Over the years, Marvel has dabbled in a multitude of genres and gameplay styles. Their catalog includes everything from immersive open-world adventures and strategic turn-based games with a mystical flair to cooperative live-service platforms and even daring ventures into virtual reality. This diverse array of video game experiences caters to a broad audience, showcasing Marvel’s willingness to explore and innovate within the gaming world.
Reflecting on Marvel’s gaming endeavors over the past couple of decades, it’s apparent that most of their titles lean towards third-person action games, generally rated Teen by the ESRB. While these games often explore significant themes and deliver intense emotional moments, they tend to maintain an overall lighthearted tone. This approach aligns seamlessly with Marvel’s broader brand identity, yet it raises the question: wouldn’t it be intriguing if Marvel ventured into darker, more mature narratives and mechanics? Imagine the impact of a horror game steeped in the Marvel universe, potentially arriving as soon as next year.
Back in November 2005, the “Crossover” arc in the Ultimate Fantastic Four comics hit its climax. In this tale, Reed Richards receives a surprising message from another universe’s version of himself and decides to venture into this alternate realm. What he finds there is nothing short of extraordinary: a world dominated by zombified incarnations of familiar Marvel heroes and villains. This storyline served as the perfect introduction to the Marvel Zombies series that followed just a month later.
The Marvel Zombies series, spanning from December 2005 to April 2007, began as a five-issue limited series penned by Robert Kirkman, known for The Walking Dead, and was brought to life visually by Sean Phillips. This gripping series transports readers to an alternate reality, Earth-2149, where a virus has transformed Marvel’s iconic heroes and villains into ravenous zombies. However, these aren’t your typical mindless fiends; they retain their powers and wits, adding a chilling layer of horror as they seek to quench their insatiable hunger.
Since its inception, Marvel Zombies has expanded into numerous sequels and spinoffs, evolving into a robust series of its own. The saga’s latest addition, Marvel Zombies: Dawn of Decay, began its four-issue run in September and wraps up in December, continuing to enthrall fans with its unique blend of horror and superhero lore.
Fast forward to 2021, Marvel took a leap into the animated realm with the What If…? series on Disney+. Among the episodes, What If…Zombies? drew direct inspiration from the Marvel Zombies comics. In this adaptation, the source of the virus traced back to Janet van Dyne and the Quantum Realm rather than an alien threat. As Bruce Banner arrives on Earth to warn humanity of Thanos, he instead finds himself amid a zombie apocalypse, facing zombified versions of Doctor Strange and Iron Man. The episode follows survivors like Wasp, Spider-Man, Hulk, Black Panther, and Vision as they rally to uncover a cure. This gripping tale continues with a four-episode series scheduled for release in October 2025 under the Marvel Zombies banner.
This upcoming series presents Marvel with the perfect opportunity to explore new creative horizons in gaming. Picture a Marvel Zombies video game that dives into uncharted territory with a darker, more mature tone. Borrowing elements reminiscent of Left 4 Dead, players could join forces in co-op missions, navigating hordes of zombies across iconic Marvel landscapes. Imagine the thrill of confronting zombified versions of beloved heroes and villains, giving players a rare chance to fight against characters like Captain America or Spider-Man.
Such a game would not only challenge players but also push the boundaries of what Marvel games have traditionally offered in terms of gore and intensity. The world of Marvel Zombies is ripe for exploration in the gaming industry, paving the way for a unique fusion of beloved superhero elements with spine-chilling horror, all while inviting gamers to experience Marvel in an entirely new light.
