Over the years, Marvel has ventured into a broad array of gaming genres and styles, ranging from open-world adventures to strategic turn-based games with a hint of the occult. They’ve experimented with co-op live-service experiences and even dipped their toes into virtual reality, offering something for every type of gamer out there.
Reflecting on Marvel’s gaming repertoire from the last couple of decades, most of their offerings have been third-person action games, usually rated for teens or younger. While these games do explore deeper themes and have their share of intense moments, they generally maintain a lighthearted vibe, aligning with Marvel’s signature style. However, it would be intriguing to see Marvel dive into darker, more mature themes occasionally. For instance, imagine if Marvel embraced a particular type of horror game next year – it could truly shake things up.
Marvel’s “Rivals” is setting a promising example by sidestepping one of the biggest pitfalls seen in the “Avengers” game, which stumbled in several ways during its brief existence. This shift in strategy could prove beneficial for future projects.
Taking inspiration from the Marvel Zombies comic could be the key to unlocking a new gaming experience. This storyline first came to light in November 2005 during the “Crossover” arc of the Ultimate Fantastic Four comics. It started as Reed Richards encountered an alternate version of himself from a universe inhabited by a zombie version of Marvel’s heroes and villains—a concept that later spun off into the Marvel Zombies series.
Running from December 2005 to April 2007, the original Marvel Zombies series was penned by Robert Kirkman, famed for The Walking Dead, and illustrated by Sean Phillips. Set in an alternate Earth-2149, this series explores a world where a virus has turned beloved superheroes and villains into zombies. Unlike typical zombie tales, these characters retain much of their intellect and superpowers, unleashing a unique kind of horror driven by their insatiable hunger.
Since that initial series, Marvel Zombies has expanded into numerous sequels and spinoffs, evolving into a substantial franchise within the Marvel universe. The latest installment, Marvel Zombies: Dawn of Decay, began in September and is expected to conclude in December.
The Marvel Zombies Disney+ series, set to continue this narrative, could lay the foundation for an exciting game adaptation. In 2021, the “What If…?” animated series explored a similar concept with an episode called “What If…Zombies?” drawing from the Marvel Zombies comics. In this timeline, the Avengers face a zombie threat originating from the Quantum Realm through Janet van Dyne.
The storyline has Bruce Banner, sent back to Earth to warn of Thanos, encountering zombified versions of heroes such as Doctor Strange and Iron Man. The narrative follows survivors like Wasp and Spider-Man as they race to find a cure. This theme continues in a four-episode arc slated for release in October 2025 under the Marvel Zombies branding.
Imagining what a Marvel Zombies video game might entail opens avenues for innovative gameplay. This new series offers a rare opportunity for Marvel to embrace a more mature gaming experience and explore a genre they haven’t fully tapped into. A game inspired by titles like Left 4 Dead, focusing on co-op missions with iconic heroes against zombie hordes, could mesh perfectly with the Marvel Zombies setting.
With each level, players might face the thrill of confronting zombified iconic characters, turning traditional hero encounters upside down. This setup not only introduces a novel combat experience but allows for a grittier, more intense tone, offering Marvel fans a fresh and unexpected way to engage with the universe they love.
