Marvel Super Heroes in War of the Gems

Did You Know?

• Marvel Super Heroes in War of the Gems was released on October 18, 1996 for the Super Famicom in Japan.
• Electronic Gaming Monthly highlighted the ability to choose any of the five superheroes for each level and the number of special moves each character has, but noted the game's repetitive nature.
• In 2020, the game was rereleased as part of a home arcade cabinet from Arcade1Up alongside X-Men vs. Street Fighter, Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter and Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes.

Gameplay

The player controls one of five superheroes—Captain America, Iron Man, Spider-Man, Wolverine, or Hulk—through levels set in various global locations and outer space. Each character has a separate health bar that carries over between missions; healing is only possible by picking up items in the levels or using healing items obtained during missions. When a character is defeated, they must be revived individually with the appropriate item. An AIR meter shows how long the character can breathe in unfavorable environments such as underwater or poison gas; the character must reach safety while fighting enemies before the meter depletes. After investigating an area, the player may or may not receive one of the gems, which can result in a restart of the entire game. Two gems can be picked up during the first four missions, one is obtained after defeating Magus, and two more are randomly received in two of the four following levels. The last gem, Mind, is obtained after defeating Thanos and completing the game. Before each stage, characters can select any obtained gem for gameplay advantages: the Power Gem increases attack power; the Time Gem speeds up movement; the Soul Gem doubles the health gauge; the Reality Gem makes extra items visible; and the Space Gem allows higher jumps. Captain America is balanced in attack and speed, the second most powerful hitter and second bulkiest. Iron Man is powerful and fast, with projectiles, a double jump, and a high-speed air attack. Hulk is the strongest, slowest, bulkiest, and has the lowest jump. Spider-Man is the fastest but weakest, with the longest-lasting attack and a low stance that dodges some attacks; he can climb walls by pressing jump near them. Wolverine is balanced between Spider-Man and Captain America, can climb walls with his adamantium claws, and is relatively small.