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As proved by the acclaim of X-Men 97‘, even though they have been through some rough times, the X-Men are just as influential and beloved today as they have always been. But although many fans came to know the mutants through the franchise’s animated adaptations and live-action movies, many games also managed to bring forth aspects of what makes the Children of the Atom so special for so many. Here are our picks for the 10 best X-Men games, ranked from worst to best.
10. X-Men: Mutant Academy 2
To start our list we have the golden child of the Mutant Academy franchise, which successfully brought everyone’s most beloved mutant team, as well as some of their most iconic antagonists, to the world of the 2.5D fighting games.
Featuring both impressive graphics when compared to other fighting titles released in the PS1 era and a massive roster of 18 characters, which featured surprising additions like Charles Xavier himself and Spider-Man, X-Men: Mutant Academy 2 managed to hit the sweet spot by focusing on what worked.
9. X-Men (1993)
Released exclusively for the Sega Genesis, 1993’s X-Men can only be described as a true and utterly frustrating test of skill. Although not as exciting to play as some of the other games on our list given its more meticulous style and sober take for an action platformer, I truly recommend all looking for an unconventional challenge to check the title out. Just make sure to meditate a bit beforehand.
8. X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse
Released almost simultaneously with the excellent X-Men: Children of the Atom and also developed by CAPCOM, X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse was the second action platformer starring the team to debut on the Super Nintendo system.
Viewed by many as the SNES equivalent to the Sega Genesis 1993 title, Mutant Apocalypse earned its spot in our list given its high degree of freedom. As usual for CAPCOM titles, the game also looks amazing for its time and has a steep difficulty level, making it both a great title on its own, as well as a great middle step between most conventional action platformers and 1993’s X-Men.
7. X-Men 2: Clone Wars
A sequel to the 1993 Sega Genesis exclusive, X-Men 2: Clone Wars features across-the-board improvements when compared to its predecessor, with the biggest ones being the upgrades made to its presentation and its signature attack mechanic. Improvements were also made to character movement and all playable faces, which now included Psylocke, Beast, and Magneto, received even more distinct movesets.
Although the high difficulty featured in X-Men is still present, Clone Wars also has in its storyline —which adapts the events of the Phalanx Covenant saga— and phenomenal sound design another great pull. Really, the game’s soundtrack had no right to be this great.
6. X-Men Legends
Developed by Raven Software, X-Men Legends presented to the world the gameplay style that would later become known in the Marvel: Ultimate Alliance franchise. But more than that, the game brought to players an Action RPG like no other by allowing them to, either alone or accompanied by up to three friends, take on a team featuring up to four X-Men to the field.
Even if a little rough around the edges, X-Men Legends is a must-play for all looking for a more in-depth but still welcoming take on the franchise.
5. X-Men Origins: Wolverine – Uncaged Edition
Yes, we know that X-Men Origins: Wolverine is maybe one of the worst X-Men movies of all time (although I truly believe that its first 30 minutes are decent), but if there’s one good point in its release, it’s that it led to that of its PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC game adaptation, X-Men Origins: Wolverine – Uncaged Edition.
Although limited by the movie and by no means a masterpiece, the game brings to players an R-rated hack-and-slash experience just as visceral as you would expect. Truly, even though I have huge expectations for what Insomniac will bring to the table with their Wolverine game, no title has managed to showcase why Logan is the best at what he does quite like the Uncaged version of X-Men Origins: Wolverine.
4. X-Men: Children of the Atom
The first Marvel fighting game developed by CAPCOM, X-Men Children of the Atom loosely follows the events of Fatal Attractions and it’s responsible for presenting to the world the first version of the fast-hitting combat later to be perfected in the Marvel vs. Capcom franchise.
Even if the game may feel dated when measured by today’s standards, Children of the Atom is a gem sure to please all who love the franchise, as well as all who feel at home in fast-paced fighting games.
3. X-Men Legends 2: Rise of Apocalypse
Now featuring the addition of the members of the Brotherhood of Mutants to its playable roster, X-Men Legends 2: Rise of Apocalypse upped the stakes and doubled down on everything that made X-Men Legends so special, all while also adding online play to the mix.
Although the title may not be everyone’s cup of tea given its repetitive mechanics, the game set a standard and is considered to be both one of the best representations of the X-Men outside of the comics and one of the best cooperative experiences in the PS2, Xbox, and Game Cube era.
2. X-Men (X-Men: The Arcade Game)
Developed by Konami and released exclusively for cabinets in 1992, X-Men Arcade is to this day one of the best beat ‘n ups around. A feat courtesy of its smooth animations (even by today’s standards), diverse roster featuring Cyclops, Wolverine, Storm, Colossus, Nightcrawler, and Dazzler, and how you can take the field together with up to 5 friends. No matter if you are looking to simply relax or are laser-focused on finishing the game in one sitting while playing as your favorite, X-Men Arcade is sure to deliver both fun and nostalgia.
Honestly, the only bad thing about the game is how hard it is to find legitimate ways to play it nowadays.
1. X-Men vs. Street Fighter
The first game in the Marvel vs. CAPCOM franchise, X-Men vs. Street Fighter opens the curtain for one of the most beloved and groundbreaking series in Fighting Games history by improving upon every aspect presented in Children of the Atom, all while also adding new layers to its addictive and over-the-top combat.
Featuring a fast-paced 2v2 combat experience, highly detailed sprite models, the debut of fan favorites Rogue and Gambit to the genre, and the signature design choices that dominated the scene in the 90s, there’s nothing not to love here.
Now that you know our 10 picks for the best X-Men games, don’t forget to also check out Every Confirmed Hero in Marvel Rivals.
