For years now, DC has carved out a niche as the more somber and gritty counterpart among the comic book titans. This reputation isn’t without reason, bolstered by the heavy atmospheres of the Dark Knight trilogy and the serious, shadowy tones of the Snyderverse films. However, it’s worth noting that DC’s universe also boasts a vibrant array of characters, with most being the traditional caped crusaders we all know who strive for truth, justice, and the promise of a brighter future. Yet, you won’t find much of this in NetherRealm’s Injustice series.
In the alternate universe of Injustice, Superman’s tragic mistake of killing Lois Lane leads him on a tyrannical path, founding a regime ruled by super-beings. The series delves into dark themes and, true to NetherRealm’s style, is peppered with shocking character deaths. Now, imagine if NetherRealm were to create a fighting game based in the Marvel universe; it could very well dive into even darker territories than Injustice.
Marvel’s vast collection includes numerous genuinely evil villains. While Batman’s enemies like The Joker are notorious for their malevolence, Marvel holds its own with villains who are just as, if not more, horrifying. There’s the Red Skull, a former disciple of Hitler and Hydra’s leader, and Baron Zemo, who assembled the Masters of Evil and even killed Captain America’s son. Ultron, with his mission to annihilate all humans, stands out, and Doctor Doom’s quest for omnipotence saw him stealing Reed Richards’ family. These are just a few figures in Marvel’s villain gallery.
One of the latest villains to enter the Marvel scene is The Maker, an evil version of Reed Richards from the Ultimate Universe who plots to control a new reality devoid of superheroes. If NetherRealm chose any of these villains, they’d have a storyline brimming with depth and intrigue, driven by truly menacing antagonists.
Moreover, a Marvel fighting game developed by NetherRealm could push the envelope for what we usually see from the franchise’s heroes. While the MCU has touched upon the edgier sides of certain characters, there are comics-level heroes who habitually leave their foes bloodied. Characters like The Punisher, Wolverine, Daredevil, and an unrestrained Spider-Man could present a darker take on heroism than fans typically witness.
Admittedly, even NetherRealm would have limits to adhere to, as Injustice still managed to maintain a T-Rating, with Marvel likely cautious of anything too extreme. Nonetheless, a Marvel fighting game could offer fans the thrilling and dark narrative tones they’ve come to love about Injustice, giving the superhero gaming domain a compelling, shadowy twist.
