Dotemu and developer Tribute Games have released retro-inspired beat ’em up Marvel Cosmic Invasion. It’s available on Steam, PlayStation 5, Switch, Switch 2, and Xbox Series X/S ($29.99). It’s also available via Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
Marvel Cosmic invasion is an arcade-style, co-op beat ’em up featuring 15 playable super heroes, including Captain America, Iron Man, Wolverine, Spider-Man, and Storm. Unlike most beat ’em ups, players actually choose two fighters and seamlessly swap between them to pull off unique combos.
Up to four players can play together via drop-in local and online co-op, and adaptive difficulty that adjusts to the group’s size.
While the game features many Earth-centric superheroes, the story features a galactic-level threat from Annihilus, who has enlisted several other big villains in his conquest, including MODOK and Thanos. The campaign mode takes players through iconic settings of the Marvel-verse, including New York City and Wakanda, and Annihilus’ home dimension, the Negative Zone.
In addition to the Campaign mode, Arcade mode features additional challenges and modifiers.
Marvel Cosmic Invasion is designed by the same developers as the totally radical, arcade-style beat ’em up, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge. Tribute Games is known for gorgeous pixel art and animation, and a solid understanding of classic 2D beat ’em up gameplay. Dotemu also published (and developed) another excellent retro beat ’em up in Streets of Rage 4.
Plus, composer Tee Lopes returns from Shredder’s Revenge for another amazing soundtrack. Excellent!
Marvel Cosmic Invasion is out now on PC, PlayStation, Switch, and Xbox, and rated E10+.
