Marvel video games have been on a hot streak the last few years. From tactics games to single-player, story-focused adventures, Marvel fans have had plenty to keep them busy. Even recently, Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls is a blast that marries fast, frenetic combat with heroes like Spider-Man and Ms. Marvel.
The upcoming Marvel’s Wolverine brings Logan back to the forefront in a big way, with even more to look forward to in Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra. We looked back at Marvel’s rich history of games, picking titles from across the ages but limiting it to one game per franchise. For example, only one of Insomniac’s Marvel Spider-Man games is on the list to allow for a wider collection of titles. Here are the top 15 ranked:
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15) Marvel Snap (2022)
Developer: Second Dinner, Nuverse
Publisher: Second Dinner, Nuverse, NetEase Games
Marvel Snap brought Marvel back to trading card games in a big way. From the unique card mechanics and deep deck building to quick games with an interesting gameplay twist, Marvel Snap was everywhere for a while. Games were fast-paced, and making decks is a blast. One of my favorites was a graveyard mill deck focused all on Venom. The gorgeous card art didn’t hurt either.
14) X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
Developer: Raven Software
Publisher: Activision
While the movie may not have been all that great, X-Men Origins: Wolverine was one of the rare fantastic movie adaptations in gaming. The action was incredible, fast and furious, with blood and gore aplenty. The wild lunge was one of the best parts of the entire experience, sending Logan flying at enemies to quickly close distance. X-Men Origins: Wolverine embraced the chaotic nature of Wolverine and leaped with it to great heights.
13) Ultimate Spider-Man (2005)
Developer: Treyarch
Publisher: Activision
Before Insomniac, Spider-Man had a host of games from developer Treyarch. Ultimate Spider-Man was one of the best ones, embracing the Ultimate line of comic books that were popular at the time. The cel-shaded art style is timeless, and being able to play as both Spider-Man and Venom was a dream come true for us Spidey fans. It was packed with Marvel cameos before the MCU was huge, each one a fun surprise. Ultimate Spider-Man rules.
12) The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction (2005)
Developer: Radical Entertainment
Publisher: Vivendi Games
No game has ever truly captured the Hulk’s rampaging nature as The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction did back in 2005. Hulk felt like a battering ram strapped to a tank, crushing through enemies small and big alike. Being able to leap in massive jumps was a blast, and ripping apart a tank and then using it to cover your massive fists never got old.
11) Marvel Rivals (2024)
Developer: NetEase Games
Publisher: NetEase, Marvel Game
Who knew applying the Overwatch formula to Marvel would work so well? Well, apparently NetEase did, because Marvel Rivals capitalized on a lull in the industry. Fast-moving seasons, a good mix of characters, deep combat kits, and new characters introduced at a good pace keep players engaged to this day. Being able to team up with friends using fan-favorite characters and synergize abilities always feels cool.
10) Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls (2026)
Developer: Arc System Works
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
The most recent entry in the list is a perfect match. Arc System Works is known for its fast and deep fighting games. Mixed with the deep well of characters from Marvel, it made for one of the best fighting games in years. The fighting is satisfying and accessible without sacrificing depth; the adventure modes are cute and fun to play through, and the hub is great to run around. It has the potential to climb even higher on the list, but we’ll have to see how support continues.
9) Lego Marvel Super Heroes (2013)
Developer: Traveller’s Tales
Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Lego Marvel Super Heroes is, to this day, one of the biggest celebrations of the comics in game form. The Lego action-adventure packs in over 180 characters from across Marvel, most with their own abilities and play styles. The open world is so much fun to explore, with plenty of easter eggs and references for comic fans. It’s also incredibly accessible, letting players of all ages enjoy playing with their favorites.
8) Marvel Cosmic Invasion (2025)
Developer: Tribute Games
Publisher: Dotemu
Tribute Games made a retro throwback that stands shoulder to shoulder with many of the classics, with Marvel Cosmic Invasion being a love letter to Marvel’s early years. A classic beat ’em up with modern tendencies, battling across New York, the Negative Zone, and plenty more, is just a joy. The starting roster was already solid with 15 characters, but Tribute Games keeps adding to the game, making it just as fun to keep coming back to.
7) X-Men Legends 2: Rise of Apocalypse (2005)
Developer: Raven Software
Publisher: Activision
X-Men Legends 2: Rise of Apocalypse, an action RPG where you and your friends could party up as the X-Men, is fantastic. The story, focused on the X-Men teaming up with the Brotherhood of Mutants to go up against Apocalypse, was great, going even bigger than its predecessor. Each mutant was faithfully recreated, with different power sets and team-ups between heroes and villains alike. This era of couch co-op Marvel titles was really special.
6) Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Developer: Treyarch
Publisher: Activision
Before becoming Call of Duty workhorses, Treyarch made some of the best Spider-Man games of all time. Until the Insomniac games, every Spidey game was compared to Spider-Man 2. The swinging was top-notch, capturing a sense of momentum that few were able to replicate. Another rare adaptation that was just as good as the source material, Spider-Man 2 really nailed the feeling of being Spider-Man. I can still hear that kid calling for their balloon.
5) Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes (2000)
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes is still, to this day, 26 years later, one of the best fighting games ever made. Sticky combat that had a ton of skill expression makes it a mainstay at fighting game competitions and friends’ couches even now. Teaming up characters from across Marvel and Capcom was always awesome, a world where Iceman and Chun-Li can kick all the butt together. I have so many warm memories playing this game with friends and family alike, as I’m sure so many do.
4) Marvel Ultimate Alliance (2006)
Developer: Raven Software
Publisher: Activision
The opening cinematic to Marvel Ultimate Alliance still pops into my mind from time to time. Dr. Doom attacking a S.H.I.E.L.D helicarrier, heroes teaming up and fighting back – it’s just awesome. Built on the foundation of X-Men Legends before it, Ultimate Alliance took the formula and expanded it to the Marvel universe at large. Playing this couch co-op with friends, everyone picking their go-to hero and fighting across levels that were well designed with fun boss encounters makes it one of the best Marvel video games ever made. It rules.
3) Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy (2021)
Developer: Eidos-Montreal
Publisher: Square Enix
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy never got the mainstream love it really deserved. Those who have played it know it to be a deep and human story, with solid gameplay that got better as it went. Is it perfect? No, but it hits way harder than it should thanks to its narrative and performances. The galaxy was bright, beautiful, and exciting, with each new level taking you somewhere brand new. If you’ve never played Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, take this as your sign to.
2) Marvel’s Midnight Suns (2022)
Developer: Firaxis Games
Publisher: 2K Games
Speaking of Marvel video games that never got their due, Marvel’s Midnight Suns is still one of the best tactical RPGs ever made. Many were turned off by the deck-building mechanics, but those that dove in found a deep, complex, and satisfying gameplay loop that kept you coming back for more. Each hero had different special abilities that combined in unique ways, and the hub gave you reason to explore and hang with different characters. Marvel’s Midnight Suns is fantastic. I really wish we got a sequel.
1) Marvel’s Spider-Man (2018)
Developer: Insomniac Games
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Marvel’s Spider-Man is the best Marvel game of all time, and one of the best character action games ever made. Insomniac Games was firing on all cylinders with this one. The best swinging since 2004, a tense and incredible story that was quintessential Spider-Man, Yuri Lowenthal’s performance – everything here coalesced to make it a non-stop joyride. While its follow-ups were equally impressive, Marvel’s Spider-Man brought Spider-Man back to gaming in the best way possible.
There you have it! Marvel video games from across time and space brought together just like the Infinity Stones. There are tons of beloved games that didn’t make the list, with many more experiences waiting to be played. Insomniac Games’ Marvel’s Wolverine is also just around the corner to keep the ride going. Being a Marvel fan rules.
Marvel’s Wolverine releases on September 15th on PlayStation 5.
