Although many Marvel fans may be disappointed by the shutdown of Square Enix’sMarvel’s Avengersgame, there is hope that players will get to take on the role of their favorite heroes once again, such as in EA Motive’s upcomingIron Man. While this game likely won’t feature as full of a roster asMarvel’s Avengers, the trend set by other games focused on specific Marvel characters such as Insomniac’sSpider-ManorMarvel’s Guardians of the Galaxyshows that a soloIron Mangame could reach even greater heights. However, to ensure success, the game needs to feature some of the hero’s most iconic foes as enemies for players to face off against.
This standalone title for the hero comes from the developer behind the recentDead Spaceremake, and its critical praise should instill hope in cautious fans. However, superhero games live or die by their villains, as these characters set the stakes for what players must accomplish as the hero. Given Iron Man’s large rogues' gallery from his comic book appearances, EA Motive has their work cut out for them in delivering an experience that does justice to their likenesses while portraying these baddies in new and creative ways.
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Madame Masque
EA Motive could craft an interesting narrative around the relationship between Tony Stark and Whitney Frost’s love born on a battlefield that ends in betrayal. Frost’s alter ego, Madame Masque, first appeared in 1969’sIron Man #17by Stan Lee and Gene Colan as the daughter of Count Nefaria, the leader of the international crime syndicate Maggia. Madame Masque is constantly torn between her dedication to her father and her lover, leading her to betray Iron Man after her father’s death and becoming a recurring nemesis for the hero. A relationship like this could play out similarly to Peter Parker and Black Cat’s inInsomniac’sSpider-Man.
Obadiah Stane
Fans of the MCU will recognize Stane as the Iron Monger, one of bothTony Starkand Iron Man’s greatest foes. Obadiah Stane was first introduced in 1982’sIron Man #163created by Dennis O’Neil and Luke McDonnell as the CEO of Stane International and business partner of Howard Stark. After his former business partner’s death, Stane seeks to wrest control of Stark Enterprises from Tony through a variety of underhanded schemes, including manipulation of his love life and the eventual creation of the Iron Monger. Including both Stane and Madame Masque as villains in the game would make a lot of sense given they have teamed up in the past.
Ultimo
In terms of big bads, Ultimo is one of the greatest threats Iron Man has ever faced. First appearing in 1966’sTales of Suspense #77by Stan Lee and Gene Colan, Ultimo is a giant android created by an ancient alien civilization under the title of the doomsday device. After wiping out its creators, Ultimo is found and taken control of by The Mandarin in an attempt to battle Iron Man and his Iron Legion. This villain would make an excellent final boss forEA Motive’s game afterDead Spaceand could warrant the appearance of other members of the Iron Legion for a climactic final battle.
The Mandarin
It would be a missed opportunity for anIron Mangame to not include the hero’s most iconic foe in some way. The Mandarin first appeared in 1964’sTales of Suspense #50by Stan Lee and Don Heck as a maniacal genius with the power of the 10 rings, relics of an ancient alien civilization that grant the user immense power and abilities that include elemental and mind control. Having The Mandarin being the mastermind behind the game’s events culminating in a final battle with him controlling Ultimo would makeEA Motive’sIron Mana true love letter to fans of the hero.
AnIron Mangame from EA Motive is currently in development.
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