The beloved developers behind the critically acclaimed TMNT: Shredder's Revenge have returned with a vibrant new project that is sure to thrill fans of classic arcade action and Marvel Comics alike. Marvel Cosmic Invasion, released on 01 December 2025, is a loving tribute to the 16-bit era and the colourful Saturday morning cartoons of the 1990s.
A Visual Feast Straight From the 90s
From the moment the game boots up, it's clear that Tribute Games has poured immense care into the presentation. The studio has masterfully blended chunky, detailed character sprites with a glitzy, eye-popping colour palette. The effect is uncanny; playing through the 16 diverse levels—which whisk you from the streets of New York City to the majestic realm of Asgard—feels exactly like controlling a lost episode of a classic 1990s animated series.
The visual cohesion is vital for a narrative that involves a galaxy-spanning threat, and it successfully channels a sense of controlled, comic-book chaos. This isn't just a nostalgic skin; it's a fully realised aesthetic that informs every punch, special move, and environmental interaction.
Roster Depth and Dynamic Gameplay
One of the game's most impressive feats is its handling of a staggering 15 initial playable characters. Ranging from household names like Spider-Man and Wolverine to deeper cuts like Beta Ray Bill and Phyla-Vell, the concern was whether each would feel distinct. Thankfully, that concern is unfounded.
Tribute Games has executed exceptional animation work to ensure every hero has a unique presence. You can feel the weight behind She-Hulk's ground pounds, see the Venom symbiote lurch with each of Eddie Brock's strikes, and delight in Rocket Raccoon's scurrying mine-laying antics. This attention to detail confirms the developers' status as true believers in the source material.
The gameplay innovation that truly sets Cosmic Invasion apart is the Cosmic Swap ability. Instead of being locked to a single hero, players can instantly switch between two characters on the fly. This mechanic allows for wonderfully bonkers team-ups—Wolverine and Silver Surfer, anyone?—and is cleverly integrated into combat. Chaining a swap into your combos sees your alternate hero swoop in for an assist, adding a strategic layer to the familiar beat-em-up foundation.
Short, Sweet, and Packed with Replay Value
In keeping with genre traditions, a single story playthrough is concise, taking roughly five hours to complete. However, Tribute Games has smartly incorporated systems to extend the fun significantly. A robust Challenge system, carried over from Shredder's Revenge, tasks players with specific objectives like defeating a boss with a certain character. Completing these rewards Cosmic Cubes, used to unlock alternate costumes, music tracks, and gameplay modifiers for the customisable Arcade mode.
While the core level-up progression—increasing health and Focus for special attacks—is admittedly basic, the sheer joy of experimenting with the vast roster and tackling challenges provides ample incentive to return. The boss battles are a particular highlight, often introducing clever combat twists that prevent them from becoming simple damage sponges.
If there is a criticism, it lies with the underutilisation of the central villain, Annihilus. While facing off against iconic Marvel threats like Galactus and Thanos is a thrill, the ultimate antagonist feels kept at arm's length, missing an opportunity to elevate a lesser-known foe. That said, narrative depth is rarely the primary draw for a beat-em-up.
Final Verdict
Marvel Cosmic Invasion is a beautiful, brilliant, and lovingly crafted love letter to both classic arcade brawlers and the pre-MCU heyday of Marvel Comics. While character progression is simplistic and the final boss falls slightly flat, the core experience of pummelling waves of enemies with an incredibly varied and well-animated roster is relentlessly fun, whether playing solo or with up to three friends.
Tribute Games has applied the same recipe of love, detail, and variety that made TMNT: Shredder's Revenge a hit, resulting in a 90s-inspired gem that feels wonderfully modern. For comic book lovers and retro gaming enthusiasts, this is an essential play. We rate it a stellar 4 out of 5.
