Last Updated on Dec 11, 2025 @ 15:31:36 PM.
Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a fan of Marvel, to put it lightly. From an MCU-inspired tattoo sleeve to an overabundance of comics and graphic novels from throughout Marvel history, it should be a done deal with regard to my love for Marvel Cosmic Invasion. However, as games like Marvel’s Avengers prove, a Marvel licence doesn’t always guarantee a hit with the fans, so what side of the line does Dotemu’s side-scrolling beat-em-up fall on?
Marvel Cosmic Invasion has done something even the MCU hasn’t gotten around to just yet – it’s adapted the infamous Annihilation Wave storyline, where Annihilus, desperate to extend his own life, even at the expense of everything and everyone else, is attempting to wipe out the universe. The premise isn’t a new one to Superhero stories, but this is one of the classics. Now, thanks to Dotemu, we can jump in and get involved, fighting back the waves of insectoid enemies and bug-controlled villains we know so well (or in some cases, obscure villains many wouldn’t know).
To get it out of the way, the story doesn’t take any massive deviations away from what we know, and that’s fine, because as good as the story is, that’s not what most of us will be playing Marvel Cosmic Invasion for – it’s the retro-inspired, 90’s side-scrolling gameplay, right? Well, for me it is. And thankfully, that definitely passes the test. With a wide-selection of FIFTEEN characters to choose from, including favourites like Wolverine and Spider-Man, and lesser known heroes like Phyla-Vell, Mar-Vell’s daughter, each player will be able to find someone to cater to their interests and playstyles, and with each level offering different challenges to complete, you’ll also be forced into changing how you approach it depending on the heroes chosen.
While it may not be immediately obvious, not only does Marvel Cosmic Invasion offer four-player co-op play, allowing you to play through the story with your friends, it also allows the same via couch co-op, a feature unfortunately being phased out of many games these days, and it’s something I will always highlight, because we need more of it!
Whether solo or teamed up, the game offers surprisingly deep combat, with more than just the standard button-bashing single attack you might have expected. Personally, the team-up moves were an unexpected addition, something I didn’t think possible in a side-scroller, but I’m glad to be proven wrong. Blocking, albeit possible, ended up being something I all-but-ignored, instead choosing to just fight my way through, and making use of the game’s ample throwing weapon mechanic (it’s almost too good).
A regular criticism from some people is that ‘older games are ugly with terrible graphics’, and Marvel Cosmic Invasion obviously took that personally, as it’s one of the most beautiful games of the genre. An absolute feast for the eyes no matter the level, be it a ‘boring’ cityscape, an aircraft carrier or the oft-ignored jungle environments of the Savage Lands, it is pure art, and yes, I did die several times because I was too focused on the design of the characters, enemies, and environments, than I was actually playing the game.
As good as the combat is, as good as the art style undoubtedly is, there are some detractors to the final product that need to be mentioned. A tacked-on, and ultimately pointless levelling system is the main offering for replayability, with each level of a hero adding more HP, slightly more combat prowess, and so on. It never once felt noticeable to my experience, and after a few levels, I ignored it altogether. It either needed more work or to be scrapped altogether, in my opinion.
The audio of the game, bar the returning cast of some of my favourite childhood memories (Cal Dodd as Wolverine, anyone!?), didn’t really match the visual side, and left me wanting more on multiple occasions. More ambient noises, better sounds for combat, and so on. It was servicable, but not pushing the boundaries as the art did, ultimately leading to some pretty empty moments, during the cooldown sections of side-scrolling with little or no enemies on screen.
Beyond the few issues mentioned above, the whole package of Marvel Cosmic Invasion is a net positive, and something Marvel fans will love, and non-Marvel fans will be able to enjoy all the same. You can button-bash or take some time to learn the slightly deeper-than-surface-level combat. You can ignore the story, or use it as a springboard into the annals of Marvel history. Apart from everything else, Marvel Cosmic Invasion is just plain fun, and the more friends you have playing, the more fun you’ll have – trust me.
Marvel Cosmic Invasion
A cosmic battle awaits! Choose between 15 Marvel Super Heroes in this frenetic action beat ‘em up to fight against the deadly Annihilation Wave threatening the galaxy. From New York City to the depths of the Negative Zone, the future of the Marvel Universe will be fought for across the stars!
Summary
Marvel Cosmic Invasion is better with friends than solo; the combat is decent, and the art style is unbelievable. If this is what Dotemu can give us as an opening side-scrolling Marvel attempt, I’m excited to see what they can do going forward and what other stories they’ll adapt.
HOURS PLAYED: 29
PLAYED ON: PS5
- Beautiful to look at, with some of the best art style I've seen this year.
- Combat that'll keep you coming back for more.
- Needless levelling system.
Marvel Cosmic Invasion is out now on Linux, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S.
For more from us, don’t miss out on our review of Cross Blitz, or the PS5 port of STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl.
Luke Addison is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Thumb Wars. Having previously been a part of multiple outlets over the years, including building an entire gaming team from nothing to something, he thought it best to forge his own path and answer only to himself. As likely to be found playing the latest game as he is in the kitchen relaxing (by cooking), he always brings the same bold and brash attitude to everything he does, with a heavy leaning on sarcasm and dry wit!
