Unleash Your Inner Villain: Top Marvel Games Where You Play the Bad Guys!

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Summary

  • Playing iconic Marvel villains in video games like Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 is a thrilling experience for fans.
  • Unlike its predecessor, Marvel Heroes featured multiple playable Marvel villains which was a unique experience for players.
  • Marvel Rivals has a diverse roster of villains available for players and has been praised for its fair gameplay mechanics.

For years, comic book enthusiasts have yearned for video games that enable them to embody their dreams of becoming Marvel’s most esteemed superheroes, ranging from Spider-Man and Wolverine to Captain Marvel. Numerous games exist where these iconic Marvel characters are not just playable but take center stage. Yet, it’s relatively uncommon to find games that offer the experience of playing as the villain instead.

These games inspired by Marvel Comics often spotlight supervillains as playable characters, either within larger groups or as downloadable content. Although there’s no game that allows Marvel enthusiasts to embody a supervillain like “Marvel’s Spider-Man” does for its main hero, these games can still satisfy the desire to command the most formidable villains in the Marvel universe.

10. Marvel Heroes

This Discontinued MMORPG Had Over 100 Characters

Prior to the release of “Marvel Rivals”, the top choice for online multiplayer action with Marvel characters was “Marvel Heroes”. This game debuted in 2013 on PC platforms and later appeared on Xbox One and PS4 under the title “Marvel Heroes Omega”. This free-to-play title offered a narrative penned by renowned Marvel author Brian Michael Bendis, and it boasted more than 30 playable villains along with several anti-hero characters from the Marvel universe.

Speaking about Marvel games, “Marvel Heroes” boasted an extensive roster of villains, ranging from well-known ones such as Loki and Magneto to lesser-known characters like Lady Deathstrike, Mister Sinister, and The Hood. Unfortunately, this MMORPG was unexpectedly closed down in November 2017 when Disney withdrew their license from the developers, leaving a promising endeavor unfulfilled.

9. Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order

It’s Like If Infinity War Was A Video Game

Ten years after the last installment, I found myself immersed in the third chapter of the Marvel Ultimate Alliance saga, eagerly jumping into the action inspired by the blockbuster hit, Avengers: Infinity War. This new adventure revolves around Thanos’ relentless pursuit of the powerful Infinity Gems. With a diverse roster of over 30 iconic heroes such as Black Panther, Captain America, and Ms. Marvel at my disposal, I also had the unique opportunity to control a few villainous figures.

In Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3, I’ve encountered some pretty formidable baddies like Thanos, Morbius, Loki, Elektra, and Doctor Doom. There are also characters that aren’t exactly saints, such as the Scarlet Witch, the Punisher, and Venom. The game received a fair share of praise, but some critics felt it was a step back from previous games in the series and left room for improvement.

8. Marvel’s Midnight Suns

The Superhero Supernatural Team Got An RPG

As a die-hard Marvel fan, let me tell you that the Midnight Sons are one of the most awesome superhero groups I’ve come across! This team is usually made up of supernatural heroes such as Ghost Rider, Blade, Elsa Bloodstone, and Moon Knight. In 2022, these dark defenders finally got their own game, Marvel’s Midnight Suns, from Firaxis Games. This game offers a whopping thirteen playable characters drawn straight from the comic book team, even including some who tend to lean towards villainy like Morbius, Venom, and Scarlet Witch.

Despite the fact that the game didn’t sell well on a commercial level, critics find plenty of reasons to appreciate it, especially for ardent Marvel enthusiasts. While some critics felt the PC version was technically weak, others thought the card game mechanics were an unusual fit for these beloved superhero fighters. In essence, this game may not be the perfect villain experience that fans might hope for, but it offers a decent playthrough with enough fun to keep you entertained.

7. Lego Marvel Super Heroes 2

The Lego Multiverse Goes Awry

In simpler terms, Lego games are known for having extensive lists of lesser-known characters, such as in the Lego Star Wars series. However, Lego Marvel Super Heroes 2 lives up to expectations with its vast collection of characters, even those only accessible through DLC. The game’s selection of villains is noteworthy, featuring choices like Killmonger, Thanos, Maestro, Kraven the Hunter, Dormammu, and Baron Zemo.

As a devoted fan myself, I wholeheartedly recommend Lego Marvel Super Villains for fellow enthusiasts who have already dabbled in the captivating world of Lego video games. If you’re an ardent Marvel Comics devotee, this game offers an exceptional chance to wield power over some of the most enigmatic supervillains straight from the comics. However, keep in mind that while you may encounter a variety of characters, they might all share similar gameplay dynamics.

6. Marvel Vs. Capcom Infinite

A Few Key Villains Show Up In This Brawler

2017’s follow-up to “Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3” boasts a diverse roster of 38 characters, drawn from both Marvel Comics and Capcom’s gaming past. Since the Marvel contingent makes up half, the selection of supervillains is somewhat limited. However, the ones included in “Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite” certainly don’t disappoint!

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but notice an intriguing lineup of villains in this game: Dormammu, Thanos, Ultron, and Venom, with a sprinkle of anti-heroes like Ghost Rider and Winter Soldier. It’s an exhilarating mix, even though it serves as a party game. However, some critics have raised concerns about the game’s departure from the traditional 3-on-3 gameplay style of Marvel vs. Capcom, while others feel that the character designs could be more captivating. Yet, nothing compares to the thrill of pummeling Mega Man as Ultron!

5. Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2

It’s A Superhero Civil War, But The Villains Are There Too

As a gaming enthusiast immersed in the Marvel Universe, I’ve found myself in the thick of it all with Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2. While the narrative is freshly crafted, it draws heavily from epic comic book sagas like Civil War and Secret War. Interestingly enough, I get to take control of both factions, either siding with Iron Man or Captain America in a superhero standoff. But what makes this game truly intriguing are the playable villains – the Green Goblin, Juggernaut, Magneto, Songbird, and even Venom join the fray!

Although it might not evoke the same sense of nostalgia as the initial installment of the series, Ultimate Alliance 2 ranks among the stronger hack-and-slash games on this list. Critics often praised its more organized narrative compared to the first game, but some players felt it fell short in aspects such as gameplay, character customization, and a few minor technical issues.

4. Lego Marvel Super Heroes

Lego Showed Marvel How It’s Done

As a gaming enthusiast, let me share my experience with you: I dived headfirst into the world of “Lego Marvel Super Heroes” – my first foray into a crossover between Marvel and Lego. The game unfolded a fairly conventional narrative where the Marvel universe banded together to thwart the malevolent Doctor Doom.

Much like other Lego games, this one boasted an impressive roster of over 150 characters hailing from various corners of the Marvel Comics universe. Additionally, some design elements were influenced by the visually striking renditions of these characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

When it comes to villainous characters, there’s an abundance of options available for play, ranging from Abomination, Doctor Doom, Emma Frost, The Leader, Super-Skrull, and Ronan the Accuser. Additional supervillains like Dark Phoenix, Malekith, and Thanos can also be accessed through DLC expansions. This diverse roster of Marvel villains caters to fans of all kinds, whether they’re avid supporters or vocal critics.

3. Marvel: Ultimate Alliance

The Epic Marvel Action Game That Set The Standard

The Marvel Ultimate Alliance was initially launched in 2006, yet it stood out by offering players an unparalleled Marvel gaming adventure. In all its iterations, you can play as 23 characters, ranging from famous heroes such as Spider-Man and Wolverine to villains like Doctor Doom, Elektra, Magneto, Namor, Sabretooth, and Venom.

Different versions of the game, such as the PSP one, offer unique characters including Ronin (also known as Maya Lopez), who is Kingpin’s daughter. From the captivating voice performances to the flexibility that lets players pick any four-member team they desire, it’s a Marvel fan’s dream, though some of its performance elements may not hold up as well in today’s standards.

2. Marvel Rivals

The Hottest New Game Is Marvel’s Overwatch

If video game enthusiasts keep up with the latest trends, it’s likely they’ve come across Marvel Rivals by now. Launched towards the end of 2024, this team-based multiplayer game features an impressive lineup of close to 40 Marvel characters so far, pitting them against each other in a thrilling player versus player experience. Among the characters you’ll find familiar faces like Doctor Strange, as well as lesser-known ones such as Magik. Rest assured, there’s a good selection of villains available to play too.

To date, the roster of antagonists in Marvel Rivals features Magneto, Venom, Hela, Namor, Scarlet Witch, Winter Soldier, and Loki. When it comes to MMO games, Marvel Rivals has earned significant acclaim due to its absence of pay-to-win mechanics, making it a great choice for strategic team building. Moreover, the game allows players to vote on ending matches early if desired, ensuring fair results. Here’s hoping that the game continues to improve and introduces additional villains in the future!

1. Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3

Did You Ever Think You’d Get To Play As Shuma-Gorath?

In 2011, the game Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 hit the market, refining the classic format of the fighting game series to near perfection. The playable character roster counts a total of 36, with many familiar faces from earlier versions joining forces, along with some fresh additions such as Rocket Raccoon, Nova, and Iron Fist. Interestingly, its lineup of villains includes some unusual characters like Shuma-Gorath.

As a diehard fan, let me tell you that the epic showdown in Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 includes an impressive lineup of eight wicked Marvel masterminds, ranging from legends like Magneto and Doctor Doom to eccentric characters such as MODOK and Sentinel. While it may not add many new faces to the franchise for its rather hefty price, gameplay-wise, it’s a significant enhancement over its predecessors. When it comes to playing as Marvel villains, this is the cream of the crop…for the time being!

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2025-01-30 14:38