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Marvel Cosmic Invasion brings a team of Marvel heroes together for a side-scrolling beat ’em up from the developers behind Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge. A hands-on demo offered a look at its tag-team combat, character abilities and early stages as heroes confront Annihilus and his forces across the Marvel Universe.
Marvel Cosmic Invasion Builds on Classic Beat ’Em Ups
The demo included nine playable characters: Captain America, Nova, Storm, Venom, Wolverine, Phyla-Vell, Spider-Man, Rocket Raccoon and She-Hulk. Beta Ray Bill and Silver Surfer were confirmed for the launch roster, with at least four additional heroes expected to be announced before release. Rocket and She-Hulk were new to this particular hands-on build.
Up to four players can take part, with each player selecting two heroes and switching between them during a stage. That setup lets players adapt to different enemy types and make use of each character’s movement and attacks. When trying a new hero, test their movement early: double-tapping jump can trigger different abilities, such as Storm’s lift or Spider-Man’s web-swing.
Tag-Team Combat and Distinct Hero Abilities
Each character has basic melee moves, a personal attack and a powerful special move. Specials use focus, which builds as players land attacks on enemies. The roster’s varied abilities are central to combat: Wolverine cannot double-jump, while Storm and Spider-Man can move through the air in their own ways.
One Earth stage takes the fight through New York, where Venom and Spider-Man face Annihilus’ insect-like minions. Details in the scenery include Daily Bugle headlines about Norman Osborn’s disappearance and a familiar “Spider Menace” reference. These background touches add comic-book flavor, but the enemy attack keeps the action moving.
Spider-Man is nimble and can swing across the screen or attack from a distance with webs. His web-shooters need time to recharge, so players should avoid relying on ranged attacks continuously. Venom offers a heavier alternative, with a close-range special that can damage nearby enemies. The New York stage ends in a boss encounter with Beetle, whose attacks include a zig-zagging laser and projectiles.
From New York to the SHIELD Helicarrier
The next stage takes place aboard the SHIELD Helicarrier. With MODOK imprisoned, AIM and Annihilus launch an assault on the flying base. AIM’s enemies wield elemental weapons, including electricity and fire, making them a tougher challenge than the earlier foes.
Storm combines melee attacks with ranged wind blasts and a powerful lightning storm. Wolverine is quicker and relies on close combat, using his claws to keep pressure on enemies. The stage also includes an elevator sequence and mounted laser turrets, offering different ways to handle incoming groups.
The Helicarrier’s boss is Taskmaster. He can block many attacks, so players need to watch his patterns and look for openings—particularly after he throws his shield. Waiting for the right moment to strike is more effective than attacking without pause.
Rocket and She-Hulk Round Out the Demo
She-Hulk is built around powerful, broad-reaching attacks, including a ground smash that clears space around her. Rocket plays very differently: he is fast and mobile, with tools suited to both close and long-range combat. His standard attack can fire at a distance or switch to a melee combo when enemies are nearby. He can also throw grenades, lay a trip mine while sprinting and unleash a special attack with a range of weapons.
This contrast gives the roster variety, but character feel matters when choosing a pair. Players who prefer heavier hits may gravitate toward She-Hulk, while Rocket suits a faster, gadget-focused approach. Switching heroes during a level also makes it easier to use different strengths as situations change.
What to Expect from Marvel Cosmic Invasion
The demo suggests that Marvel Cosmic Invasion follows the approachable, energetic style of classic arcade brawlers while giving each hero distinct movement and combat options. Its New York and Helicarrier stages mix straightforward fights with boss encounters and environmental features. The large roster also leaves room for more character reveals and comic-inspired details.
At the time of the preview, a specific release date had not been announced; the game was expected to arrive sometime that year. For players interested in cooperative action, recognizable heroes and varied fighting styles, Marvel Cosmic Invasion is worth keeping an eye on as more details emerge.
