Fans have been waiting a long time for a AAA Iron Man experience, with his roles in games like Marvel’s Avengers and Ultimate Alliance 3 failing to fully lean into his strengths as a character. The tie-in movie games from the late 2000s and early 2010s were far from what fans wanted as well, and many have been waiting for the character to be done justice in a solo game. Now, EA Motive could be set to deliver just that, and it should lay the foundation for the franchise along the way.
Obviously, it would be a mistake for the developer to count its chickens before they hatch, as there is no telling that this first attempt at an Iron Man game will be a hit like many are hoping. After all, nailing Iron Man’s flight and combat is no easy task, nor is finding an actor with the gravitas to not be overshadowed by Robert Downey Jr. However, given Motive’s incredible Dead Space remake, there is good reason to be optimistic. If the game is a success, and takes after Marvel’s Spider-Man by setting up another major character, it could perfectly transition into a franchise.
Iron Man Should Take Notes From Marvel’s Spider-Man’s Approach
Marvel’s Spider-Man did an excellent job of making Miles Morales a strong side character before he was a superhero, weaving him into the narrative and allowing his origin story to unfold as Peter’s own tale was told. This meant that when the time came for Miles Morales to get powers of his own and take up the mantle of Spider-Man, it did not feel forced in the slightest. Insomniac had two developed Spider-Men to work with because it put in the effort to set up a future project.
A few years after the original game’s launch, Spider-Man: Miles Morales released, with many praising the game and loving the experience of playing as Miles. Now, a sequel is set to release later in 2023 that will bring both heroes together. Fans of the two games have good reason to be excited, and Insomniac Games has a chance to tell a completely fresh story about the two webslingers. If done correctly, this format would be perfect for Iron Man.
A War Machine or Ironheart Spin-Off For EA Motive’s Iron Man
Obviously, the first Iron Man game should focus heavily on Tony Stark, as Motive is surely eager to share its take on the genius billionaire with the world. However, even if it prioritizes Tony, there is room to focus on his bonds with other characters. While Motive may want to avoid jumping right to Pepper Potts and retreading territory from the MCU, there are characters that could be perfect in supporting roles, like Colonel James Rhodes and Riri Williams.
While he eventually goes on to become War Machine, Rhodey starts out as Tony Stark’s friend, and this bond is something that EA Motive’s game can lean into. Rhodey could be there every step of the way, and like Miles Morales in the first Marvel’s Spider-Man game, he could even be playable. Gamers could enjoy some cover shooter sections that make use of his military background, keeping gameplay varied. Alternatively, Marvel has been doing its best to make Riri Williams a household name, and setting her up in EA Motive’s Iron Man could be a way to further that goal. Her gameplay could be puzzle-based, with players assembling suits, and unlike the comics she could have the real Tony Stark mentor her instead of an AI.
Rhodey and Ironheart are set to become more popular than ever thanks to their MCU shows, so a game based on either character would likely have no problem succeeding. With both heroes having leaked for Marvel’s Avengers but sadly never releasing (apart from War Machine’s armor becoming an Iron Man skin), EA Motive could be the studio to do them justice in the realm of video games. If either character is set up as an armor-wearing hero in Iron Man, much like Miles was positioned to become Spider-Man, a spin-off would feel earned and more interesting. Afterward, the two suited heroes could team up for a shared game just like what is happening with Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, with post credits scenes being a perfect way to reveal EA Motive’s future plans.
EA Motive’s Iron Man Game is currently in development.