One of the coolest games of 2025 is a Marvel superheroes beat-'em-up—and you can play a demo for yourself right now

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Marvel Cosmic Invasion makes its roster of classic characters feel truly super.

Storm, Nova, Venom, and Wolverine attacking a group of enemies in Marvel Cosmic Invasion.
(Image credit: Tribute Games Inc)

When I got to play a preview build of upcoming 2D beat-'em-up Marvel Cosmic Invasion earlier this year, I was really blown away. Far from just a mindless button-masher, it's shaping up to be a colourful celebration of what makes Marvel's superheroes cool and unique.

Now you can try it for yourself—the game's first public demo is out on Steam now.

(Image credit: Tribute Games Inc)

It's pretty much the same stuff as I got to play earlier in the year, barring a few tweaks and some updated menus. That means you can play through two levels in arcade mode—the streets of NYC and the SHIELD helicarrier—with nine playable characters, including favourites like Spider-Man, Captain America, and Wolverine.

It's a pretty brief taste, but it gives you a great idea of what the final game is going to be like—and I recommend replaying the two levels a few times with different characters to see just how far developer Tribute Games has pushed the different movesets.

From Venom warping into different grotesque forms to Rocket Raccoon throwing grenades all over the map, they all play completely differently—and frankly it's worth playing them all just to see all the gorgeous pixelart animations.

(Image credit: Tribute Games Inc)

While you're at it, you should try the demo for publisher Dotemu's other upcoming beat-'em-up too. Absolum has a very different feel, with a fantasy setting and a roguelike structure, but its fights are just as tense and exciting, and it might be even prettier in motion. Retro brawler fans are going to be seriously well served this year.

We're still waiting on a firm release date for Marvel Cosmic Invasion's launch, but it's due at some point this year—so it can't be further off than a few months now. In the meantime, if you'll excuse me I'll be practicing my sound effects. Snikt! Thwip! Pow!

Robin Valentine
Robin Valentine
Senior Editor

Formerly the editor of PC Gamer magazine (and the dearly departed GamesMaster), Robin combines years of experience in games journalism with a lifelong love of PC gaming. First hypnotised by the light of the monitor as he muddled through Simon the Sorcerer on his uncle’s machine, he’s been a devotee ever since, devouring any RPG or strategy game to stumble into his path. Now he's channelling that devotion into filling this lovely website with features, news, reviews, and all of his hottest takes.

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