Beat’em Ups are forever linked to the arcade machines of the 80s and 90s a golden era that many players look back on with fondness. While the genre isn’t as frequent today, whenever a new entry appears, it delivers a powerful hit of nostalgia. In 2022, Tribute Games surprised with TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge, a phenomenon that revitalized the style. This year, they return with Marvel Cosmic Invasion, a title that embraces the classic formula while adding a few interesting twists.
This game keeps the traditional structure intact: move from left to right through various levels, defeat waves of enemies, and face a boss at the end of each stage. What sets it apart is the unique mechanic of using two heroes simultaneously and switching between them instantly. Additionally, it features local and online co-op for up to four players, meaning you can have eight heroes fighting on screen at once a chaotic experience… but in the best way.
All 15 available characters feel distinct. The roster includes fan favorites such as Wolverine, Ghost Rider, Storm, Nova, Captain America, Spider-Man, and She-Hulk, among others. Some can fly, others slide, some shoot projectiles, and others specialize in close combat with different variations. A progression system allows you to collect unlockables while playing or by exploring each stage, like alternate outfits, music tracks, and cast information.
The levels offer a fair challenge, never feeling punishing or frustrating. The story, however, serves more as a backdrop. Annihilus arrives on Earth with an army of insect-like alien invaders that can also possess heroes and villains. Each level is designed with specific character pairings in mind, but you’re always free to choose your favorites. Still, the narrative lacks epic or memorable moments that keep players engaged beyond the credits.
A recurring issue more from the genre itself than this particular game is the repetitiveness of enemies. Many are simply variations of the same types with different colors or attack patterns, which may lead some players to feel fatigued over time.
Visually, Marvel Cosmic Invasion excels. The pixel-art 2D animation is beautifully crafted, with moves and attack animations reminiscent of Marvel vs. Capcom, delivering a powerful dose of nostalgia. The voice acting also shines, featuring iconic talents such as Brian Bloom, Josh Keaton, Cal Dodd, and Jennifer Hale, elevating the overall quality beyond what you’d expect from a typical Beat’em Up.
Marvel Cosmic Invasion is a solid game that will delight Marvel fans and those who miss the classics of the genre. Although it falls short in innovation and its narrative doesn’t fully take off, it’s still a short but enjoyable experience perfect for a fun three-hour ride at an affordable price.
Final Score: 4/5
