Article Key Points
The Marvel Ultimate Alliance series allows players to assemble a team of four Marvel heroes and explore locations from the comics, which has generated excitement among gamers.
The Ultimate Alliance franchise could greatly benefit from introducing beloved Marvel characters like Hulkling, Angel, and Quicksilver. Their inclusion would enhance the games' representation of the vast Marvel universe. Additionally, characters such as Squirrel Girl and Carnage, with their fascinating abilities and captivating storylines, would offer players an incomparable and immersive gaming experience if added to the Ultimate Alliance games.
The Marvel Ultimate Alliance games have been popular since their release in 2006. Despite the confusion among fans when a third game wasn't immediately announced after the second, Nintendo finally released Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order for the Switch in 2019. This sparked renewed discussion and excitement among gamers about the series. The appeal of these games lies in the ability to assemble a team of four Marvel heroes and explore various levels inspired by locations from the comics.
While the first three games have done a commendable job in delving into the Marvel universe, there are still a number of characters who have yet to make an appearance in the franchise. In order for the games to fully encompass all aspects of Marvel Comics, it would be wise to consider featuring some of these other beloved characters.
8. Hulkling
Debut: Young Avengers #1 (2005)
Created by Allan Heinberg and artist Jim Cheung
Hulkling, a prominent member of the Young Avengers team in the comics, may be mistaken for being part of the Hulk family due to his name and green skin. However, he is not related to The Hulk character in any way. Interestingly, Hulkling is actually a combination of Kree and Skrull lineage, being the son of the original Captain Marvel.
As a result of his Skrull background, Hulkling possesses the ability to shape-shift, enhancing his versatility. Additionally, his Kree heritage grants him the remarkable ability to heal at an accelerated rate. This unique power combination sets him apart from other characters in the Ultimate Alliance series. Having a shape-shifter on the side of good could bring an enjoyable dynamic to any player's team.
7. Devil Dinosaur
Debut: Devil Dinosaur #1 (1978)
Created by Jack Kirby
If the Ultimate Alliance series is ready to delve into the Multiverse, it presents a prime opportunity to introduce gamers to Devil Dinosaur. Originating from an alternate dimension, this vibrant crimson dinosaur reigns as an anti-hero within a realm renowned as Dinosaur World.
Amidst an escape from the tribe known as the Killer-Folk, Devil Dinosaur encountered a blazing inferno that bestowed upon him extraordinary (super-dinosaur?) intellect, might, and resilience. While the idea of incorporating Devil Dinosaur as a playable character in the franchise may be a stretch, envisioning an epic boss battle akin to Fing Fang Foom or Galactus would undoubtedly captivate players.
6. Angel
Debut: X-Men #1 (1963)
Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby
Several X-Men characters were given more attention in the X-Men Legends series of games prior to Marvel Ultimate Alliance. However, all of the well-known mutants have already been featured in the Ultimate Alliance franchise, which encompasses all Marvel characters and not just mutants. Throughout the series, players have encountered characters such as Wolverine, Cyclops, Magneto, Deadpool, and the Juggernaut, but Angel has been notably absent. Considering that he is one of the original members of the team, it would be logical to eventually include the winged hero.
In the world of comics, Angel has a troubled backstory. Though naturally a hero, he was transformed into the dangerous Archangel during his time as one of the Four Horsemen. This means that Angel has the potential to serve as both a heroic character and a formidable boss battle within the series.
5. Stature
Debut:Marvel Premier #47 (1979)
Created by David Michelinie and John Byrne
The popularity of Stature's character has recently skyrocketed, thanks to her leading role in Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantummania. Despite being a legacy character as the daughter of Scott Lang, the second Ant-Man, Stature remains an invaluable part of both the Ant-Man family and The Young Avengers.
Considering that both of her parents appeared in Ultimate Alliance 3, it would not be far-fetched to include Stature in the series down the line. Her ability to alter her size at will offers intriguing possibilities for her moveset, and even a subtle cameo could pay homage to her character's legacy in a playful manner.
4. Quicksilver
Debut: The Uncanny X-Men #4 (1964)
Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby
Quicksilver's absence from the Ultimate Alliance games is perplexing, considering he has been a part of both the X-Men and the Avengers. Furthermore, his appearances in the live-action movies raise questions as to why the son of Magneto is not included in any of these games. Even his sister has been featured as a playable character in Ultimate Alliance 3.
The main issue with Quicksilver is his incredibly powerful super-speed abilities, which may make him too overpowering as a playable character. However, this does not provide a satisfactory explanation as to why he cannot be included as a non-playable character or boss fight in the game. Hopefully, in the future, Quicksilver will receive the attention he deserves.
3. Squirrel Girl
Debut: Marvel Superheroes Vol 2 #8 (1991)
Created by Will Murray and Steve Ditko
Squirrel Girl is undeniably one of the most unconventional characters in the Marvel universe. With the ability to communicate with and control squirrels, her powers may seem peculiar. However, Squirrel Girl has proven to be an incredibly formidable hero, having even defeated Thanos single-handedly in the past.
Including Squirrel Girl in any game is a delightful homage to Marvel fans, but actually playing as her in an Ultimate Alliance game would offer players an unparalleled and distinctive experience. Nevertheless, animating her character and incorporating countless tiny squirrels solely for the sake of one optional character could pose a challenging task.
2. Carnage
Debut: The Amazing Spider-man #361 (1992)
Created by David Michelinie and Mark Bagley
With Venom's first appearance as a Spider-Man adversary in 1991, it was only natural for similar characters to emerge in the comic world. Thus, Carnage came into being as Venom's progeny, attaching itself to the sadistic serial killer Cletus Cassidy. Known for its unpredictable nature, Carnage often serves as the ultimate threat that compels Spider-Man and Venom to form an alliance.
Considering that the previous two Ultimate Alliance games allowed players to include both Spider-Man and Venom in their teams, it is puzzling that Carnage has yet to make an appearance. Although this character may be deemed too dark for such a series, it is worth noting that Carnage has been featured in LEGO games before. Therefore, it is high time for this villain to take center stage in the Ultimate Alliance series.
1. War Machine
Debut: Iron Man #118 (1978)
Created by David Michelinie, John Byrne, and Bob Layton
War Machine has been a loyal ally to Iron Man for a long time. Colonel James Rhodes once borrowed one of Tony Stark's suits and has been War Machine ever since. Unlike Stark's Iron Man suit, Rhodes' version is more focused on military capabilities. In the first Ultimate Alliance game, players had the option to use the War Machine suit as a skin for Iron Man, but it was still operated by Tony Stark, not James Rhodes.
Rhodey's character as War Machine has become incredibly popular in pop culture, especially since he was one of the early established characters in the MCU. This is why it was surprising that he didn't appear in Ultimate Alliance 3. While it's possible that having two Iron Mans wasn't seen as exciting, the game does include multiple Spider-Men. Therefore, future games in the franchise should include a proper version of War Machine.
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order was released on July 19, 2019. It was developed by Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo, and published by Nintendo. The game is rated T for Teen due to mild blood, mild suggestive themes, and violence.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z netizen, I am excited about the potential for new characters to be added to the Marvel Ultimate Alliance games. The series has done a great job of representing the vast Marvel universe, but there are still many beloved characters who have yet to make an appearance. I would love to see characters like Hulkling, Angel, and Quicksilver added to the roster. These characters would bring new abilities and storylines to the games, and they would help to make the Ultimate Alliance series even more comprehensive.
I also think it would be great to see the Ultimate Alliance games explore the Marvel Multiverse. This would open up the possibility of adding characters from different dimensions and realities, such as Devil Dinosaur and Squirrel Girl. These characters would add a lot of variety to the games, and they would allow players to experience new and exciting stories.