![[REVIEW] Marvel Cosmic Invasion](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQ-II8-Yf980fGm9UYC76nbHmDRaErxJ6g_I3Moqnui4uV6I1BYzcwHyyVUC7MYEt3a3R_n-v-6XUsMaUEBJxJemOmcHuGQQRBnF3RkQW0amBISBNnVCEv9TV8EaU1TQi8RhUBfBafdhZiMoNHbhliwr6h_FyCn3DZkFwHwJW5ujnhWQRjrlDz3lTlftM=w640-h360-rw "[REVIEW] Marvel Cosmic Invasion")
If you aren't already a beat 'em up fan, this won't change your mind. But for the rest of us? It's a blast.
Depending on who you talk to, beat 'em ups are either repetitive, button-mashy coin munchers, or deceptively simple vehicles for absolute combat mastery. As a self-proclaimed "sicko" of the genre, I fall squarely into the latter camp. But how do you get everyone else on board?
This year, we’ve seen attempts to merge the genre with roguelikes, but Tribute Games (the cats behind the excellent TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge) took a different approach with Marvel Cosmic Invasion. They looked back at the Marvel vs. Capcom fighting games and asked a bold question: What if a beat 'em up was a tag game where you controlled multiple heroes?
The answer rules. Even if the execution has a few hiccups, Cosmic Invasion has the juice.
The Story: Straight From the Panels
I’ll be real: I’m usually a DC kid. Give me indie comics or Wonder Woman any day. However, I have a soft spot for the weird, cosmic side of Marvel—the conflicting X-Men timelines and the space operas.
Cosmic Invasion leans heavily into that. The plot is simple, ripped straight from a multi-issue event series: Annihilus and his Annihilation Wave are sweeping the galaxy. Now, sights are set on Earth. It is up to a ragtag assortment of heroes to stop him. It’s simple, effective, and works perfectly as a backdrop for punching bad guys.
The Roster: Icons and Deep Cuts
Tribute Games has assembled a team of 15 heroes, and the selection is a dream for comic nerds. You have the mandatory heavy hitters:
- The Icons: Wolverine, Spider-Man, Captain America, Storm.
- The B-Listers turned A-Listers: Iron Man, Black Panther, Rocket Raccoon, She-Hulk.
But the real magic is in the weirdos. Thor isn't here; instead, we get Beta Ray Bill. We get Phyla-Vell, Cosmic Ghost Rider, and Nova. And yes, for the degenerates out there, the Silver Surfer is here, and Tribute Games has rendered him in absolutely stunning, "caked-up" pixel art detail.
Visually, the sprite work is gorgeous. From Phyla’s hair blowing in the wind to the subtle transformations of Eddie Brock inside the Venom symbiote, the vibe is immaculate.
Gameplay: It’s All About the Tag
Structurally, this is a standard beat 'em up with 15 stages (New York, Wakanda, The Savage Land, Fort Galactus). But the combat system is what makes it special.
Up to four people can play, but each player controls two characters.
Distinct Playstyles
Tribute Games did a fantastic job making everyone feel unique:
- Nova vs. Iron Man: Both shoot beams, but Nova’s pass through multiple targets, while Iron Man’s "Marvel vs. Capcom 2" laser requires precise aiming to screen-wipe.
- Wolverine vs. She-Hulk: Logan is fast and stabby; Jen is a powerhouse focused on short combos and launching victims into the air.
- Beta Ray Bill vs. Cap: Cap’s shield returns automatically; Bill’s hammer spins in place to juggle enemies until you call it back.
The Assist System
Since you control one character at a time, you summon your partner for assists—launchers, combos, or massive special attacks. Figuring out how different move sets interact is where the mastery lies. Plus, leveling up characters unlocks passive abilities, encouraging you to experiment with different duos.
The Flaws
The game isn't perfect. The biggest "black eye" is the lack of enemy variety. You will see the same core cast of baddies frequently.
Additionally, boss fights can be unintentionally hilarious/janky. Fighting a boss that you know unlocks as a playable character later leads to funny moments—like knocking the Silver Surfer into an elevator shaft over and over, watching him levitate back up just to get smacked down again.
The Bottom Line
Marvel Cosmic Invasion isn't going to redefine the genre, and the stages are standard fare. However, the tag-team action is a joy to dig into, and the love for obscure Marvel history is palpable.
A single campaign run takes about 3 hours, and while it’s fun solo, it really sings in co-op. It’s good enough to get your Avengers assembled on a lazy Sunday, kick back, and pop some baddies in the mouth.
Pros of the game includes excellent Tag-Team combat mechanics that enhance gameplay dynamics. The stunning pixel art and animation contribute significantly to the overall aesthetic appeal, creating a visually engaging experience. Additionally, the game boasts a great roster mix featuring both iconic characters and obscure cosmic heroes, providing a diverse selection for players. Lastly, the killer soundtrack adds another layer of enjoyment, enriching the gaming atmosphere.
While the game offers an engaging experience, it does face notable shortcomings. A primary con is the low variety of enemies, which can lead to repetitive gameplay and diminish the overall challenge. Additionally, some bosses exhibit goofy AI behavior, detracting from the intensity and immersion of the encounters. These aspects could impact players' enjoyment and may necessitate improvements in future iterations.
Final Thoughts, If you aren't already a beat 'em up fan, this won't change your mind. But for the rest of us? It's a blast.
About the Writer
Jenny, the tech wiz behind Jenny's Online Blog, loves diving deep into the latest technology trends, uncovering hidden gems in the gaming world, and analyzing the newest movies. When she's not glued to her screen, you might find her tinkering with gadgets or obsessing over the latest sci-fi release.What do you think of this blog? Write down at the COMMENT section below.
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