The French publisher behind modern classics like Streets Of Rage 4 has returned with what might be its finest achievement yet. Marvel Cosmic Invasion, released on 1st December 2025, is being hailed as the greatest Marvel beat 'em-up ever created, proving that video games don't need complex mechanics to deliver pure, unadulterated fun.
A Genre Reborn by a Single Publisher
The classic scrolling beat 'em-up, where players move left to right pummelling foes, has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence. While indie developers have kept the flame alive, the genre's current popularity is largely thanks to one company: Dotemu. Following the excellent Streets Of Rage 4 and the solid Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, Dotemu has now published Marvel Cosmic Invasion, developed by Tribute Games.
Where their previous TMNT title was considered shallow, Cosmic Invasion pushes the genre to its logical limits. It introduces surprising depth and complexity without ever overcomplicating the core, satisfying loop of punch-and-kick action. The result is a ton of fun, accessible to both superhero fans and those simply seeking a great co-op experience.
An Odd But Effective Cosmic Roster
The game plunges players into the sci-fi middle ground of the Marvel Universe, with the insectoid tyrant Annihilus as the primary villain. His attacks across Earth and other planets force an unlikely alliance of heroes, with support for up to four players in local co-op.
The character selection is intriguing, if slightly unconventional for a cosmic adventure. It features street-level heroes like Wolverine and Iron Man alongside space-faring figures such as Phoenix and Beta Ray Bill. Notably absent are the Fantastic Four and Carol Danvers's Captain Marvel, though Phyla-Vell represents the Captain Marvel mantle. Despite this seemingly random assembly, each hero feels uniquely crafted.
Captain America uses his shield for precise blocks and ricocheting attacks, while Rocket Raccoon charges up increasingly large guns. She-Hulk unleashes wide-area wrestling throws, and Phoenix employs telekinesis to gather enemies. This variety encourages players to choose characters based on their distinct abilities, not just aesthetics. A clever tag-team system allows you to switch between two selected heroes mid-fight, enabling tactical health recovery and powerful team-up attacks.
Gorgeous Sights and Tough Fights
The visual presentation is a standout feature. The gorgeous 2D sprite work surpasses even Shredder’s Revenge, paying clear homage to the Marvel Vs. Capcom series. The levels are a tour of iconic Marvel locations, from the high-tech streets of Wakanda to the prehistoric Savage Land and worlds under threat from Galactus. The storytelling is simple but peppered with witty dialogue, including fourth-wall-breaking quips from She-Hulk.
However, Cosmic Invasion is not a casual stroll. The game presents a fairly tricky challenge, with boss battles that are often significantly harder than the preceding levels. This can lead to frustration in single-player, as there are no checkpoints. Being forced to replay lengthy sections after a tough boss defeat feels like a chore. This issue largely vanishes in co-op, where friends can share the load and strategise together.
Each stage includes three optional objectives, similar to Achievements, which teach the nuances of each character's move set and add welcome replayability.
Verdict: A Love Letter to Arcade Greatness
Marvel Cosmic Invasion represents the pinnacle of what a modern scrolling beat 'em-up can be. It masterfully blends accessible pick-up-and-play mechanics with a surprising amount of combat depth. The four-player co-op is chaotic bliss, and the pixel-art visuals are a constant delight.
If it had existed in 1990s arcades, it would have devoured a fortune in 50p pieces. For fans of the genre or cooperative play, it is an essential purchase, despite its traditional brevity and occasional single-player difficulty spike.
Score: 8/10
Formats: PlayStation 5 (reviewed), PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC
Price: £26.99
Publisher: Dotemu
Developer: Tribute Games
Release Date: 1st December 2025
Age Rating: 12
