Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Marvel Super Heroes in War of the Gems delivers a classic side-scrolling platformer and beat ’em up experience that immediately feels familiar to fans of 16-bit action. You begin by selecting one of five playable heroes—Spider-Man, Hulk, Captain America, Iron Man, and Wolverine—each boasting unique statistics and special moves. Whether you’re web-swinging across the screen with Spider-Man’s nimble agility or unleashing thunderous ground pounds with the Hulk, the core combat always feels responsive and satisfying.

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The combat system is straightforward yet deep enough to reward mastery. Basic attacks and jumps form the foundation, but it’s the quarter-circle and half-circle motion inputs that allow you to pull off flashy special moves. Iron Man can double-jump with his rocket boots, giving him aerial superiority, while Wolverine’s claw rush and quick slashes let you weave in and out of enemy crowds. Learning each hero’s move set becomes part of the fun, especially when you start stringing together combos in tight quarters.

A standout feature is the Infinity Gems mechanic. Scattered throughout the levels are the six Infinity Gems, each granting different power boosts—speed, strength, magic resistance, and more. Equipping gems before a stage can dramatically alter your hero’s capabilities. Should you opt for a gem that enhances Hulk’s raw power or one that increases Iron Man’s energy regeneration? This strategic layer encourages replaying levels to experiment with gem combinations and discover the optimal build for each hero.

Level design strikes a good balance between linear progression and exploration. After an initial tutorial stage set in the Avengers Headquarters, four distinct levels unlock right away—ranging from mystical ruins to high-tech lairs. As you complete stages, additional areas open up, providing an incentive to go back with different heroes in search of hidden gems and bonus pathways. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, the progression loop of choosing a hero, outfitting them with gems, and tackling new challenges keeps the gameplay loop engaging from start to finish.

Graphics

On the Super Nintendo hardware, War of the Gems stands out with colorful, vibrant pixel art that captures the spirit of Marvel’s larger-than-life characters. The sprites for Spider-Man’s acrobatics and Hulk’s hulking frame are both well-animated and expressive, giving each hero a distinct visual identity on screen. Villain designs, from corrupted Avengers duplicates to classic baddies, are equally detailed and menacing.

Backgrounds are rich in variety, showcasing everything from alien landscapes drenched in purple haze to crumbling temple ruins. Parallax scrolling effects add depth to the environments, making it feel like you’re pushing forward through multi-layered stages. Attention to detail shines through in elements like flickering torches in gothic chambers and glowing energy beams in high-tech corridors.

The game’s visual flair is complemented by fun on-screen effects—sparks fly when Iron Man’s repulsors fire, while Hulk’s ground-shaking attacks trigger screen-shaking animations. Special move sequences are accompanied by vivid flashes and color shifts, heightening the sense of power. While it may not rival the highest-end arcade ports of the era, War of the Gems holds its own with crisp animations and dynamic stage designs.

One minor drawback is occasional slowdown when too many sprites or particle effects populate the screen, but these moments are brief and rarely hamper the overall flow. Even so, the audiovisual package remains one of the most appealing aspects, drawing players in with its faithful homage to the comic book aesthetic.

Story

The narrative in War of the Gems is light by design, serving primarily as the framework for your gem-hunting adventure. Drawing from the iconic Infinity Gauntlet storyline, the game opens with Adam Warlock’s urgent call to Earth’s mightiest heroes. He warns that should the six Infinity Gems fall into the wrong hands, reality itself would be at risk. This premise sets the stage for your quest across multiple realms to recover the gems before evil forces can unite them.

Storytelling is handled through short cutscenes and text scrolls between levels, giving players just enough context without slowing down the action. You’ll encounter classic Marvel villains and even face off against corrupted duplicates of the heroes themselves, reinforcing the theme of cosmic stakes and moral conflict. The minimalist approach works well for a fast-paced beat ’em up, allowing you to dive back into combat without lengthy interruptions.

While deep Marvel lore aficionados might crave more character interactions or elaborate dialogue, casual players will appreciate the straightforward storytelling. Every level ends with a satisfying boss showdown that ties back into the overarching quest, making your progress feel meaningful. The climax, where all six gems converge, delivers a thrilling finale that rewards your persistence and encourages multiple playthroughs to see every variation in hero-gem synergy.

Ultimately, War of the Gems weaves a compelling enough narrative to motivate your journey without overcomplicating the gameplay. It hits the sweet spot for retro action games—simple storytelling that propels you forward, leaving most of the excitement in the hands of your muscle memory and strategic gem choices.

Overall Experience

Marvel Super Heroes in War of the Gems is a standout title for enthusiasts of retro beat ’em ups and Marvel fans alike. Its blend of polished side-scrolling combat, strategic customization via Infinity Gems, and faithful comic-book visuals creates a package that’s both nostalgic and refreshing. Each hero feels unique, and the desire to master their movesets adds significant replay value.

The game’s pacing is generally strong, with just enough variety in stages to keep you engaged without overwhelming you. Unlocking new levels by completing earlier stages fuels a satisfying sense of progression, while the hidden gem locations invite exploration and experimentation. Whether you’re smashing through hordes as Hulk or darting around enemies with Spider-Man’s agility, there’s a playstyle to suit almost any action game aficionado.

Some minor technical quirks—such as occasional frame-rate dips and brief repetition in enemy encounters—don’t detract significantly from the overall fun. In fact, they feel almost quaint, a reminder of the mid-90s era when developers were constantly pushing hardware limits. Sound effects are punchy, and the soundtrack complements the on-screen action with heroic fanfare and pulsing beats.

For players seeking a challenging yet accessible beat ’em up with beloved Marvel characters, War of the Gems remains a must-try. Its combination of punchy combat, gem-based customization, and comic-inspired presentation ensures that each playthrough offers new discoveries. Even decades after its release, it stands as a memorable entry in Marvel’s gaming portfolio and a shining example of classic SNES action design.

Retro Replay Score

7/10