Marvel Cosmic Invasion, developed by Tribute Games, aims to revive nostalgia for superhero side-scrollers. Following their successful release of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, the studio has launched a game that blends classic gameplay with iconic Marvel characters. This beat-’em-up title features a rich selection of heroes and an engaging storyline.
Overview of Marvel Cosmic Invasion
In Marvel Cosmic Invasion, players battle against Annihilus, who commands an army of parasitic bugs. The game’s campaign traverses over a dozen locations across the Marvel multiverse. Key locations include:
- Savage Land
- Genosha
- Wakanda
The campaign consists of 16 stages, each culminating in a unique boss fight. There is also an Arcade mode that condenses the experience into 12 stages, with varying paths to enhance replayability.
Gameplay Mechanics
Each playthrough on Normal difficulty typically lasts around three hours. The gameplay primarily follows a classic side-scrolling format. Although there are occasional vertical sequences, the stage design remains traditional, which may become repetitive over time.
Nevertheless, players can discover unique collectibles and complete challenges in each stage. The Arcade mode introduces modifiers that vary gameplay elements, such as increasing enemy health and altering special attack mechanics.
Diverse Character Roster
Marvel Cosmic Invasion features a roster of 11 playable characters at launch, expanding to 15 upon unlocking. Notable heroes include:
- Captain America
- Spider-Man
- Iron Man
- Black Panther
Moreover, the game incorporates less mainstream characters like Beta Ray Bill and Cosmic Ghost Rider, making the experience appealing for both casual fans and seasoned Marvel enthusiasts.
Combat System and Co-op Play
The game employs a robust tag system, allowing players to switch between heroes seamlessly during combat. This enables complex combo sequences that enhance the engaging gameplay experience. Players can team up in online co-op mode, maintaining smooth performance with minimal issues.
Cosmic Invasion introduces light RPG elements where characters level up and gain buffs after completing each stage. However, the leveling system lacks depth, as all characters receive identical upgrades.
Conclusion
Marvel Cosmic Invasion captures the essence of retro superhero beat-’em-ups, offering a rewarding experience for fans. Despite some repetitiveness in stage designs, the game provides ample replay value through character experimentation and challenges. This homage to classic gaming successfully invites both new players and nostalgic fans into the expansive Marvel universe.
