Over the years, Marvel has dipped its toes into a wide array of gaming genres. From sprawling open-world adventures to strategic, turn-based games infused with a touch of mysticism, co-op live-service experiences, and even VR projects, Marvel has curated a diverse palette of game styles to entertain a broad spectrum of fans.
Reflecting on the past couple of decades, you’ll notice that many Marvel games share a common thread. They’re primarily third-person action games, often rated for teens or younger audiences. These adventures, while touching on serious themes and dramatic narratives, maintain a light-hearted spirit that aligns with Marvel’s cheerful brand. However, wouldn’t it be refreshing to see Marvel veer off the beaten path with some darker, more mature themes now and then? Imagine, for instance, a horror game that could seamlessly fit Marvel’s universe, potentially emerging next year.
Back in November 2005, the “Crossover” storyline in Ultimate Fantastic Four paved the way for an intriguing concept. Reed Richards engages with an alternate universe, housing zombified iterations of various Marvel heroes and villains. This story served as a springboard for the Marvel Zombies series, which kicked off just a month later.
This Marvel Zombies saga, originally a five-part limited series penned by Robert Kirkman (yes, the mind behind The Walking Dead) and brought to life by artist Sean Phillips, explores an alternate Earth, designated Earth-2149. In this twisted reality, a virus transforms our beloved superheroes and villains into ravenous zombies. Unlike typical zombie narratives, these undead retain their superpowers and cognitive functions, presenting a nightmarish twist on the age-old flesh-eating formula. Following its initial run from 2005 to 2007, Marvel Zombies spawned numerous sequels and spinoffs, evolving into a significant Marvel comic entity. The latest installment, Marvel Zombies: Dawn of Decay, is a four-issue series that kicked off in September and will wrap up in December.
Fast forward to 2021, Marvel’s What If…? animated series on Disney+ cleverly tapped into this eerie concept. One standout episode, What If…Zombies?, takes cues from the Marvel Zombies comics. In this storyline, the zombie virus doesn’t originate from an extraterrestrial source but through Janet van Dyne’s ill-fated visit to the Quantum Realm.
As Bruce Banner returns to Earth, ready to alert the planet about Thanos’ looming threat, he’s met with an unexpected zombie ambush featuring familiar faces like Doctor Strange and Iron Man. The episode follows surviving characters like Wasp, Spider-Man, Hulk, Black Panther, and Vision as they endeavor to find a remedy. Thankfully, this storyline isn’t left hanging; a four-part continuation dubbed Marvel Zombies is on the horizon, set to premiere in October 2025.
So, what if Marvel decided to take this darker narrative to the gaming world? The new Marvel Zombies series could provide the perfect pretext for crafting a more mature gaming experience—a realm they’ve not truly ventured into. Picture a Left 4 Dead-style cooperative zombie game. Players could step into the shoes of iconic heroes or villains, battling hordes of zombies in legendary Marvel locales.
Imagine facing off against zombified Marvel legends, offering players the rare thrill of battling heroes like Captain America or Spider-Man in a more sinister context. This theme also opens the door for more graphic content, a departure from the typically mild gore levels in Marvel games.
While Marvel’s brand encompasses vibrant heroes and tales, there’s an exciting possibility in diversifying into more mature themes. With the groundwork laid by comics and shows, exploring the world of Marvel Zombies in gaming could be the next enthralling step.
