The recent release of Firaxis Games' Avengers games. The genre has come a long way, as it was once generally lumped in with other established IP game adaptations -- namely movies -- for being hollow cash grabs.
Developer Rocksteady popularized this resurgence in the medium with the Guardians of the Galaxy.
Marvel: Avengers Alliance 2 - 80 (iOS, 4 Reviews)
Though on a much smaller scale given what this platform is for gaming, Marvel: Avengers Alliance 2 is one of the more well-received mobile titles. The game is a sequel to the Facebook browser game, this time serving as a mobile original.
Marvel: Avengers Alliance 2 was discontinued from the app store a few years ago, but garnered respectable reviews for how it followed up on the original. It was a turn-based strategy game that added more playable characters to the roster and transitioned the art direction to 3D.
Guardians Of The Galaxy - 80 (PlayStation 5, 98 Reviews)
Following publisher Square Enix's aforementioned squandered launch of its Avengers title, there ittedly wasn't much confidence just one year later for the announcement of a Guardians of the Galaxy game. However, it proved to be one of the more refreshing surprises of 2021 when it was finally released.
Forgoing the half-finished and micro-monetized live service approach that the Avengers took, Guardians of the Galaxy was a straightforward and single-player action-adventure game that, while not revolutionizing anything, was solid in just about everything it tackled. The game was well-received for its fun combat, colorful level design, and endearing take on the titular superhero team that impressively stands apart from the popularized MCU theatrical versions.
Marvel Vs. Capcom 2: New Age Of Heroes - 82 (Xbox 360, 39 Reviews)
There are many widely acclaimed fighting games, but Capcom's Marvel vs. Capcom series is another worthy shout. Beat-'em-ups and fighting games were originally some of the best subgenres that superheroes could translate to in gaming, and Marvel vs. Capcom 2 was a successful and colorful celebration of both properties.
It was also popular in the competitive scene for its time, with audiences and critics alike praising the game's striking comic book-like visuals and layered combat system. Just as well, its deep roster of playable characters was a major selling point.
X-Men Legends - 82 (Xbox, 63 Reviews)
One of the most beloved superhero teams that comprise many of Marvel's greatest comic book storylines, the X-Men were bound to get some memorable video game adaptations. Going back to the PlayStation 2 console generation, X-Men Legends gave a satisfying action-RPG flavor to the mutant superhero group.
The story revolves around the young mutant Alison Crestmere as she trains to control her volcanic powers, all the while Magneto plans to shroud the planet in darkness. Its cel-shaded art style was great for capturing the comic book spirit, and its impressive level of character customization and combat made it a consistently engaging experience.
LEGO Marvel Superheroes - 83 (PlayStation 4, 22 Reviews)
Taking a much lighter spin, it's unsurprising that the juggernaut LEGO company got its hands on the dense Marvel universe. Many of its games, from Star Wars to DC Comics and beyond, have earned positive opinions in the gaming community for being lighthearted, fun, and family-friendly affairs.
LEGO Marvel Superheroes is no exception, as the game brings all the charm players would expect. Complete with a huge roster of characters to pick from along with single- and multiplayer modes, there is plenty of fun to be had for fans craving a far less serious take on the Marvel world in the gaming space.
Midnight Suns - 83 (PC, 62 Reviews)
Though it wasn't under the exact level of skepticism that Eidos-Montréal's Guardians of the Galaxy game was, similar to it, Firaxis Games' Midnight Suns surprised with a welcome positive critical reception. Primarily known for their turn-based strategy XCOM series, the developer team took that expertise into the Marvel universe to create an inventive tactical RPG.
Midnight Suns follows an original story with an original new protagonist with other popular heroes in . The game took an exciting supernatural/occult twist on the Marvel formula, and its card-based strategic combat was praised for its ingenuity.
X-Men Legends II: Rise Of Apocalypse - 84 (Xbox, 50 Reviews)
From the arcade cabinets to consoles, the X-Men haven't received a modern-day reinvention on the scale of Spider-Man or Batman, but they have a solid catalog of games. Overall, X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse continued the success of its progenitor.
And as the name would suggest, the story takes place after the events of Legends as long-time X-Men villain Apocalypse appears as a common enemy that compels Magneto's Brotherhood of Mutants and Professor X's X-Men to band together. The game was even better received for its expanded roster of characters, RPG customization options, and new mutant abilities.
Marvel Vs. Capcom 3: Fate Of Two Worlds - 85 (Xbox 360, 77 Reviews)
Barring the somewhat lukewarm release of Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite, this fighting game series has consistently earned convincingly positive receptions. And of all the games in this franchise, Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is arguably the most affectionately regarded.
This third mainline entry was praised for how it introduced a more streamlined take on the series' usual formula without undercutting any of its depth and complexity for those willing to master it. The art style pops even more, and the expanded character roster offers players an embarrassment of riches in gameplay.
Spider-Man: Miles Morales - 85 (PlayStation 5, 89 Reviews)
It might not be the full-blown experience that its predecessor provided, but Insomniac's Spider-Man: Miles Morales can proudly stand alongside Spider-Man 2, as Miles Morales puts the titular character in his spidey suit after the events of the 2018 game.
Spider-Man: Miles Morales succeeds in delivering a tight, concise experience to tide fans over, all the while telling a worthwhile and emotional coming-of-age tale. The core of what made the first game so fun is still here, in addition to some gameplay additions to make Miles stand on his own.
Spider-Man - 87 (PlayStation 4, 116 Reviews)
Spider-Man is one of the few superhero characters who had several solid games even before Insomniac came along, but the 2018 game for the PS4 was his breathtaking Arkham-style reinvention. This game set the new standard for the Wall-Crawler in gaming, putting the hero in a stunning and vibrant take on New York that rewarded exploration.
Along with a cathartic and acrobatic new combat system, the smooth web-swinging mechanics made it so players would never want to fast travel again. Likewise, the resonating story was widely praised for being a loving homage to the comic book source material that also stands as its fresh continuity.