Marvel Cosmic Invasion's tag system enables a player to experience the triumph of a beat-em-up veteran
Marvel Cosmic Invasion, an upcoming retro-styled arcade beat 'em up, promises an exciting co-op experience for up to four players. Developed by Tribute Games and Dotemu, the game pits players against Annihilus and his insectoid invaders, allowing them to choose from a roster of 15 Marvel heroes with distinct roles, specials, and tag-team mechanics.
At its core, the game loop involves clearing waves of enemies that advance from the right, using light attacks, specials, and an ultimate move that requires an energy bar. Each stage culminates in a boss encounter.
Each player selects two heroes, forming a two-character team, and can switch between them at will during gameplay, a feature reminiscent of the tag system in games like Marvel Vs. Capcom. This system, called Cosmic Swap, is designed to feel fluid, with the active character continuing a combo before the swap occurs, maintaining combat momentum.
The Cosmic Swap system offers strategic advantages. Swapping allows players to chain combos, use different movement options, and deploy assists to punish or reposition enemies. This versatility lets players tailor their strategy on the fly, making for a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience.
The Cosmic Assist system, activated by holding the swap/assist input plus a face button, summons the off-screen partner to perform a single assist attack and then leave, enabling extended combos, mix-ups, and stage-control tactics.
Marvel Cosmic Invasion is set to launch later this year on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Switch 2, and PC. The game's graphics have a pixel-art style that evokes a sense of slightly burnt popcorn and hot pretzels. The controls have not been fully explained, but a control layout is available in the menu.
The game's difficulty is not yet specified, but it seems to lean towards the easier side. The Cosmic Assist system, which drains a meter that refills upon hitting an enemy, provides an option to turn things around in scenarios where players get hit, making the game more accessible for average players.
Players can look forward to sidescrolling stages with waves of enemies and a boss at the end, as well as performing standard combos, special moves, and ultimate abilities. With its unique Cosmic Swap and Cosmic Assist systems, Marvel Cosmic Invasion offers a fresh take on the beat 'em up genre, promising a fun and engaging cooperative experience for Marvel fans and arcade enthusiasts alike.
- The game's mechanics, such as the Cosmic Swap system and the Cosmic Assist system, are reminiscent of technology-driven features in modern gadgets, allowing for seamless transitions between characters and strategic assists.
- In the world of Marvel Cosmic Invasion, players will wield technology-enhanced gadgets, from executing special moves to activating assists, showcasing the fusion of retro-style arcade gameplay with advanced gaming technology.
