New Marvel Retro-Style Game Brings Cosmic Battle to Players
Marvel and Tribute Games have officially announced MARVEL Cosmic Invasion, a side-scrolling action game where players take control of various superheroes to battle Annihilus and the Annihilation Wave. Inspired by the Annihilation comic event from 2005-2006, the game follows the Marvel Cosmic storyline, which originally featured a space-based war against an invasion from the Negative Zone. While the comic event did not include popular Earth-based heroes like the Avengers and X-Men, the game expands on the concept by incorporating them, likely to appeal to a broader audience.
Playable Heroes and Key Features
One of the central figures in the game is Nova, who played a major role in the original comic storyline. The game appears to feature the ’90s version of Nova, aligning with its retro aesthetic. Another confirmed character is Phyla-Vell, a controversial figure among comic fans who replaced Wendell Vaughn as Quasar. While some players may have mixed reactions to her inclusion, the game offers a diverse selection of heroes to choose from.
In total, MARVEL Cosmic Invasion will feature 15 playable characters. Among the confirmed heroes are Nova, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Phyla-Vell, Captain America, Storm, and Venom. The game promises additional Earth-born and cosmic heroes, though fans are hoping for classic cosmic figures like Silver Surfer to be included in the lineup.
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Gameplay Mechanics and Experience
The game is described as a high-energy beat-’em-up, set in locations ranging from New York City to the deep reaches of the Negative Zone. Players will battle the forces of Annihilus in various levels, experiencing a mix of Earth-based and cosmic environments.
A key gameplay feature is the Cosmic Swap tag-team system, which allows players to select two heroes per level and switch between them instantly. This mechanic introduces strategic depth, enabling players to combine character abilities for unique combos and powerful special attacks. With an emphasis on tactical gameplay, the system encourages creative team-ups to maximize combat efficiency.
With MARVEL Cosmic Invasion, Tribute Games is aiming to capture the excitement of classic arcade-style beat-’em-ups while bringing Marvel’s cosmic universe to life. The game’s mix of nostalgic visuals, diverse character selection, and engaging combat mechanics is set to appeal to both long-time comic fans and new players alike.