Could a NetherRealm Marvel Game Match the Drama of Injustice?

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This article contains spoilers for Injustice: Gods Among Us.

As a passionate gamer, I can confidently say that the Injustice series has been my go-to for adrenaline-pumping combat experiences, drawing from the expansive DC Comics universe. Known for their knack in creating engaging fighting games, thanks to the legendary Mortal Kombat franchise, NetherRealm Studios took a daring leap with Injustice, offering them an opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the DC universe. What made this project even more intriguing was their exploration of a captivating “what if” scenario revolving around Superman’s role, which added a dark and thrilling twist to the gameplay.

In the narrative of Injustice, the central struggle is between Batman and Superman. After being deceived by the Joker into annihilating Metropolis and killing Lois Lane, Superman transforms into a tyrant, establishing an oppressive regime. Batman rallies the opposition, initiating a fierce rivalry. If NetherRealm aims to broaden its superhero collection and try out Marvel characters, one major hurdle could be that the comic universe lacks two strong protagonists similar to DC’s.

If NetherRealm Made a Marvel Game, the Main Conflict Would Have to Be Different From Injustice

Marvel is Missing the Superman/Batman Dynamic

Even though Marvel doesn’t boast a pair of standout protagonists akin to Superman and Batman, it’s clear that Spider-Man has been their most prominent figure since his introduction in 1962. Despite Marvel’s roster brimming with heavyweight heroes such as Captain America, Iron Man, and Thor, the duo of Superman and Batman have often appeared as two sides of the same coin in the DC universe.

In simpler terms, Batman represents the pessimistic angle of DC superheroes, while Superman embodies their optimism and idealism. Compared to Marvel’s primary heroes, this contrast isn’t as obvious. Over time, Marvel has gained more popularity with anti-hero characters, which could lead to conflicts similar to Batman vs. Superman, but the impact might not be as striking.

For the very first time, Spider-Man made his debut in the comic book “Amazing Fantasy” issue 15, and it came out as early as August 1962.

NetherRealm Could Look to the MCU for Marvel Inspiration

In “Captain America: Civil War,” we saw an engaging addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), as internal strife among The Avengers was one of the central themes. A disagreement about the role of the U.S. government in governing The Avengers resulted in a split within the superhero team, and this could potentially inspire NetherRealm Studios, should they ever get a chance to develop a Marvel-themed game.

A more cohesive disagreement within the team seems to be the preferred approach for this game instead of focusing on tension between just two key characters. One Marvel hero who shares Batman’s fierce temperament is Wolverine, but while a significant fight between him and Spider-Man isn’t entirely implausible, it might not generate as much interest as DC’s primary pairing does.

In the year 1938, Superman made his debut in the first issue of ‘Action Comics’, and three years later, in 1939, Batman was introduced to readers through ‘Detective Comics’ #27.

NetherRealm Has Yet to Make a Marvel Fighting Game Official

For a long time, enthusiasts of the combat genre have been eagerly anticipating a Marvel game developed by NetherRealm Studios. Although unconfirmed speculation continues to circulate, it remains uncertain if this wishful thinking will ever materialize. A NetherRealm Marvel game has immense potential, but at present, it appears as though such a project is nothing more than an aspiration. However, until NetherRealm formally announces the development of such a game, a fighting game inspired by the style of Injustice will remain a distant hope.

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2025-05-17 14:34