Earlier this year, Marvel Cosmic Invasion debuted, and fans have been looking forward to it ever since. This game from Dometu, Tribute Games, and Marvel is poised to deliver classic arcade beat ’em up vibes with a roster of fan favorite heroes. Marvel Cosmic Invasion doesn’t release until later this year, but a brand-new PC demo is giving gamers an early taste of the action. And though the demo only features two stages, a few spot-on comics references are already setting high hopes for the game’s full release.
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The Marvel Cosmic Invasion demo went live on October 1st, giving Steam players access to two in-game levels and a roster of 9 characters to choose from. Though it’s a pretty short and sweet sampling of the game, comics fans are loving the attention to detail present in the level design for this latest superhero game. In pixel art glory, Marvel’s New York is a treat for Spider-Man fans who love the comics.
MJ’s Acting Career Is Restored in Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Fans were already thrilled when Marvel Cosmic Invasion confirmed that Josh Keaton would return as the voice of Spider-Man. This beloved actor starred as the webslinger in The Spectacular Spider-Man, one of the best Marvel cartoons in history. And now, he has returned to voice Spidey in the arcade beat ’em up. That alone had many comics fans excited to see this version of Spider-Man return. But as Marvel’s New York shows, there’s more for Spidey fans to find in the game.
In most of Spider-Man comics history, Mary Jane Watson is an actress. She reprises this role, albeit with only moderate success, in the 2002 Spider-Man trilogy. But in recent Spider-Man video games, most notably Marvel’s Spider-Man, MJ is a reporter with shades of Lois Lane. Though this does give her a unique role in the story, many were thrilled to see that MJ’s acting career is on full display in the New York level of Marvel Cosmic Invasion. So, many comics fans were absolutely thrilled to see several prominent posters for MJ’s sitcom, Secret Hospital, featured in the demo for Marvel Cosmic Invasion.
As you fight your way towards the end of the New York level, you see a few large advertisements for Secret Hospital. This day-time soap is prominently featured in the comics as a longstanding role for Mary Jane. This isn’t the only spot-on Spider-Man reference in the level, as we also see the Daily Bugle’s typical take on the web slinging menace. However, for many this is the proof that “this is MY Spider-Man,” paying homage to the Peter Parker of the 80s and 90s comics rather than the more recent renditions.
Though the demo only gives a little glimpse into the game, many are impressed with the gorgeous pixel art style and bright colors. The gameplay itself definitely takes you back to arcade games, but each character has a few different moves to offer some nuance and variety that those simpler controls don’t allow. The free Marvel Cosmic Invasion demo will be available until October 20th, so you’ve still got time to experience it for yourself before then.
Have you checked out the Marvel Cosmic Invasion demo yet? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!
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Image courtesy of Focus Features.
