8 Activision Developed Marvel Series We Want Brought Back

Key Takeaways

Many long-lost Marvel games may return under Microsoft, sparking nostalgia among fans of past superhero titles.
Activision‘s Marvel games, like X-Men: Mutant Academy and Howard the Duck, have left a mark on modern gamers.
Games like X-Men Origins: Wolverine and Spider-Man 2 continue to be praised despite their ties to disliked movies.

As a lifelong Marvel fan and avid gamer, I can wholeheartedly say that these three video games have left indelible marks on my gaming journey. Each of them offers unique experiences that perfectly encapsulate their respective characters and universes.

There’s chatter going around suggesting that Microsoft might revive some old Activision-published Marvel games from the past. This has sparked memories among fans about an exciting collaboration which provided gamers with a rich collection of high-quality licensed superhero games.

Prior to Marvel establishing its dominance within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Activision had introduced numerous Marvel-themed video games. Although not all were successful, several managed to make a lasting impression and could potentially captivate contemporary gamers once more.

8 Howard the Duck

A 2D Action Title Based On An Early Marvel Flop

8 Activision Developed Marvel Series We Want Brought Back

Released: 1986
Developed: Alternative Software
Platform(s): Apple II, ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64
Genre(s): Action

1986 saw the launch of the “Howard the Duck” video game, designed for ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, and Apple II home computers. This game offered a one-of-a-kind pseudo-3D action adventure, and was also a companion piece to the film of the same name that received mixed reviews. George Lucas served as the Executive Producer for the movie, making “Howard the Duck” Marvel’s initial live-action cinematic outing since the World War II serials featuring Captain America.

In the officially endorsed game, players guide Howard through the journey of Volcano Island to save his friends and defeat the wicked Overlord. Although the movie received poor reviews, the game is attractively designed and skillfully developed, warranting attention beyond its unfortunate association with the film.

7 X-Men: Mutant Academy

A Pseudo-Tie-In Fighting Game Based On The X-Men

Released: July 14, 2000
Developed: Paradox Development
Platform(s): Sony PlayStation
Genre(s): 2D Fighter

Although not a direct tie-in to the July 2000 release of X-Men, the movie X-Men: Mutant Academy came out simultaneously with the 20th Century Fox film.

Originating from Paradox Development and prominently featured within PlayStation’s exclusive lineup, X-Men: Mutant Academy is a 2D fighting game reminiscent of the classic Street Fighter. Enhanced by both 3D settings and character models, this combat-focused title was met with overwhelming acclaim from gamers and critics alike. Notably, the success of the game led to the creation of two sequels: X-Men: Mutant Academy 2 and X-Men: Next Generation.

6 X-Men Origins: Wolverine

A Tie-In Hack ‘N Slash Title That’s Better Than Its Movie Inspiration

Despite receiving negative reviews both commercially and critically in its film format, X-Men Origins: Wolverine left a significant impact when it moved into the realm of video games.

In the tie-in game, they’ve brought back some significant figures from the film, like Hugh Jackman and will.i.am, to reenact their roles once more. Additionally, this action-platformer title not only follows the movie’s narrative but also delves deeper into Wolverine’s comic book past. The game draws its gameplay directly from series such as “Devil May Cry” and “God of War,” making it an “exciting indulgence.”

5 Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions

Spider-Man Voice Actors Return In A Pre-MCU Multiversal Action-Platformer

Originating from Canadian studio Beenox and distributed by Activision, the game titled Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions was released on seventh-generation consoles and PC. This action-packed adventure was a groundbreaking introduction of the multiverse concept to many comic book enthusiasts for the first time.

In various Spider-Man animated series such as “The New Animated Series,” “Spider-Man” from 1994, “Spider-Man” from 1981, and “The Spectacular Spider-Man,” the voice actors Neil Patrick Harris, Christopher Barnes, Daniel Gilvezan, and Josh Keaton are back to lend their voices to the character in new roles. The action-packed series titled “Cross-Dimensional Action” received positive reviews when it initially launched in 2010, but it was soon removed from circulation in 2014. However, it was reinstated and then taken down again in 2015 and 2017.

4 X-Men Legends

The Action-RPG That Inspired A Generation’s Worth Of Similar Titles

In 2006, Raven Software introduced the game X-Men: Legends, featuring 15 playable X-Men heroes in a one-of-a-kind storyline that differs from the movie versions of the comic book characters, offering a unique gaming experience.

1. Players have the ability to alternate between four different X-Men characters, with AI or local teammates providing support. The game blends action RPG elements, allowing players to gain experience points and acquire upgradable abilities as they advance. Additionally, players can venture through a large representation of the Xavier Institute as a central hub before setting off on diverse missions.

3 Spider-Man 2

Still Seen By Some Gamers As The Quintessential Superhero Video Game

Although many video games based on licensed movie tie-ins are commonly criticized by gamers and reviewers, Treyarch’s Spider-Man 2 stands out as an exception to this negative perception.

In sync with the 2004 launch of Sam Raimi’s cinematic sequel, “Spider-Man 2”, players were given an unprecedented freedom to traverse the Manhattan cityscape. Unlike its predecessor, where Peter Parker was seen on rooftops and swinging between buildings, “Spider-Man 2” allowed players to touch down and explore New York City from the streets. Before Insomniac’s 2018 open-world “Spider-Man” game, this video game version of Spider-Man was widely admired by many gamers and critics alike as their favorite.

2 Marvel: Ultimate Alliance

A Crossover Action-RPG With Links Across Comics And Cinema

Following the achievement with their X-Men-themed Legends series, Raven Software endeavored to launch a Marvel universe-spanning action RPG in 2006.

Featuring a variety of role-playing game and brawler elements reminiscent of their popular X-Men series, Marvel’s diverse collection of comic book heroes were offered in Marvel: Ultimate Alliance for players to form teams. This game was released before the MCU era, when many Marvel characters were yet to make their big screen debuts. Players could choose from a range of unique playstyles such as Deadpool, Daredevil, Iron Man, and Invisible Woman.

1 Deadpool

A Metanarrative-Led Action-Comedy Romp Through Deadpool’s Pysche

Back in 2013, when Ryan Reynolds hadn’t yet brought Deadpool to life on the big screen, his video game adaptation was as close as many Marvel enthusiasts got to witnessing the wisecracking hero accurately portrayed in mainstream entertainment.

Created by High Moon Studios, the humorously action-packed third-person game “Deadpool” showcases themes reminiscent of its comic book origins. Filled with witty one-liners and references that break the fourth wall, this title is not just funny but also offers seamless and lavish hack-and-slash and shooter gameplay. Unfortunately, due to licensing issues, the popular Marvel character’s game has had a rocky release history. It initially came out in 2013, was removed from circulation, returned before Reynolds’ film debut, and then disappeared again from digital shelves.

2024-08-29 06:04