The Ultimate Marvel Game Fans Have Been Waiting For

Highlights

There is a lack of co-op titles set in the Marvel universe, and It Takes Two's gameplay style could be a great fit.

Instead of the typical Marvel gameplay loop that includes action sequences and heavy combat, a cooperative game could offer a different experience with lower stakes involving puzzles and platforming. Akin to the game It Takes Two, it could actively encourage players to collaborate.

Potential Marvel heroes such as the Fantastic Four, Cloak and Dagger, and Rocket and Groot could be the main characters in a cooperative game with a concept similar to It Takes Two.

Following the unprecedented success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it comes as no surprise that there has been a significant surge in the number of Marvel games in recent years. However, similar to the superhero genre in the film industry, the quality of these releases varies greatly. Some have achieved tremendous success, such as Marvel's Spider-Man and Marvel Snap, while others have unfortunately gone under the radar, like Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy and Marvel's Midnight Suns. There have also been disappointments, case in point being Marvel's Avengers. Despite developers exploring various genres, there remains untapped potential in a Marvel game akin to It Takes Two.

Although there is promise in the upcoming Iron Man and Black Panther games, as well as Skydance's untitled project and Marvel's Wolverine, it is evident that there is a dearth of cooperative titles within the Marvel universe. While games that have adopted this format tend to focus on beat-em-up gameplay like Ultimate Alliance, there is much more that can be explored by creating a less combat-oriented Marvel experience, drawing inspiration from It Takes Two.

It Takes Two’s Style Could Suit Certain Marvel Heroes

Josef Fares, the writer and director known for his successful game A Way Out, surprised the gaming community with his latest title, It Takes Two. Unlike his previous work, It Takes Two took the gaming world by storm and even won the Game of the Year award. This delightful co-op experience is not only entertaining but also perfect for close friends and romantic partners.

One of the standout features of It Takes Two is its unique art style and captivating story concept. However, its greatest strength lies in the constant variety of gameplay it offers. Cody and May, the main characters, never find themselves doing the same thing twice as the game seamlessly transitions between different gameplay styles. From platforming and puzzle-solving to shooting and fighting mechanics, players are constantly engaged. Additionally, the game features a thrilling horror-themed underwater section and a dungeon crawler, making it a true homage to the diverse world of gaming.

Marvel games often take a safe approach, similar to the films and comics. However, there are exceptions like Marvel’s Midnight Suns and Marvel Snap, which have shown that stepping outside the box can be successful. Taking inspiration from the innovative gameplay of It Takes Two, a cooperative Marvel game that constantly shakes up gameplay could be amazing.

The Fantastic Four immediately come to mind as Marvel characters that would fit well in an It Takes Two-style game. While Marvel Studios is working on revitalizing the team in movies, a lighthearted four-player cooperative game could be a great release in the meantime. Instead of focusing solely on battles with major villains like Doctor Doom or Galactus, players could experience a lower-stakes story. Each player would have a chance to shine as the four heroes are frequently split into different pairings. This would create opportunities for players to work with less familiar partners, requiring constant communication and cooperation, just like in It Takes Two.

The Fantastic Four would be a great fit for this format, as Invisible Woman could provide stealth sections and Mr. Fantastic could use his stretchiness for platforming. However, there are other options to consider. Cloak and Dagger, Marvel's couple, could replicate the relationship dynamic seen in It Takes Two and become the stars of a game. Close friends like Rocket and Groot could also be utilized, with Rocket crafting gadgets and Groot transforming to help solve problems. Another potential option is a co-op game featuring Moon Knight, where each player controls one of Marc Spector's personalities. Hopefully, a Marvel game will be released in the future that takes inspiration from the fantastic It Takes Two.

It Takes Two is currently available on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.