When comics fans think of Marvel games, they'll likely think of Square Enix and Crystal Dynamics' Marvel's Avengers. After all, this game lets them use not just one but six actual Marvel superheroes, each with their own powerset! Of course, others might argue that Insomniac's Spider-Man offered more immersion. In fact, others might say Marvel vs. Capcom offered a more entertaining experience. However, some hardcore comics fans might agree that of all the Marvel games out there, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance may have a special place in their heart. After all, this game lets players make their own team out of Marvel's most popular superheroes!
However, newcomers might ask the question: just what's the definitive Marvel game to play? Moreover, should they play Marvel's Avengers first for an action-adventure experience? Or should they opt for tactical action with Ultimate Alliance?
10 Avengers: Action-Adventure Fun
Thanks to Marvel's Avengers, players can finally fight enemies as the Avengers. Moreover, the game's action-adventure experience allows players to handpick the special abilities they want to use. As such, players can enjoy employing martial arts moves as Captain America and they can also enjoy his shield-throwing abilities in the game.
Moreover, the game's progression system allows players to build their heroes as desired. In addition, the game's co-op function allows players to team up with friends and their own versions of Earth's Mightiest Heroes. So, the game lets players form their own Avengers on their own terms.
9 Ultimate Alliance: Tactical Action
Comics fans clamoring to form their own superhero team will love Ultimate Alliance. After all, with a roster of more than 30 heroes per game (some reaching over 100 unique characters), players can mix and match heroes to their hearts' content. Moreover, each of these heroes has special abilities and skills, all of which players can use as they can switch heroes to control mid-mission.
As such, players will most likely not have any dull moment as they can always switch playstyles whenever they feel bored with their current hero. Since it has a level-up progression system, players can always have a reason to switch characters to level up in any part of the game.
8 Avengers: Fleshed-Out Story
Like modern superhero games, Marvel's Avengers has its own story separate from the ones in the comics. However, they do share elements found in their stories. Marvel's Avengers has an interesting story to tell. In the game, a terrorist attack from Taskmaster ruins the reveal of the Avengers' second headquarters. Moreover, an accident caused the sudden appearance of Inhumans, forcing the Avengers to disband.
The game officially takes five years later after this "A-Day," when the Avengers have been outlawed while Kamala Khan discovers that she has powers.
7 Ultimate Alliance: A Uniting Cause
Fans might agree that Marvel's Avengers definitely boasts a solid narrative. However, comics fans who miss the occasional megalomaniac villain with a plot to conquer the entire universe might appreciate Ultimate Alliance. Each entry always had a way of forcing superheroes to unite against a common threat. In fact, some of their story arcs and entire timelines take inspiration from comic book stories, which help the games become an interesting "retelling" of these tales.
For instance, Ultimate Alliance 2 has become a great retelling of the popular Civil War arc. Meanwhile, Ultimate Alliance 3 had a different take on Thanos' story with the Infinity Stones.
6 Avengers: Character Development
Unlike Ultimate Alliance, Marvel's Avengers only has six characters - with others potentially appearing in DLC. Despite the rather minuscule number, the game does make up for this with immersive storytelling and interesting character progression. As such, the game becomes capable of offering an opportunity for players to see Square Enix and Crystal Dynamics' own take on the Avengers and the way they deal with superhuman threats.
Moreover, thanks to their limited number of characters, Marvel's Avengers can focus solely on fleshing out the personalities of these heroes. They become just as distinct as their fighting styles.
5 Ultimate Alliance: A Massive Roster
Comics fans will love Ultimate Alliance due to its massive roster of playable heroes. Given the game's strategic nature, players can choose from a wide range of heroes to form their teams. Moreover, choosing four heroes that form comic-accurate teams can give specific bonuses to the player's lineup. Interestingly, the first Ultimate Alliance game boasts 140 unique characters, while future installments almost reach the 50-character mark.
Despite the lessened roster size, it's still amazing how a game can fit in around 50 characters, each with their own revolving moveset and abilities. As such, Ultimate Alliance easily becomes a Marvel fan's ultimate opportunity to make their dream team work.
4 Avengers: Captivating Visuals
Thanks to today's modern gaming technologies, graphics even in superhero games haven't looked so spectacularly realistic and awesome. Square Enix and Crystal Dynamics couldn't have picked a better time to help fans feel like they're actual superheroes thanks to this approach to graphics. Players feel as though they're actually helping the Avengers defeat the evil baddies in the game.
Despite the lack of comic-accurate costumes, it's a nice change of pace to see the heroes in gear that's somehow viable in real life. For instance, Captain America in full tactical gear with his color scheme becomes a refreshing sight after Chris Evans' portrayal. The same goes for creative depictions of Iron Man's suit that reflects on Tony's creativity.
3 Ultimate Alliance: All The Pretty Costumes
Comics lovers will delight in Ultimate Alliance for its massive roster of costumes. Granted, each hero will likely get around three to four costumes each game, which is very limited compared to Marvel's Avengers. However, just seeing comic-accurate costumes for heroes can be a refreshing change of pace for players who want to build their teams. After all, these costumes allow players to go all out with their inner fashionista. For instance, Spider-Man always rocked in his Symbiote Suit and the first Doctor Strange costume does have its charm.
They can always become comic-accurate when depicting their favorite teams. However, they can try mixing and matching costumes from different eras or perhaps they can even make teams where all heroes wear civilian clothes!
2 Avengers: Easter Egg Hunt
Given that Marvel's Avengers happens in its own universe, it's interesting to see how its take on the Marvel world shapes up to the main Earth-616 continuity. Similar to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, fans have been on the hunt for various Easter Eggs from the beta all the way to the actual release. This fun exercise has become a staple for all superhero games, that's for sure. However, tracking Easter Eggs in an Avengers game in a year without the MCU feels brings a unique sense of separation anxiety from the iconic Marvel logo in theaters.
Given the game's release, it's interesting how the Easter Eggs players find do factor in the overall story. After all, innocent things such as Thor's mug become little tidbits that reflect the character's personality in the comics. However, the big Kate Bishop tease and her confirmation do imply some Easter Eggs are more than meets the eye. Are there new bosses? Is there any tease for a sequel?
1 Ultimate Alliance: Massive Trivia
Older entries in this series featured in-game hubs that acted as the heroes' primary base of operations in-between acts. Moreover, these hubs let players access a ton of side missions. The game has extra content that can test and enhance their Marvel knowledge.
For instance, prior titles had quiz machines that had trivia tests for players. Comic book geeks will love testing their knowledge on these machines. Moreover, simulation discs around the game allowed players to "reenact" popular scenes and storylines in the comics within the game using specific characters.