not-So-Gr-r-reat!

In the peak of the Andrew Garfield period, enthusiasts of both Spider-Man and Kellogg’s goods were given a special treat: the Kellogg’s The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Game. This AR (Augmented Reality) app allows players to experience the world from their favorite web-slinger’s perspective, using web-shooters to defeat adversaries and conquer various mini-games.

Previously, Kellogg’s had dabbled in exploiting the Marvel universe before this instance. Earlier, they released a less-known demonstration version of the Spider-Man game for the PlayStation 1, timed with the release of the Tobey Maguire film. Subsequently, they hopped on the Marvel Cinematic Universe bandwagon with “Kellogg’s Marvel’s Civil War VR”.

6. Howard the Duck

Dud, Dud, Goose

It’s only just that we consider the video game adaptation linked to Marvel’s unusual live-action production, “Howard the Duck”. Given the anticipation, it’s no surprise that the game flopped, similar to the movie. However, it’s disappointing given Howard the Duck’s rich comic book history, some of Marvel’s finest work from the 70s.

Returning to our topic: In the game, Howard undertakes a daring rescue operation for his buddies on Volcano Island, which was not featured either in the film or the comics. This underscores the level of dedication the developers had towards the IP.

5. Captain America in: The Doom Tube of Dr. Megalomann

Not the Kinda Doom We Wanna See

The game highlights Dr. Megalomann, its unique original character, rather than focusing on well-known Captain America villains like Red Skull, Baron Zemo, or Arnim Zola, whose titles might be mistaken for Doom Tube (not to be confused with DC’s Boom Tubes).

This captivating villain boasts a remarkably original and distinct past, as he is an evil scientist concealing his operations within a subterranean hideout. To put it simply, this character has garnered high praise, with the game receiving glowing reviews such as “Although the graphics might not be award-winning, they are well-defined and easy to see.

4. Iron Man and X-O Manowar in Heavy Metal

A Confusing Cross-Over

This game immediately sparks some curiosity. Who is the X-O Manowar character, and what connection does he have with Heavy Metal magazine? Also, why was this particular game developed? Here’s a breakdown to clear up those mysteries:

1) He originates from Valiant Comics, serving as one of their superheroes.
2) There is no direct link between the game and the magazine.
3) The motivation behind its creation? Simply put, profit.

It’s puzzling how these two characters seem to have overlapping traits. While they were both well-received when introduced, it seems their likeness points towards a lack of originality in the character development of X-O Manowar. However, we acknowledge that there is more depth to him than just his armor or appearance.

3. Men in Black: The Game

The Game Marvel Won’t Let You Remember

Fans of comic books who appreciate the “Men in Black” series might find pleasure in informing others that this film franchise is, in fact, based on a Marvel Comics property. After the initial excitement wears off, there’s still fun to be had discussing the complex connections between the movies and video games.

Previously, you knew that the franchise was a mix of action and comedy. However, Gigawatt Studios made an unexpected change by transforming this officially licensed game into a survival horror reminiscent of Resident Evil. This new version bears no resemblance to the movie’s storyline and carves its own path, a move that is as daring as it is questionable.

2. Questprobe featuring The Hulk

Hulk Keyboard Smash!

Among the initial Marvel games to be released was undeniably one of its more unusual titles. This text-based graphic adventure marked the start of a trilogy developed by Adventure International, a studio with grand aspirations for the series. Regrettably, financial difficulties prevented the complete realization of the QCU (Questprobe Cinematic Universe)).

As a gamer, let me tell you, what we stumbled upon was nothing short of mind-blowing! It wasn’t your typical game with fancy graphics or complex controls; instead, it was all about typing directions like “north,” “south,” “east,” and “west.” In this unique setting, I found myself controlling Bruce Banner and his green behemoth as we navigated through a computer-simulated world.

Surprisingly, Doctor Strange, Ant-Man, and even Ultron made unexpected cameos, adding an electrifying dash of Marvel magic to this peculiar adventure. It was like stepping into a comic book, where the impossible becomes possible!

1. X-Men: The Ravages of Apocalypse

Attack of the Clones

The idea of first-person superhero games is quite peculiar to begin with. But imagine a retro shooter game based on the X-Men universe, powered by the Quake engine? That takes the cake in terms of being mind-boggling. To top it off, this game isn’t just another standalone title; it’s an expansion for the classic Quake game. And so, we have “X-Men: The Ravages of Apocalypse”.

The notion of first-person superhero games is already unusual. However, imagine a vintage shooter game set in the X-Men universe with the Quake engine? That’s a whole new level of perplexing. To make things even more intriguing, this isn’t just any ordinary game; it’s an expansion for the original Quake. And thus, we have “X-Men: The Ravages of Apocalypse”.

The game commences as Magneto assigns you a mission to prevent Apocalypse from creating an army of mutant duplicates. To accomplish this, you’ll need to eliminate wave after wave of them, resulting in heaps of cherished (and bloodstained) X-Men characters. That’s correct—you can attack fan favorites such as Wolverine, Cyclops, Psylocke, and Storm straight in the face.

2025-03-15 09:05

7 Bizarre Marvel Games You Won’t Believe Exist