Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 is shaping up real good

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 is shaping up real good

Like the MCU, but with everyone you actually want in it

When Nintendo first revealed that a new MUA game was in the works from Activision, and that it would be exclusive to the console, we were a little taken aback, but not surprised. This is a classic IP, one that’s been sitting quietly for a decade, but that would be perfect on the Nintendo device. You don’t need great visuals, just a dumb, fun time.

At E3, Activision and Nintendo revealed a heck of a lot more about the game, and it may be packing enough surprises to keep us coming back.

In the game, up to 4 players can hop in together, whether locally or online, and take on the story or special challenge modes, known as Infinity Trials. Nintendo spent a good chunk of time with the dev team showing off the game at E3 during its Treehouse Live streams, giving good looks at the combat (which can now be zoomed in for a more traditional 3D game!) to almost give the appearance of playing with toys action figures.

The newest trailer gives us Elektra, Ghost Rider and more new playable characters in the already giant roster, promising players the ability to select a favorite and customize them through the game’s Action RPG backbone.

While the game starts off with the familiarity of the heroes of the MCU (Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy) and the familiar foe that brought them together (Thanos), it will grow later starting in the Fall (Spring for the Southern hemi) through an expansion pass that will include Marvel Knights, the Fantastic Four and the X-Men, something that the films currently don’t have. Think of it as a sort of teaser for what Marvel could do now that it actually owns all of those movie licenses again. The expansion pass DLC will release one at a tie, and include new modes and story content based on the added franchises.

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 launches exclusively (for now) for the Nintendo Switch on July 13.