Unveiling the Ultimate Gaming Collision: Marvel vs DC - A World of Epic Video Game Exploits
Marvel and DC's video games have the potential for immense success by embracing a futuristic setting, allowing for captivating adaptations of their iconic characters and comic book runs
Both Marvel and DC, with their long histories spanning over 80 years, boast extensive lineups of beloved characters. The Justice League, the Avengers, the Teen Titans, and the Guardians of the Galaxy are just a few of the renowned superhero teams that have captured the hearts of fans worldwide. Unsurprisingly, Marvel and DC video games have predominantly focused on these iconic characters. However, there is untapped potential in adapting other beloved characters from both universes who exist beyond the usual franchise staples.
The concept of multiverses has recently gained popularity in blockbuster cinema. Films like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and Spider-Man: No Way Home have showcased the immense power this concept holds over audiences. On the other hand, The Flash serves as a cautionary tale about mishandling this complex narrative technique. While the idea of multiverses may feel fresh in superhero movies, it has long been a tradition in comics, giving rise to cherished versions of iconic characters. It is these characters that are deserving of their own video game adaptations.
Marvel and DC Video Games Should Adopt a Futuristic Setting
Countless amazing comic arcs already exist for future Marvel and DC video games to adapt. Despite superhero games having been around for several decades, it feels like they are just beginning. Marvel has a lineup of new superhero video games in the works, including Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and Wolverine. Skydance is developing a Captain America and Black Panther game set in World War II, and EA Motive is busy creating an Iron Man game. Additionally, EA's new Cliffhanger Games studio has recently announced a Black Panther title.
On the DC side, James Gunn is in the process of revamping the entire DC entertainment universe, spanning not only live-action movies but also TV shows and video games. According to Gunn, this new DC universe will emphasize franchise synergy more than ever before, with cross-appearances of live-action characters in video games and vice versa. Fans may be on the verge of a new golden age for Marvel and DC video games, with two heroes likely spearheading the movement.
Spider-Man and Batman are the world's most popular superheroes, which explains why they have had the most video games based on their respective franchises. However, as much as fans adore Insomniac's Spider-Man games and Rocksteady's Batman: Arkham trilogy, they can't play those games indefinitely. To keep fans engaged, a great solution is to introduce a multiverse storyline that offers a mix of familiarity and novelty. Both Batman and Spider-Man have numerous multiverse stories to choose from, but the most promising options may lie in their future settings.
In the case of Marvel's Spider-Man, the next game could potentially focus on Spider-Man 2099, the wall-crawler from Earth-928 who operates in the futuristic Nueva York. Spider-Man 2099 first appeared in the comics way back in 1992 but gained renewed popularity after his appearance in the film "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse." A game centered around Spider-Man 2099 would provide players with the beloved gameplay of Insomniac's series while offering a fresh new environment and an array of new characters to explore.
DC should prioritize developing a Batman Beyond game as their next project. This game should be tailored specifically to the 1999 animated series, where an older Bruce Wayne mentors a new Batman in a futuristic Gotham City. While Batman Beyond may not be as widely known as Spider-Man 2099 currently, he is still a beloved character and an excellent choice for a game that combines a fresh perspective with the familiar Batman theme.
