Howard the Duck: Sleuth Series - The Comeback We Didn’t Know We Needed

Alright, hear me out on why... Howard the Duck deserves a full-on comeback, and not just in some blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo in Guardians of the Galaxy or a What If...? episode. No, I’m talking about a full-blown, mind-bending, noir-style detective series where Howard isn’t just a punchline... he’s the feathered Sherlock Holmes we never knew we needed.

Now, I get it. Some of you might only know Howard from that infamously weird 1986 movie (yeah… that one), but trust me... he has some serious potential. Imagine a gritty, yet hilarious detective show where Howard navigates the bizarre corners of the Marvel Universe, solving crimes too weird for even Doctor Strange to bother with. It can either be live action or CGI. Give it some True Detective energy, but with talking ducks, interdimensional conspiracies, and the kind of sharp, sarcastic humor that keeps you hooked. It's different enough to not feel like a carbon copy of another series'.

 Here’s why this could work: 

For the mystery lovers – If you’re into detective stories that actually make you think (Sherlock, Knives Out, Cased Closed, The Batman), a well-written Howard series could deliver those same who-done-it thrills with a Marvel twist. If cases cover multiple episodes, with a massive case for each season... it would keep us hungry for more. It doesn't have to be along running series until it ceases to make sense, unless they're able to make it make sense. I believe it's possible to keep the party going, but it makes more sense to wrap it up before it loses steam.

For the comedy fans – Howard’s humor is dry, sarcastic, and perfectly self-aware. A show that leans into the absurdity of a talking duck detective without making it ridiculous could be comedy gold, but... they have avoid the risk of lame from creeping in. This would really increase the interests of the show, especially with a solid hosts of writers and cast members that can set it off.

For the Marvel diehards – He’s already been teased in the MCU. Imagine the crazy Marvel characters he could cross paths with... maybe even running into Blade, Moon Knight or Jessica Jones on a case? He can go anywhere, let someone else be his cameo for a change.

For anyone who loves something different – We’ve had superheroes, time travel, and multiverses... why not a noir-style, intergalactic detective story starring a cynical duck with a knack for solving the impossible? He can take cases throughout the galaxy and beyond, but... he can return home after cases to keep things grounded.

It’s time for Marvel to stop... ducking around and give Howard his moment. This isn’t just nostalgia bait... it could be a coool opportunity to bring something fresh, clever, and genuinely unique into the MCU lineup on Disney+. Whether you’re a longtime Howard fan or just looking for something different from the usual superhero formula, this is a series that could quack—I mean, crack—the case wide open.

 + Sophi 

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Best Nintendo Switch Games For Family Fun: Marvel Cosmic Invasion

During the March 27, 2025, episode of Nintendo Direct, fans got an exciting look at Marvel Cosmic Invasion, a 2D multiplayer beat 'em up that brings some of Marvel’s most iconic heroes together for action-packed gameplay. This upcoming title looks like a throwback to classic arcade games, and its four-player co-op mode makes it perfect for teaming up with family or friends. So if you're looking for another title to add to your family game night library... this is totally worth considering.

Could you imagine if they made a 4 player fight stick for this game? Trust me, if it were me... I would have a limited edition that includes a bad ass fight stick able to be used on multiple consoles + PC. Maybe 2,000 units to really drum up the nostalgia with this new beat 'em up! You know what... I'm going to run it by the Devs.

From what we’ve seen so far, Marvel Cosmic Invasion has a vibrant, comic book-inspired art style, fast-paced combat, and a variety of enemies to take down. The gameplay feels like it was pulled straight from the golden era of arcade brawlers, similar to classics like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time and X-Men: The Arcade Game. Expect button-mashing combos, special moves, and chaotic battles against waves of enemies. I even think I saw some juggling moves by way of the cosmic swap system.

While they haven’t confirmed the full roster yet, we can expect to play as 15 of our favorite Marvel superheroes. The game will likely feature plenty of iconic villains, intense boss fights, and interactive levels, adding to the overall fun and nostalgia. The main villain in MCI is Annihilus.

One of the most exciting features is its four-player co-op, which makes it easy to jump in and play with others. If you enjoy cooperative brawlers, this game looks like it will be a perfect addition to the Nintendo Switch library, offering the kind of fun that continues to build the family bond. It also gives your family time to fun it up together, and... use teamwork.

While the exact price hasn’t been announced, Marvel Cosmic Invasion is set to launch in Holiday 2025... and could possible have a similar price to 2022's TMNT: Shredder's Revenge. So Switch owners have plenty of time to get ready for some action-packed, arcade-style fun.

If you're a fan of classic beat 'em ups, Marvel superheroes, or multiplayer games, this is definitely one to keep an eye on. If you don't have a Switch, it's headed to Playstation, Xbox and PC!

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Marvel Rivals vs. Gigantic Rampage Edition: A Clash of Heroes

In the ever-expanding landscape of online gaming, two titles come to mind based on similarities, each vying for a chunk of gamers looking to indulge in the hero-based shooter genre. Marvel Rivals and Gigantic Rampage Edition share striking similarities, but their divergent paths could spell a decisive outcome. Let’s delve into their features, player base, and potential impact.

 The Contenders 

Marvel Rivals bursts onto the scene with the weight of the Marvel Multiverse behind it. Developed by NetEase Games, this free-to-play superhero team-based PVP shooter assembles an all-star Marvel squad. Players combine powers to form unique Team-Up skills, battling across destructible, ever-changing battlefields. With a vast roster of fan-favorite Marvel characters, it promises fast-paced 6v6 action and dynamic hero synergy.

Gigantic: Rampage Edition, on the other hand, is a revival of the original 5v5 MOBA hero shooter. It emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and quick reflexes. Players choose from a diverse lineup of 23 heroes, each with unique abilities, to engage in dynamic battles. The objective? Control the map, protect your team’s Guardian, and defeat the enemy’s Guardian.

 The Similarities 

1. Team-Based Gameplay: Both games thrive on team dynamics. Whether you’re coordinating with fellow Marvel heroes or battling alongside Gigantic’s diverse cast, teamwork is essential.

2. Battlefields: Marvel Rivals features dynamic "ever-changing" environments, and Gigantic Rampage Edition has more whimsical environments. From iconic Marvel worlds to fantastical stages in Gigantic, players must adapt for victory.

3. Unique Abilities: Heroes in both games possess distinct abilities.
   
   

 The Crucial Differences 

Brand Recognition

Marvel Rivals wields the mighty Mjolnir of brand recognition. The Marvel universe is a cultural juggernaut, drawing fans from comics, movies, and TV shows. Gigantic, while enjoyed by its community, lacks the same global recognition. Marvel will have higher expectations.

Price Model

Marvel’s decision to go free-to-play mirrors Gigantic’s original approach. By removing the paywall, Marvel Rivals opens its doors wider, potentially attracting a larger player base. Gigantic, despite its revival, must contend with this competitive pricing strategy. On the bright side, Gigantic Rampage Edition has no microtransactions.

The Verdict

While Gigantic has a player base, complaints are still there when it comes to wait times. This brings up concerns about how long the player base will last. Marvel Rivals could be the proverbial Thanos snap that tips the scales, but will it have what it takes to survive? It appears to have accessibility, synergy-rich gameplay, and Marvel rep makes it a formidable contender. Will Gigantic Rampage Edition, withstand this superhero onslaught? To be determined.

Sophima

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FTS: Are You Ready For A New Super Hero Team-Based PVP Shooter starring the Marvel Universe?

NetEase Games and Marvel Games Reveal Marvel Rivals, A New Super Hero Team-Based PVP Shooter Featuring a Deep Roster Across the Marvel Universe

• Assemble an all-star Marvel squad and fight in team-based, third-person 6v6 battles in the new, free-to-play, and continually evolving universe of Marvel Rivals!
• Experience an unstoppable lineup of the most popular and iconic Super Heroes and Super Villains the Marvel universe has to offer.
• Devise countless strategies by combining powers to form unique Team-Up skills and decimating obstacles in your path via destructible environments.

Guangzhou, China and Los Angeles, United States, March 27, 2024 – NetEase Games and Marvel Games are excited to announce their latest collaboration: Marvel Rivals, a cooperative, Super Hero Team-Based PVP Shooter that lets players assemble an ever-evolving all-star squad of Super Heroes and Super Villains while battling with unique super powers across a dynamic lineup of destructible maps from across the Marvel Multiverse. Marvel Rivals is in development for PC by a NetEase team composed of global talent who previously worked on hit franchises such as Call of Duty and Battlefield.

“We are overjoyed to bring Marvel Rivals to players around the world. We have always loved Marvel’s universe and its characters, and we are so excited to develop this game,” said the Marvel Rivals Producer, Stephen Wu. “This is the game we want to make, and we feel very lucky to be the team who made all of this come true.”

“NetEase Games is excited to collaborate with Marvel Games to deliver a thrilling, fast-paced cooperative gameplay experience featuring all of your favorite Super Heroes,” said Ethan Wang, Senior Vice President, NetEase, Inc. “This partnership with Marvel Games continues our commitment to build world-class development teams and reach global audiences with cutting edge experiences.”

“Marvel Rivals is one of our most ambitious game development projects. Since the conceptualization of the game and throughout our collaboration, our Marvel team has poured our hearts and souls into this project, and we are thrilled to work with the incredible team at NetEase Games to help deliver the ultimate Super Hero Team-Based PVP Shooter,” says Jay Ong, EVP and Head of Marvel Games.

Marvel Rivals will feature the following:

A Deep and Varied Marvel Roster: Choose from a vast array of fan-favorite and cult-classic Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains from across the Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, X-Men, and many more from across the Marvel Multiverse. With the Alpha Test in May, players will have access to more than a dozen playable Super Heroes and Super Villains, including iconic characters such as Black Panther, Spider-Man, Magneto, and Magik.

Fast and Fun 6v6 Action with Ever-Changing Game Dynamics: With intricate environments, fast-paced gameplay, and ever-changing battlefields, there's never a dull moment in Marvel Rivals! Battle as Super Heroes and Super Villains with incredible abilities and combine your powers to bring unexpected fun to the battlefield in a matter of seconds.

Dynamic Hero Synergy: Coordinate unique combinations between characters to ignite surprising Team-Up Skills! Unleash the synergy of combined superpowers and invent new tactics that can turn the tide of combat. Ride on Groot’s back as Rocket Raccoon to take on your enemies as a dangerous duo, unleash Gamma energy as Hulk to charge Iron Man’s armor for massive damage, and so much more!

Creative Environment Destruction: Tear your way through iconic Marvel worlds across destructible environments! From Asgard to the Tokyo of 2099, use superpowers to alter these environments, reshape the terrain, and craft a strategic advantage on the battlefield. Take cover to dodge attacks or use makeshift weapons to strike down enemies. Players will find countless ways to utilize the environment to claim victory!

Continually Evolving Universe and Robust Post-Launch Updates: The Marvel Multiverse brings infinite possibilities! Each seasonal drop will introduce new Super Heroes to the battlefield along with challenging and diverse maps! Unlock new content to implement across various gameplay strategies while experiencing thrilling action and endless possibilities in these adventurous team battles!

Marvel Rivals features a storyline crafted by the NetEase writing team where the merciless clash between the tyrannical dictator Doctor Doom and his future counterpart from the year 2099 has forced countless universes to collide in the Timestream Entanglement, creating new worlds and crises still unknown. Now, Super Heroes and Super Villains from across the multiverse must fight together and against one another as disparate groups seek to defeat both Dooms before one achieves domination of these realities. Familiar faces become newfound foes while former enemies become the greatest of allies in Marvel Rivals!

For more information about Marvel Rivals and to sign up for upcoming beta tests, please visit: 

www.marvelrivals.com.

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Disney is now an equity stakeholder in Epic Games... Oh Hell!

The idea that Disney's coughed up a whopping $1.5 billion to snag a piece of Epic Games is freaking some of us out, and yeah, I'm on that train. We're curious about this epic (pun intended) mash-up with Fortnite, but aren't just gonna ignore the potential mess Disney could make, like they did with Marvel.

Sure, GamesIndustry.biz says Epic's head honcho Tim Sweeney is still the big kahuna with majority control, but seriously, why in the hell does Disney gotta get all grabby with Epic? They could’ve played nice with Unreal Engine from a third-party approach and did collabs. And Blu's out here worrying about a possible the possible future where Disney might start calling the shots too.

If you ask me, this whole deal needs a big fat escape button. Y'know, something that says, "If Disney pulls a Disney and starts messing up our game, we're out." Because let's face it, nobody wants to see their gaming sanctuary go the way of the dodo just because Disney decides they want everything to sing and dance to their tune.

According to ScreenRant's Felipe Rangel, the game Disney CEO admitted that the Disney+ creation led to Marvel "losing focus". I don't want that to happen to with Epic. Maybe it will work out great, but if not, I'll save some energy to go off at a later time. I should be optimistic, and I'm curious about the Disney Universe but I don't know. Side-Eye Mode Activated.

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