The Nintendo Switch 2 has recently arrived, and while its gaming catalog is steadily growing, a notable absence persists: a premier superhero video game. The acclaimed 'Marvel Ultimate Alliance' franchise, which last released a title in 2019, stands out as a prime candidate to fill this gap. This piece advocates for the development of a fourth installment, envisioning how it could capitalize on the current trajectory of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, particularly the 'Secret Wars' storyline, to deliver a fresh and captivating experience for players on the new console. Despite past challenges with licensing and sales, the potential for a compelling superhero adventure, deeply intertwined with the evolving Marvel narrative, is undeniable.

The original Nintendo Switch was fortunate to receive 'Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order' two years post-launch. Ideally, a successor to this popular series would arrive much sooner on the new Switch 2. The 'Marvel Ultimate Alliance' games, which debuted in 2006, captivated fans by allowing them to assemble their favorite Marvel heroes, from the Avengers to the X-Men, for thrilling dungeon-crawling expeditions. The 2009 follow-up, 'Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2,' elevated the experience by incorporating elements from Mark Millar and Steve McNiven's 'Civil War' narrative, offering players distinct campaigns based on their chosen allegiance. This choice not only lent significant weight to decisions within the game but also encouraged multiple playthroughs to explore different heroic paths.

Despite positive critical reception and respectable sales figures—especially considering its release near major titles like 'Halo 3'—the series experienced a decade-long hiatus. The complexities of licensing Marvel intellectual property for video games, along with instances of publishers like Activision delisting previous entries, likely contributed to this pause. However, in 2019, 'Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order' revitalized the franchise. Developed by Team Ninja, a studio known for action-packed titles like 'Ninja Gaiden' and 'Nioh,' this Nintendo Switch exclusive arrived at a pivotal moment for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, shortly after the conclusion of the Infinity Saga with 'Avengers: Endgame.' The game's narrative closely mirrored the MCU's focus, centering on the pursuit of Thanos and his Black Order as they sought the Infinity Stones, creating a strong sense of synergy with the then-current cinematic landscape. The inclusion of characters like the Fantastic Four and X-Men, albeit partially via DLC, further broadened its appeal.

At its core, 'The Black Order' offers a classic Marvel-themed dungeon-crawling experience. Players navigate intricate levels, engaging in combat with various adversaries and confronting iconic bosses such as Green Goblin or Ultron. True to its 'Alliance' namesake, the game emphasized strategic team synergy, enabling players to unleash powerful combined abilities. While the extensive roster meant not every character felt entirely unique and gameplay could sometimes become repetitive, the overall enjoyment remained high.

Six years on, 'Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3' remains exclusive to the Switch, prompting speculation about underlying licensing agreements or exclusivity deals hindering a new installment. It's also possible that the game's sales didn't meet Nintendo's expectations. Nevertheless, with the advent of the Switch 2, now seems an opportune moment to reignite this beloved series. The MCU has progressed beyond the Infinity Saga, now deeply immersed in multiversal plotlines that are set to culminate in major events like 'Avengers: Doomsday' and 'Avengers: Secret Wars.' The 'Secret Wars' comic, which depicts Marvel's heroes scattered across the fragmented Battleworld—a concoction of diverse multiverses—would provide an ideal foundation for a new 'Marvel Ultimate Alliance' game. Doctor Doom, or rather, God Emperor Doom, serves as the mastermind behind Battleworld and the central antagonist of 'Secret Wars.' Just as Thanos was the ultimate villain of the MCU before featuring in 'Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3,' Doom is poised to become the final adversary of the current MCU saga, making him a perfect choice for the antagonist in a hypothetical fourth 'MUA' installment.

Despite this compelling potential, there are currently no indications that 'Marvel Ultimate Alliance 4' is in development. Team Ninja is reportedly occupied with 'Nioh 3,' and Nintendo's future plans remain undisclosed. Yet, the longing for the return of this fantastic, often overlooked, Marvel gaming series persists, and many will continue to revisit 'Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3' in anticipation of its successor.