Over the years, Marvel has dabbled in an impressive array of genres and gameplay styles. Whether it’s through open-world action-adventures, strategic turn-based games with a mystical edge, co-op live-service experiences, or even a few VR ventures, Marvel has managed to craft diverse gaming experiences that cater to different audiences.
Reflecting on Marvel’s gaming releases over the past decade or two, you’ll notice that most of them fall into the category of third-person action games, typically rated Teen by the ESRB or lower. These games often explore deeper themes and deliver plenty of dramatic moments, all while maintaining an overall lighthearted tone. This approach is certainly a good fit for Marvel’s brand. However, diving into some darker, more mature themes could offer a fresh twist. In fact, one particular horror game concept might be perfect for Marvel to explore this time next year.
Imagine drawing inspiration from the “Marvel Zombies” comic series. Back in November 2005, the “Crossover” storyline in Ultimate Fantastic Four peaked, featuring an alternate universe that was home to zombified Marvel characters. This paved the way for the Marvel Zombies series that began just a month later — a limited five-issue series that ran from December 2005 to April 2007. Written by the acclaimed Robert Kirman and illustrated by Sean Phillips, it threw the iconic Marvel heroes and villains into a world where a virus transformed them into flesh-eating zombies. Unlike typical zombie tales, these characters retained their superpowers and mental faculties. The horror stemmed from watching these heroes satisfy their dark cravings.
Marvel Zombies became a franchise of its own, spawning numerous sequels and spinoffs. The latest installment, “Marvel Zombies: Dawn of Decay,” launched in September and will conclude in December.
Jump forward to 2021, when Marvel released the animated series What If…? on Disney+. This anthology included an episode titled “What If…Zombies?” which took inspiration from the Marvel Zombies comics. Instead of an alien virus, the Avengers were infected by a disease contracted in the Quantum Realm by Janet van Dyne. As Bruce Banner returns to Earth with a warning about Thanos, he’s greeted by a zombified Doctor Strange and Iron Man. The episode follows the remaining heroes like Spider-Man, Hulk, and Black Panther as they search for a cure. Marvel Zombies is set to receive a four-episode continuation in October 2025.
Now, the idea of a Marvel Zombies video game opens a unique avenue for the franchise to delve into more mature storytelling. A cooperative zombie game akin to Left 4 Dead could let players navigate through iconic Marvel environments while battling hordes of the undead. The thrill of facing zombified versions of beloved characters like Captain America or Spider-Man could be a major draw, giving fans a chance to combat these heroes as never before. Additionally, the horror theme would naturally allow the developers to embrace a bit more graphic content than what’s typically seen in Marvel games.
Overall, this venture could be groundbreaking for Marvel, offering a distinct blend of horror and superhero action that taps into the rich lore of its comic universe, providing a fresh and exciting experience for fans and gamers alike.
