A Look Back at Deadpool (2013) and Why Players Loved It

A Look Back at Deadpool (2013) and Why Players Loved It

As a long-time fan of the Merc with a Mouth, I must say that the 2013 Deadpool game was a rollercoaster ride for me. On one hand, I found the gameplay to be enjoyable, if not particularly groundbreaking – it’s hard to argue with the satisfaction of hacking and slashing through hordes of baddies as Deadpool himself. However, the repetition in combat encounters did become a bit tiresome after a while.


Due to the popularity of Deadpool and Wolverine, it’s hard not to think about Deadpool at the moment. Although he doesn’t have as much of a presence in video games as characters like Batman or Spider-Man, Deadpool hasn’t exactly been absent. In fact, back in 2013, we did get a Deadpool game from Activision and High Moon Studios, featuring an original storyline in a hack-and-slash adventure.

Initially, Deadpool was met with lukewarm responses, often seen as just another rushed licensed product, which was more common back then compared to today. Metacritic scores for both its original release and remaster are below average (ranging from the low 60s to high 50s). To be honest, the game wasn’t perfect and had its flaws. However, over time, opinions about Deadpool have become less critical, with it now having a dedicated fanbase. Despite its problems, there is still merit in praising the game as well.

To begin with, let’s address the issues surrounding Deadpool, acknowledging that it wasn’t perfect and had some flaws. It was a game with numerous criticisms, from its simplistic design to its basic combat. Critics found fault with many aspects of the game, although opinions may vary on the extent to which these flaws affected the overall experience. However, it is clear that Deadpool was a relatively simple and straightforward game in terms of design and combat mechanics. Some might argue that this simplicity was intentional, but those seeking a more intricate and mechanically challenging action game might have felt disappointed by its lack of complexity.

Although the game certainly had some noticeable weaknesses, it’s essential to acknowledge its numerous strengths. One of the standout qualities is its sheer hilarity. The game embraces self-referential humor, clever wit, meta gags, and more, all hallmarks of Deadpool’s character and IP. Remarkably, the 2013 version excelled at highlighting these aspects and making them integral to its overall persona.

It’s reasonable to assume that humor, being such a personal preference, won’t resonate universally, and this is especially true when the humor is as bold, in-your-face, and intentionally annoying like Deadpool’s humor often is. So it’s not surprising if some players found the game’s jokes and writing didn’t quite hit the mark for them. However, if you’re a fan of Deadpool’s brand of humor, there’s a good chance you enjoyed the game as well. Many successful superhero games have thrived because they captured the essence of their characters, and while it might be an overstatement to say that the 2013 Deadpool game achieved this on the same level, it certainly did a commendable job of encapsulating what makes Deadpool unique.

The game “Deadpool” wasn’t particularly extraordinary from a storytelling standpoint, but it did offer an engaging, unique narrative that appealed to fans of the character and the X-Men universe. However, the story served primarily as a platform for Deadpool to excel. It’s worth noting that Nolan North, a seasoned actor, delivered an outstanding performance as Deadpool. Interestingly, in a self-referential touch, North also played himself at the beginning of the game, humorously portraying the character who hired him to play himself in a video game about himself.

A Look Back at Deadpool (2013) and Why Players Loved It

As a devoted fan, I must admit that Deadpool, when it comes to gameplay, wasn’t exactly revolutionary – it leaned more towards the straightforward hack-and-slash genre. However, let me clarify that despite its simplicity, this game was generally enjoyable. Yes, there were valid complaints about the repetitive design, and admittedly, the combat encounters could become monotonous over time due to this repetition. Yet, the fundamental mechanics were entertaining.

To be honest, Deadpool isn’t your typical masterpiece. Labeling it as anything more than a thrilling game with its quirks might seem a bit far-fetched. But boy, was it a blast to play! For fans of the franchise, there were lots of delightful aspects to appreciate about it. It’s not the type of game that will leave you pondering over its critical acclaim – even its staunchest supporters will concede that it’s far from perfect. However, because it so beautifully embodies the spirit of the character it represents, it also possesses some genuine, undeniable charm.

Man, going back to play this game isn’t as easy as it once was because it’s been delisted across almost every platform due to expired licenses. That means no more PS4, Xbox One remasters, or Steam releases. Bummer, considering Activision’s Marvel license has been expired for quite some time now.

Is there a possibility that we might get a new Deadpool game soon, given the current popularity of superhero games and licensed properties? It’s no secret that these types of games have been extremely successful lately, with a flood of major AAA licensed games released in recent years. This trend doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. With titles like Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra, Marvel’s Blade, EA’s Black Panther and Iron Man games, Insomniac’s Wolverine and Spider-Man games in development, it’s not hard to imagine more Marvel games being added to the list. So, there’s a good chance we might see even more superhero games in the future.

A Look Back at Deadpool (2013) and Why Players Loved It

As a die-hard gamer, I can’t help but imagine the thrill of a top-tier studio bringing Deadpool, this iconic character who’s more popular than ever, to life in an AAA game. If such a game was developed and managed to garner both critical acclaim and commercial success, it would be nothing short of amazing. However, whether this dream becomes reality is anyone’s guess. But let’s hope so, especially since the only solid Deadpool game available now is virtually inaccessible on modern gaming platforms.

Please take note that the opinions put forth in this article belong solely to the writer, and may not reflect the perspectives or stance of GamingBolt as a collective entity.

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2024-07-31 16:11