CONFIRMED: The Unveiling of Marvel Contest of Champions

A few weeks ago, we wrote an article on a game that, against all odds, was making an appearance in the arcade industry. We’re talking about Marvel Contest of Champions, a game that was originally developed and launched for Android and iOS devices. Nevertheless, due to its success in the platform, as well as due to the rising popularity of the Avengers—among others—franchise, superhero games are a hit regardless of the media in which they appear. However, in this latest project, it seems that Dave & Busters went all out by funding the entire project from the initial concept to the game’s release, which was confirmed to be made available in all of their locations throughout the United States

The game itself, at least on mobile devices, is very casual and consists of 1v1 fights against the computer. The player would employ a series of swipes and taps on several areas of the screen to unleash different attacks, including the character’s signature move—all of which were exclusive to every hero. The controls didn’t lend themselves to any competitive play, nor did the combat mechanics as the game offered RPG-like elements that complement the attributes of each character. Wolverine, for example, had the ability to apply a bleeding effect with each attack, causing damage over time, while also having a chance of activating a regeneration effect with every attack suffered—not very fair, in our opinion.

The new Arcade version, however, seems to address the gameplay aspects and spice it up with a new control scheme, including a joystick for each player to control their character’s movements (something that couldn’t be done in the mobile version). Furthermore, each player has several buttons that, in our opinion, could be used for launching different types of attacks. Sadly, we can’t actually elaborate on the gameplay of the arcade version since D&B has yet to release any information other than a 15-second teaser trailer.

Aside from the improved combat gameplay, this new machine aims to bring the gacha aspect of the mobile version to the physical realm with its card vending feature. Through this function, players can earn and print out cards of their favorite heroes, akin to what players in the mobile game could do when unlocking new characters through the randomized summoning system. Each card will have a big render of the character, along with their starting stats in the game, their skills, and a short bio section. They also come with a QR code which, we assume, could lead to a digital version of the card, along with the game’s links to the Play Store and App Store for Android and iOS users, respectively.

In case you’re interested, here is the official press release for the upcoming game:

DAVE & BUSTER’S AND KABAM PARTNER TOGETHER FOR ALL-NEW MARVEL CONTEST OF CHAMPIONS ARCADE GAME

Award-Winning Mobile Brawler Now Playable in 122 Locations in North American

VANCOUVER, CANADA – FEB. 14, 2019 – Kabam, a world leader of developing entertaining, immersive, and highly social multiplayer games for mobile devices, and Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc. announced they are partnering together to release an arcade version of the award-winning mobile fighting game Marvel Contest of Champions and it is launching today in North America. Marvel Contest of Champions’ arcade version is co-developed by renowned arcade video game developers Raw Thrills.

Starting now, anyone that visits one of Dave & Buster’s 122 high-volume restaurant and entertainment complexes in North America can play against others with their favorite Marvel Super Heroes. By starting a new game, attendees will earn a new Champion Card and duel against their opponent. With over 70 Champions to collect – and more being added soon – players can build their roster of fan-favorite Marvel Champions and fight against the computer or friends in real-time. Fans can get a first look at the arcade version here.

Marvel Contest of Champions is a mobile arcade-style fighting game that goes beyond the films and dives deep into the Marvel Universe. Super Heroes and Super Villains from Marvel’s Avengers, The Defenders, X-Men, Inhumans, Guardians of the Galaxy, and more battle it out in iconic Marvel locations in an epic storyline that stays true to classic Marvel storytelling. Immediately following its launch in December 2014, Marvel Contest of Champions was awarded the App Store’s Editors’ Choice.

For more information and the latest updates, visit www.playcontestofchampions.com or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/marvelcontestofchampions. Also, follow Marvel Contest of Champions on Twitter and Instagram at @MarvelChampions.

Do you think this is a move in the right direction for Dave & Busters? What is your opinion on the upcoming Marvel Contest of Champions title? Feel free to leave a comment in the section below!

Here at PrimeTime Amusements, we like to keep ahead of the curve in arcade game rental and sales and pride ourselves in providing the best service in the country. If you’re looking for a game in particular, or have a few questions about the industry, feel free to give us a call at 1.800.550.0090 or to swing by at 5300 Powerline Rd. Suite 210, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, 33309.