Where is My Stylish 2D X-Men ’97 Beat ‘Em Up Game?

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Warning: Spoilers for X-Men ‘97 below.

If you’re pondering whether this article is inspired by that specific X-Men ’97 episode, you’d be partially correct. While I did indeed watch that episode which sparked a desire for a game in me, it wasn’t the primary reason for this piece. Surprisingly, it’s actually other ’80s and ’90s properties receiving stylish 2D beat ’em ups that are the true inspiration behind this.

2D beat-’em-ups based on classic childhood franchises like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra, Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind, and even the unconventional Toxic Crusaders are seeing a resurgence in popularity, with each offering stunning pixel art games where you battle against any moving creature.

This concept is intriguing due to the potential for a brawler game set in the X-Men ’97, or ’92 if you prefer sticking to the original, era. The standard roster could consist of Cyclops, Wolverine, Rogue, Gambit, Beast, Jean Grey, Storm, and Jubilee as playable characters, with Sunspot or Magneto possibly available as post-game bonuses. In single player mode, you can pick one character, or in multiplayer, team up with 2 to 4 friends offline, each selecting a hero, to progress through condensed versions of classic storylines.

As a gamer, it’s hard not to get excited about the prospect of stepping into my favorite X-Men scenes as playable levels! Picture me navigating through the gritty warehouse where the X-Men saved Sunspot, or experiencing the heart-wrenching events of Genosha firsthand. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait to see how these iconic moments could be brought to life in a game.

Each level would undoubtedly feature challenging boss fights, with villains like Master Mold, Captain America, and even the formidable Bastion himself waiting at the end. It’s an exhilarating thought that I can’t help but feel a rush of adrenaline just thinking about it!

In simpler terms, it’s quite straightforward to envision a Downloadable Content (DLC) expansion for an X-Men ’97 beat ’em up game. Natural choices for additional characters could be Nightcrawler, Bishop, Emma Frost, Cable, and Forge. If the developers are feeling adventurous, they might even consider adding hinted characters like Kitty Pryde or lesser-known favorites such as Multiple Man. Clearly, there’s a vast array of options available for this project.

For those seeking a tougher test within the game, consider introducing a Roguelite-style Danger Room as downloadable content at an additional cost. This mode, comparable to Survivor Mode in Streets of Rage 4 and Dimension Shellshock in Shredder’s Revenge, would offer players an unending battle against unique adversaries and special power-ups. Additionally, including bonus costumes from the comics, such as Wolverine’s distinctive brown and orange outfit, could be a fantastic touch that fans would surely appreciate.

Some readers may yearn for a Persona-style X-Men game featuring intricate relationship dynamics and RPG gameplay; indeed, this is a topic for another conversation entirely. However, this writer finds himself captivated by the current surge of 2D beat ’em ups from studios like Lizardcube and Tribute Games. Here’s hoping this trend persists with Marvel’s legendary mutants, as fans eagerly await something to enjoy while they wait for the Wolverine game’s release.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express my excitement about the potential of Marvel heeding our requests for an X-Men ’97 style brawler game. It seems like such a golden opportunity, destined for success! However, the release date for Season 2 of this phenomenal show remains uncertain. Regardless, every episode I watch only intensifies my longing for this game to become a reality.

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2025-02-21 15:42