With Avengers: Infinity War now out on Blu-ray and Insomniac’s Spider-Man hitting the PS4 in September, Marvel fans out there must be wondering when some other beloved heroes will be making their way to consoles and PC. As evidenced below, there are tons of potential subjects out there, be it an intergalactic joyride with Rocket Raccoon and Groot or a mystical journey into the unknown with Doctor Strange. Whatever the case may be, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite spandex-clad (or fur-covered) Marvel superheroes that need their own video game.
Marvel Superheroes: Daredevil
Though there was a Daredevil video game in development back in the PS2 and Xbox era, it never saw the light of day due to some snags in the pipeline. What’s more is what is that the project caused a $5.6 million write-off for the studio responsible, Navarre. Arguably, Matthew Murdock’s appeal over a decade ago wasn’t as popular as it is right now thanks to the crusader’s hit show on Netflix. Now might be the perfect time to introduce Daredevil to the video game world.
There’s plenty of gameplay potential that could work in the vein of Rocksteady’s Arkham series. Although the size of New York City might be hard for someone to traverse without a cape, it would offer a huge playground full of thugs to beat up. This could, of course, lead into a larger game that features all of the Defenders, too.
Marvel Superheroes: Jessica Jones
Speaking of the Defenders, Jessica Jones really doesn’t give a damn for anyone outside of herself. Similarly to Daredevil, a game based on the private investigator would allow players to roam around an expansive New York City in order to fulfill contracts. An overarching narrative of different contracts has the potential to rope in her archenemies like The Purple Man or her allies like Luke Cage. Her super strength and ability to kind of fly mixed with private investigation skills would be the best, most respectful way to give her the game she deserves.
Marvel Superheroes: Doctor Strange
Let’s be honest: a Doctor Strange game on an earlier set of consoles probably wouldn’t have been great. By nature, this franchise demands everything on a grand scale, especially in regards to presentation. Fortunately, the PS4 and Xbox One era of consoles have proven to be worthy of a title featuring the Sorcerer Supreme.
Imagine navigating through a weapon wheel of spells in order to perform some of Strange’s signature incantations. Players could be given the ability to use the Time Stone to reverse elements of the environment or push enemies into hazards. The game could delve deeper into the rivalry between Stephen Strange and Baron Mordo, even exploring the events that take place after Infinity War (and during a potential sequel to the 2016 film). The icing on the cake would be the fantastical visuals that only current consoles and PCs could handle.
Marvel Superheroes: Rocket Raccoon and Groot
Remember Ratchet and Clank? A game featuring Rocket Raccoon and Groot could be just like that, only better and definitely not for kids. Though Disney would almost assuredly want to go the PG route, our pipedream sees the comic book iteration of Rocket and Groot come to life, complete with swearing and much more.
Players would be able to switch between the light and nimble Rocket and the slow but durable Groot on the fly, wreaking havoc with grenades and crazy firepower on one hand and crushing foes with wooden limbs in the other. How cool would it be to blast away a space army and skewer a bunch of soldiers all at once? You’re welcome, Disney. Now let’s make it happen.
Marvel Superheroes: Black Widow
While we all patiently wait for Disney and Marvel to give us the Black Widow movie we all deserve, the gaming industry could lend a hand in fleshing out the popular character’s backstory in time for the next Avengers team-up after the series’ fourth iteration.
Known as a deadly assassin who relies heavily on spy ops to accomplish her missions, a Black Widow video game could take a page from franchises likes Splinter Cell and Metal Gear to produce a title with tactical espionage action that constantly keeps players on their toes. A Black Widow game could also work a lot like Uncharted and offer fans an action-adventure title that explores Natasha Romanoff’s origins and training. Take your pick, Disney.
Marvel Superheroes: Hawkeye
Games like Horizon Zero Dawn and Tomb Raider have proven that bows in video games are badass. Using this logic, a Hawkeye video game seems like a no-brainer, especially given the archer’s vast arsenal of precision arrows. That one scene in the original Avengers where Loki catches Clint’s shot only to have it explode in his hands is exactly what we need to see recreated in video game form.
There’s also the added incentive of Hawkeye becoming Ronin midway through the game, adding a host of sword-swinging abilities to his already impressive arsenal. If the archer does indeed become the character in the upcoming fourth Avengers movie, the option to transform into Ronin won’t seem as out of nowhere for people who don’t keep up with the comics.
Marvel Superheroes: Ant-Man
Though it may be technically hard to recreate in video game form, a title based off of Ant-Man could probably fit well into a two-dimensional platformer where players would use his ability to grow and shrink to solve environmental puzzles. Whether it be the size of a penny or a skyscraper, players would be able to alternate between distinctions on the fly and use the hero’s command of bugs to devour foes bit by bit. It could even be a Metroidvania that locks progression behind ant-related powers.
Scott Lang’s backstory as a criminal before his time as Ant-Man could also drive another compelling gameplay system based on morality. The crook-turned-good guy’s actions could be monitored through a meter as basic as Infamous or as complex as titles like Heavy Rain and Detroit: Become Human. Ant-Man is an odd character but has enough flexibility to fit into a few different genres.
Marvel and Disney have a lot of thinking to do should they want to explore what video games have to offer their sizable portfolio of heroes. The possibilities are nearly limitless and the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe shows that the monolithic empire can take over a whole medium if they do it right. Insomniac’s Spider-Man looks promising and here’s hoping we see some more comic book video game adaptations soon.
