Why We Desperately Need a New X-Men Game After Avengers: Doomsday

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It’s not just me who’s excited about the return of some classic X-Men actors for the upcoming movie “Avengers: Doomsday.” The news that Nightcrawler will be played by Alan Cumming again brought a smile to my X-Men: Evolution-loving face. I can’t help but want to rewatch both “X-Men” and “X-2: X-Men United,” and the thought of these actors makes me crave playing a decent X-Men game while we wait for “Avengers: Doomsday.” However, I was reminded that it’s been years since we had a good X-Men game, and it’s high time gamers got one.

In the annals of gaming history, there’s no dearth of X-Men titles, boasting several high-quality games even from the days of tomorrow (couldn’t help myself). For example, the action RPG series, X-Men Legends, particularly the first and second installments, were quite popular during the PlayStation 2 era. These games allowed players to embody various legendary X-Men characters, and I still remember being disappointed that I couldn’t control Shadowcat. Despite my favorite character from Evolution not being playable, I found enjoyment in the gameplay. However, it’s been quite some time since their initial release, and neither the Legends games have been adapted for modern consoles. Although a few additional X-Men games emerged afterward, it has been over a decade since a genuine, console-based X-Men game hit the market. And I yearn for more.

Absolutely! Over the years, the X-Men have been featured in various Marvel games, with their latest appearances in Marvel Rivals. While these games are enjoyable, there’s something unique about having the X-Men stand alone. A game dedicated solely to them would highlight their intricate relationships and character development more effectively. In other words, they deserve a game that goes beyond typical superhero action genres like shooters or beat ’em ups.

It’s been said that my dream might one day come true. Currently, Insomniac is developing “Marvel’s Wolverine,” which can be considered an X-Men game in its own right. However, a 2023 leak hints at another X-Men project by Insomniac Games, scheduled for release in 2030. If this turns out to be accurate, we’ll have to wait five years. But let me tell you something: I’m not yearning for “Marvel’s Spider-Man,” but rather an X-Men game with the same feel. Given the richness and intrigue of the X-Men characters, an X-Men game could offer so much more than the entertaining but somewhat linear storylines we’ve seen in “Marvel’s Spider-Man” games up until now.

As I browsed Reddit to check if I was the only one eagerly anticipating a new, high-quality X-Men game, I stumbled upon numerous creative gamers advocating for an RPG-style game that resembles the “Baldur’s Gate 3” experience. They envision a game with flexible gameplay and engaging storylines, allowing players to manage a team of well-known X-Men characters whose individual personalities are realistically and thoughtfully portrayed. The concept of an expansive X-Men RPG with such depth and scale is truly captivating. However, I’m skeptical that Insomniac Games is developing it, but if so, it would be fantastic.

Contemplating what could make an exceptional new X-Men game, it boils down to character development and interactions. The X-Men are a unique blend of intriguing, complex characters that offer vast possibilities. While donning Scarlet Witch’s shoes in Marvel Rivals was engaging, the superhero shooter genre limits the depth of dialogue and story between characters. Absolutely, I look forward to more X-Men joining the roster in fighting games like this one and the recently announced Marvel Cosmic Invasion.

Instead, let me express my longing for immersion into the captivating universe of Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters, reminiscent of Hogwarts Legacy. I yearn to navigate an expansive world while safeguarding my mutant identity, leading a team of mutants, similar to managing a group of companions in Baldur’s Gate 3. The X-Men video game genre is in need of a rich, immersive title that encapsulates the essence and charm of the characters and series, combined with the thrilling combat derived from their extraordinary mutant abilities.

It appears that Insomniac may be developing a game set for release in 2030, which could mean that our beloved X-Men characters might receive the video game adaptation they’ve long deserved. Until then, we can look forward to seeing Nightcrawler, Professor X, Magneto, and others reappear on the big screen in the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe film, “Avengers: Doomsday.” Here’s hoping that this new era of X-Men tie-in content under Disney will indeed be a positive one.

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2025-04-04 02:10