The Marvel’s Spider-Man series has been a great way to play as one of the world's most popular superheroes. Spider-Man has been a part of pop culture for decades, and the newest games are just the most chance to experience the character’s story. The formula used for them provides a crisp and independent narrative that allows Spider-Man to develop outside of the general story that many people are used to while still presenting him as the same hero that fans know. This has provided a strong foundation for the new Spider-Man franchise.
The grander narrative that has been developed across both Marvel’s Spider-Man and Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales has also been supported by some incredible world-building. Easter eggs, collectibles, side missions, and DLC have all helped to push the narrative that surrounds the main stories forward. These two games have even alluded to other heroes, some of whom would benefit from a game that gives them an equal amount of attention.
Daredevil
In Peter Parker and Miles Morales’ own backyard, there are immensely powerful characters like Dr. Strange and the Avengers but also those that don’t often get as much of the spotlight. Heroes like Jessica Jones and Daredevil are referenced, with the latter being a perfect example of a hero that should get a solo game that takes a similar approach to Marvel’s Spider-Man.
Matthew Murdock, AKA Daredevil, is one of New York City’s most ambitious and talented crime fighters. While his storylines aren’t always as fantastic and multiverse-based as Spider-Man’s can get, his grounded experiences are exactly why he could lead a game so well. With more immediate threats beginning to dissipate, Peter Parker and the other Spiders are often left facing enemies that can be galactic threats, something Daredevil rarely gets involved with.
While it would be incredibly fun to experience the Spider-Verse as a video game, it is also exciting to explore the streets of New York as a local crimefighter. Daredevil could continue to fill that role and even branch out with side missions that include his allies from the Defenders. There is more than just Spider-Man’s gallery of rogues that threaten New York, and no hero can take care of every bad guy at once.
The gameplay for such a game might be one of the more challenging aspects, though. Executing Murdock’s unique senses and blindness both with respect and tact could be difficult, but it could also produce one of the most rewarding experiences for players. With the incredible capabilities that the PS5 has, there are countless ways that a story could be adapted to allow players to experience the complex and devout person that Daredevil is.
Thor
Thor is another great option to receive a solo game. Many fans recognize the hero from his time as one of the Avengers, but some of Thor’s most compelling and unique stories come from his times away from the team. The Asgardian god has lived a long and incredible life filled with successes and failures.
The skill system in Spider-Man as well as the gadgets and suit aspects would likely play well in a Thor game, too. He has rocked several unique looks across the years and wielded some amazing powers. While his signature weapon is Mjolnir, he has also had a variety of weapons available to him. A story that requires players to discover Thor’s true power could show the true strength and flexibility that the god of thunder has.
There is also the possibility to touch on the idea of Thor as a mantle. In a similar way that different characters have picked up the mantle of Captain America, there have been other versions of Thor. Jane Foster, Storm, Beta Ray Bill, and Throg have all stepped into the spotlight before and could be great additions to a Marvel’s Thor game.
Gambit
Remy LeBeau could be one of the best choices for a solo video game. While he can’t fly or swing from a web, and his hometown of New Orleans isn’t the most vertical location, the rich history that the city has could be incorporated into a game based around the character. Remy himself could also provide an incredibly compelling story, exploring his powers, the dampening of his full potential, and his time in the city’s shadows.
While he hasn’t always been aligned with the best of allies, Gambit is also still a capable member of the X-Men. His power of molecular acceleration, even though it’s been dampened, can still be enhanced by others. There is an incredible amount of potential surrounding his power, lack of skill, and a story that delves deep into Gambit’s past decisions and youthful strength. It could also learn a lot from how Miles grew into his own Spider-Man to juxtapose Remy as someone who grew with their circumstances rather than receiving the mentoring they needed in difficult times.
Captain America and Falcon
Sam Wilson has been Captain America and Falcon, but he also might be the best option when considering another superhero to step away from the Spiders and New York City. While he was born in Harlem, the hero has traveled the world and spread his wings far beyond the island of Manhattan.
As a member of the United States Army, Avengers, and S.H.I.E.LD., he has seen plenty of fights. His unique skills and toolset would make him a fantastic character to play as, while his ties to government organizations could put him into precarious and unique situations. Often times when fans think of heroes, the characters can be viewed as separate from major entities like governments. They might be beacons of hope for their community, but never-the-less they’re independent.
Sam’s character, on the other hand, is innately tied to his service to his country, and thus could provide a very unique superhero experience. It might not be a game with focuses as clandestine as one about Black Widow, but it could still provide a compelling narrative. The game could cover Sam's journey from soldier to civilian to hero. It could follow Sam from when he gets his wings to when he becomes Falcon, with him also stepping into the role of Captain America near the end of the story.
Like the other characters here, he could also help to move a grander narrative forward, fleshing out the larger world that Marvel’s Spider-Man takes place in. New titles could even contribute to a franchise of games that develops into a video game version of the MCU.
Marvel's Spider-Man and Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales are available now for PS4 and PS5.