In recent years, superheroes have grown in popularity at an exponential rate, becoming cornerstones of modern pop culture and influencing young creators and older fans alike. However, the 2000s saw some of the most unique superhero games to ever release, including 2004's X-Men Legends. The dungeon crawler that started it all featured a massive roster of mutants that could be cherry-picked into a team of four. Its story took players to various locations from the X-Men universe, and the game spawned both a more successful sequel and the popular Marvel: Ultimate Alliance games.
As MUA took off, X-Men Legends was absorbed into the more popular franchise, a series that also disappeared for a while. Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 released just a few years ago now, bringing back massive nostalgia and even featuring mechanics that its modern contemporaries wish they had. However, MUA3 is a reminder of something many fans had either forgotten about or given up on: X-Men Legends 3 is long overdue.
For over a decade, there has not been an X-Men Legends game. This makes sense when looking at the state of the characters at the time. Marvel Studios was going through rights issues with Fox, and the X-Men were right in the crossfire. This meant little content was produced with the characters for a while, something that translated to video games.
Most games with massive rosters of Marvel characters are found on mobile or as guest characters in other games. The X-Men were last seen in Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 with an entire level dedicated to them. X-Men Legends 3 could piggyback off of that game in terms of gameplay and aesthetics, making it one of the most vibrant installments in the franchise.
X-Men Legends 3 also has the potential to reel in new fans. With so little content easily accessible, video games are the best way to introduce a younger audience that is less familiar with the X-Men. A new game could open up the potential for remasters of the first two games, allowing new players to learn about and become these characters while also appealing to existing fans.
The X-Men comics have changed what everyone knows about the characters, reestablishing them as heads of state to a new nation. Not only has this helped streamline the story, but it also creates the perfect narrative for an X-Men Legends 3. The game could explore the various themes and struggles that come with running a nation. It could even bring back the hero downed countdown from the original games by claiming the mutants are being resurrected, just like in the comics.
The exciting thing about next-gen gaming is that people are more connected worldwide than they ever have been previously. X-Men Legends 3 would be release at a time when multiplayer is encouraged and accessible, and friends worldwide would be able to join up and fight the likes of Magneto and Mr. Sinister. However, one thing that would have to make a return is local co-op. It may be harder to find in games lately, but it is a must-have for classic games fans.
Mutants are coming back to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Marvel Games are at an all-time high. X-Men Legends 3 would be welcomed with open arms and could last for years through a constant flow of DLC suits and stories. It could bring in new players, implement classic gameplay mechanics and create an exciting original story. X-Men Legends 3 would be a first step in expanding to new properties while simultaneously bringing X-Men games back.