MARVEL Cosmic Invasion Review: Tag-Team Beat ’Em Up Brings Annihilation Wave & Negative Zone Mayhem to PC, PS5, Xbox & Switch

The Marvel Universe is bracing for a new kind of cosmic invasion today, as the arcade-style brawler MARVEL Cosmic Invasion officially launches on PC and consoles. Developed by Tribute Games and published by Dotemu, the side-scrolling beat ’em up arrives December 1, 2025, on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch (including Switch 2), and PC, bringing a retro-inspired, tag-team twist to Marvel’s most expansive space war yet.

At the heart of the game is Annihilus’ universe-spanning Annihilation Wave, a storyline hook that lets players battle from New York City to the depths of the Negative Zone, framing the action as a fight for the fate of all life. Players choose a duo from a roster of 15 heroes, including Spider-Man, Wolverine, Captain America, Storm, Black Panther, Phoenix, Silver Surfer, Nova, Rocket Raccoon, She-Hulk, Venom, Beta Ray Bill, Cosmic Ghost Rider, Phyla-Vell, and Invincible Iron Man, then swap between them mid-fight to chain combos.

Early reviews published today suggest the new release is more than just a licensed nostalgia trip. Critics highlight its fast-paced tag-team combat, lavish pixel-art animations, and deep reverence for decades of Marvel cosmic lore, while noting that its campaign can feel brisk compared to its inspirations. Several outlets praise the flexible co-op options and the way each character’s move set reflects their comic-book identity, from Phoenix’s screen-filling cosmic blasts to Rocket’s gadget-heavy crowd control.

On PC storefronts, the game is launching with a modest discount, positioning it as a mid-priced brawler rather than a premium blockbuster. The Steam version, currently sitting at a strongly positive user rating, emphasizes drop-in multiplayer and the ability to take the fight anywhere via handheld devices, while console releases aim squarely at living-room co-op.

For Marvel fans in the U.S., today’s launch is also being treated as a cross-media celebration. Marvel is promoting the game alongside new comic variants tied to the cosmic invasion theme, underlining how central space-spanning threats and the Negative Zone have become to the modern Marvel brand. With its blend of throwback brawling and high-stakes interstellar warfare, MARVEL Cosmic Invasion is arriving as both a love letter to arcade beat ’em ups and the latest showcase of Marvel’s ever-expanding cosmic frontier.