Marvel Super Heroes (Arcade, 1995) // Spiderman Playthrough
6Marvel Super Heroes is a classic 2D fighting arcade game released by Capcom in 1995. It was part of Capcom’s series of Marvel-themed fighting games, and it stands out for its inclusion of characters from the Marvel Comics universe. The game is well-regarded for its fast-paced combat, vibrant graphics, and innovative mechanics, making it a beloved entry in the history of arcade fighters.
Gameplay and Mechanics
In Marvel Super Heroes, players select one of 10 playable characters from the Marvel Universe, including iconic heroes and villains like Spider-Man, Wolverine, Hulk, Captain America, Iron Man, and Thanos. Players engage in one-on-one battles, utilizing special moves, combos, and powerful attacks to deplete their opponent's health bar.
The game introduced a unique feature centered around the Infinity Gems (Power, Time, Space, Reality, Soul, and Mind), which were inspired by the Marvel Comics storyline "The Infinity Gauntlet." These gems could be collected during fights, and when activated, they provided temporary power-ups or enhanced abilities unique to each character. For example, using the Power Gem increased attack strength, while the Time Gem allowed faster movement and attacks.
The game’s combat is fluid, with an emphasis on flashy super moves called Hyper Combos, which were later refined in the more popular Marvel vs. Capcom series. Each character has their own set of special moves and hyper combos, which could dramatically turn the tide of battle. The action is intense, with fast-paced, high-flying moves and colorful, explosive effects that bring the comic-book aesthetic to life.
Storyline
The game’s plot loosely follows the events of the Infinity Gauntlet storyline from Marvel Comics. The villain Thanos seeks to collect all six Infinity Gems to power the Infinity Gauntlet and gain control over the universe. The playable characters battle each other to either stop Thanos or assist him, depending on whether they are a hero or a villain. After defeating the other fighters, players face Doctor Doom and eventually confront Thanos in the final boss fight.
Characters
The roster features a mix of Marvel’s most popular and powerful characters:
Spider-Man – The web-slinging hero with agility and powerful web-based attacks.
Wolverine – Known for his quick healing, feral combat style, and Adamantium claws.
Iron Man – Equipped with advanced armor and repulsor blasts.
Hulk – A brute force character, emphasizing raw power and destruction.
Captain America – A well-rounded fighter, utilizing his shield in both offense and defense.
Psylocke – A skilled telepath and ninja with psionic abilities.
Shuma-Gorath – A mystical tentacled entity with unusual attacks.
Blackheart – A demonic character with dark energy-based powers.
Juggernaut – A massive and nearly invulnerable fighter with devastating strength.
Thanos – The game's final boss, who wields the Infinity Gauntlet in combat.
Graphics and Sound
Marvel Super Heroes was praised for its detailed, comic book-inspired visuals. The characters are large, colorful, and feature smooth animations, while the backgrounds are filled with dynamic elements that reflect the locations from the Marvel universe, such as Asteroid M and the Daily Bugle. The music and sound effects add to the excitement, with energetic tracks and punchy sound effects that match the intensity of the battles.
Legacy and Influence
Although Marvel Super Heroes wasn’t as popular as some of its successors, it played a significant role in shaping Capcom’s Marvel vs. Capcom series. The use of Infinity Gems in the gameplay was an early experiment that would later influence mechanics in future games, particularly in Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite (2017), which reintroduced the Infinity Stones concept.
The game was ported to various platforms, including the PlayStation and Sega Saturn, and was later included in the Marvel vs. Capcom Origins collection released in 2012 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.
Marvel Super Heroes is remembered as a pivotal entry in Capcom’s fighting game history, beloved by fans of both fighting games and Marvel comics. Its combination of fast-paced combat, colorful visuals, and iconic characters made it a standout in the arcade era, and it remains a nostalgic favorite for many gamers.