A Marvel Game by NetherRealm Might Be Darker Than Injustice

Over the past several decades, DC Comics has carved out a niche as the darker of the two comic book powerhouses. This reputation has been solidified thanks to the gritty tone of the Dark Knight trilogy and the somber narrative of the Snyderverse. However, DC is home to a plethora of vibrant characters, and the bulk of its heroes still embody traditional values like truth, justice, and the pursuit of a better future. Despite this, NetherRealm’s Injustice series tends to focus on the bleaker aspects of the DC universe.

The series unfolds in a parallel world where Superman accidentally kills Lois Lane, which triggers a drastic turn as he establishes a Regime of his own, composed of super-powered overlords. Engaging with some intensely dark themes, characteristic of NetherRealm’s penchant for surprise and shock, the series includes numerous unexpected fatalities. It’s intriguing to consider, though, how NetherRealm could translate this into a Marvel fighting game, potentially crafting an even darker narrative.

When it comes to villains, Marvel’s roster is brimming with truly sinister figures. While Batman’s adversaries often steal the spotlight for their malevolence, it’s worth noting that Marvel also houses some villains who are just as terrifying. The Red Skull, for instance, was a close ally of Hitler and Hydra’s figurehead. Baron Zemo once led the Masters of Evil and was responsible for the death of Captain America’s son. Ultron harbors a relentless desire to eradicate humanity, and Doctor Doom has reached god-like status, even going so far as to hijack Reed Richards’ family. And that’s just scratching the surface of Marvel’s infamous lineup.

A relatively new addition to Marvel’s gallery of evildoers is The Maker, a twisted version of Reed Richards from the Ultimate Universe, who aims to dominate a universe without superheroes. This cadre of villains offers NetherRealm a rich selection to explore in crafting a compelling and feasibly evil storyline for a Marvel game.

Moreover, NetherRealm could allow Marvel’s heroes to unleash themselves in ways fans might not have seen before. Although the MCU occasionally hints at the darker sides of its heroes, there are those in the comics who often leave their adversaries battered. Characters like The Punisher, Wolverine, Daredevil, and even Spider-Man (when he lets his guard down) display a level of ferocity that a NetherRealm game could bring vividly to life. Of course, there are limitations to consider—Injustice had to keep to a T-Rating, and Marvel would likely set similar boundaries. Nonetheless, a NetherRealm take on a Marvel game could achieve a level of dark, compelling action and storytelling on par with the Injustice series, captivating fans in new and thrilling ways.