For quite some time now, DC Comics has carved out a distinct niche for itself by sporting a darker, more serious edge compared to its rival. This reputation has been cemented by iconic series like the gritty Dark Knight trilogy and the somber tone of the Snyder-directed films. Despite this perception, DC is home to a wide array of colorful and optimistic superheroes committed to ideals like truth and justice. However, the Injustice series by NetherRealm doesn’t exactly highlight these shiny facets of the DC realm.
In an alternate reality depicted by Injustice, Superman is driven to madness after accidentally killing Lois Lane. His response? Establishing a tyrannical regime enforced by superheroes. The series delves into grim narratives and has its share of shock-inducing character deaths. Now, if NetherRealm ever considered venturing into the Marvel universe for a fighting game, they could easily match, or even surpass, the dark tones fans expect from their narratives.
Moving on to the intriguing notion of a NetherRealm-crafted Marvel game, we find ourselves opening the vault of Marvel’s notorious villains. While Batman’s enemies are often highlighted for their vile nature, the villains inhabiting Marvel’s stories are no strangers to malevolence. Just look at the Red Skull, mentored by Hitler and leading Hydra, or Baron Zemo, who once formed a coalition of villains and took down Captain America’s son. Ultron’s ambition of human extinction, or Doctor Doom’s sly god-like ventures, only scratches the surface of Marvel’s vast array of notorious antagonists.
Then there’s The Maker, a more modern villain who emerged from Marvel’s Ultimate Universe. He’s essentially an evil version of Reed Richards who envisioned and attempted to rule a world devoid of superheroes. Any of these characters would provide a NetherRealm Marvel game with a credible, chilling antagonist to form the backbone of a compelling storyline.
Furthermore, crafting a title under the NetherRealm banner would afford Marvel’s heroes the chance to unleash their raw, often restrained ferocity. While Marvel’s cinematic outings have touched on the grittier sides of its protagonists, comic book heroes like The Punisher, Wolverine, Daredevil, and even a fiercely motivated Spider-Man possess combat styles that leave their foes bruised and battered. Translating these dynamics into a NetherRealm game could emphasize the darker, more visceral aspects of these beloved heroes. Though Marvel’s approval might cap the game’s maturity to a certain rating, the storytelling could still pack the emotional and tonal punch akin to what Injustice fans have come to expect.
