If you're looking for a video game based on Marvel Comics' epic invasion storylines, MARVEL Cosmic Invasion is the hot new title that perfectly fits the bill. Announced in March 2025 and set for release on December 1, 2025, this retro-style arcade beat 'em up draws directly from Marvel's cosmic lore—specifically adapting elements of the 2006 Annihilation event, where the villain Annihilus unleashes the Annihilation Wave to ravage the galaxy. It's developed by Tribute Games (the team behind Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge) and published by Dotemu in collaboration with Marvel Games.
Story and Gameplay
- Plot: Annihilus, the immortal insectoid tyrant from the Negative Zone, launches a massive invasion across the Marvel Universe. Heroes from Earth and beyond must team up to stop his hordes from overrunning planets, starting in New York City and escalating to cosmic battlegrounds like the Negative Zone. Expect cameos from villains like Thanos and a mix of high-stakes action that echoes the comics' themes of interstellar war and unlikely alliances.
- Gameplay Style: Classic side-scrolling beat 'em up with modern twists—frenetic combo-based combat, pixel art inspired by '90s Marvel comics, and hand-drawn animations. Play solo or in up to 4-player local/online co-op with drop-in/drop-out support and crossplay. Unlock power-ups, experiment with hero synergies, and battle through diverse levels packed with enemies, bosses, and Marvel Easter eggs.
- Accessibility: Family-friendly features make it easy for all ages, including adjustable difficulty and control options.
Playable Heroes
The roster features 15 playable characters blending street-level and cosmic icons, each with unique movesets, voice acting, and retro redesigns. Here's the full lineup revealed so far:
- Earth Heroes: Spider-Man, Wolverine, Captain America, Storm, Venom, Black Panther, Iron Man (Invincible variant).
- Cosmic Heroes: Nova (Richard Rider), Phyla-Vell, Phoenix, Cosmic Ghost Rider.
- (The remaining few are still under wraps, but expect more announcements soon!)
Platforms and Release
- Available on PC (Steam), PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2.
- Wishlist it on Steam now for notifications—pricing hasn't been announced yet, but expect around $25 based on similar Dotemu titles.
Tie-Ins with Comics
To hype the launch, Marvel Comics is dropping 12 variant covers starting in January 2026, showcasing the game's character art on issues like Avengers, Fantastic Four, and Nova. These retro-style covers pay homage to the '90s era and tie back to invasion arcs like Annihilation and Secret Invasion.
Early previews rave about it: "Feels fantastic to play" (ComicBook), "A visually stunning superhero celebration" (PCMag), and "A wonderful tribute to both a classic genre and the Marvel universe" (GamesRadar+).