Unleash your Inner Hero: Marvel's Epic Online Superhero Ensemble Game Shatters Expectations

Highlights

Both DC and Marvel have attempted co-op superhero games with varying success, but Marvel should look to its past success with Marvel Heroes for inspiration.

Marvel Heroes, a free-to-play MMO, showcased an extensive array of Marvel characters, delivering gratifying gameplay and group activities that catered to both individual and multiplayer experiences. The game's positive reception from fans and critics, coupled with its closure, has left an unoccupied space that Marvel has yet to address, which could potentially serve as a wellspring of inspiration for forthcoming superhero MMOs.

In the competitive world of co-op gaming, it appears that every studio is vying for a piece of the pie, including those focusing on superheroes. DC, with their releases like Gotham Knights and the upcoming Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, and Marvel, through projects like Marvel's Avengers, have both tried their hand at this genre. However, neither studio has achieved great success thus far. Perhaps, though, this could change in the future.

In order for Marvel to outshine DC and create a truly captivating co-op experience, it might be wise to draw inspiration from its own past. In 2013, the studio had a remarkable MMO game called Marvel Heroes, which boasted an extensive roster of Marvel characters, engaging gameplay, and appealed to fans of the franchise. Despite its popularity, the game sadly closed its doors in 2017. Nevertheless, the present moment presents a golden opportunity to revive this beloved title.

Marvel Heroes Could Inspire the Future

Marvel Heroes, an MMO that seamlessly combined ARPG gameplay with the vast Marvel universe, was a creation of Gazillion Entertainment. The game made its debut on PC in 2013, allowing players to embody beloved characters such as Iron Man, Captain America, and Deadpool. The narrative revolved around Doctor Doom's acquisition of the coveted Cosmic Cube, leading to a thrilling escapade that introduced players to an array of legendary Marvel heroes and iconic settings straight out of a comic book.

Marvel Heroes adhered to the standard ARPG conventions in terms of gameplay. Each hero possessed three distinct skill trees that players could invest points in, bolstering their capabilities. With each hero presenting a unique playstyle, offering various upgrades, and an extensive range of cosmetic options to unlock, players were presented with a wealth of customization choices. Taking charge of their chosen hero, players embarked on an exciting journey through diverse instances, battling adversaries and collecting valuable loot in their quest to save the world.

Playing Marvel Heroes alone can be enjoyable, but it becomes even better when playing with others. In a traditional MMO style, players can form groups and explore the vast Marvel universe together. The game offers a plethora of group activities, including exhilarating 10-player raids that pit them against formidable villains from the expansive Marvel Comics universe. With an abundance of activities to engage in, the best part is that nearly everything can be obtained by simply playing the game.

Initially met with mixed reviews, Marvel Heroes underwent a remarkable transformation with its grand relaunch as Marvel Heroes 2015. The game received high praise from critics and was hailed as the most improved MMO available. Subsequently, it underwent additional expansions with the Marvel Heroes 2016 and Marvel Heroes Omega relaunches. By the end of its run, the game boasted an impressive roster of 63 playable characters, countless costumes inspired by both Marvel Comics and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and a multitude of delightful MMO experiences to indulge in.

The game proved to be a delightful experience for Marvel fans, but sadly, Disney and Gazillion Entertainment parted ways, resulting in the game being shut down in late 2017. Following the loss of the Marvel license by Disney, Gazillion ceased its operations. A once-prominent and captivating Marvel game gradually faded into obscurity during its final days.

Since the closure of Marvel Heroes, no game has managed to replicate its allure. Marvel has made attempts, but none have been able to captivate audiences in the same way. Considering the recent disappointment of Marvel's Avengers, it might be worth the studio's while to draw inspiration from this action role-playing game (ARPG). Although the game may never make its return, it could potentially influence the creation of a future superhero massively multiplayer online game (MMO) that can endure and engage players for the long haul.