Marvel Knights: Urban Legends (2024)

Marvel Knights: Urban Legends is a 2.5D fighting game developed and published by Mad Man Ninja Studios for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Samsung Zeo, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One. The game brings together Marvel's most iconic urban heroes, such as Daredevil, Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, and Punisher, to face a new crime syndicate threatening to take control of New York City.

The console versions of Marvel Knights: Urban Legends received critical acclaim upon release. Most praise was directed at the game's controls, overall gameplay, graphics, story, and characters. Transitioning Marvel's urban heroes to a one-on-one fighting format was also highly praised. Selling more than 10 million copies, the game became the best-selling title in the Marvel Knights franchise and the tenth best-selling game of 2024 in the United States. Marvel Knights: Urban Legends is the best-selling game in the series to date.

Marvel Knights: Urban Legends was released on various dates worldwide: July 15, 2024, in North America; July 22, 2024, in Europe; July 29, 2024, in Japan; August 5, 2024, in Australia; and July 19, 2024, in Brazil. Available for all past and current generation consoles, as well as PC, the game guarantees an intense and action-packed fighting experience for players around the globe.

Gameplay[]

Marvel Knights: Urban Legends is a 2.5D fighting game that combines classic fighting game mechanics with modern elements and innovative features. The game offers a blend of fast and strategic combat, focusing on each character's unique abilities, combos, and special moves. It features gameplay where two players, or one player and the CPU, fight against each other using selected characters, each with a varied array of character-specific attacks. The game includes various modes, such as a story mode following the heroes uncovering the crime syndicate conspiracy, multiple online modes, and the 'Patrol' mode, where players explore New York City, unlocking items and facing minor enemies.

Urban Legends features a combo system that allows players to execute combinations of light, medium, and heavy attacks to unleash devastating combos. Each character's unique abilities are reflected in their special moves and super moves, which can be activated by filling the super bar during battles. The game also incorporates advanced defense, allowing blocks, parries, dodges, and rolls to avoid hits and create counter-attack opportunities. Interactivity with the environment is another standout feature. Players can fight in iconic New York City locations with interactive elements that can be used to their advantage, including breaking objects in the environment to create new attack opportunities. The bar system includes a super bar for executing super moves and a defense bar for performing parries, dodges, and advanced blocks.

To add even more depth, the game offers character customization and progression. Unlockable costumes and accessories allow players to customize characters' appearances, adjusting details such as colors and styles. The skill tree allows characters' abilities to be enhanced with experience points earned in battles, unlocking and upgrading special moves and super moves.

The Story Mode follows the narrative of the Marvel Knights as they face a new crime syndicate threatening New York City. Each character has their own story arc, interconnected in a larger plot. The stories are told through high-quality cutscenes, featuring full voice acting and fluid animations, providing an immersive cinematic experience.

In Arcade Mode, players face a series of AI-controlled opponents leading up to the final boss fight. This mode offers classic challenges and unlocks secret endings and additional scenes upon completion with different characters. Versus Mode allows players to challenge friends in local matches or engage in online battles to test their skills against players worldwide. Tournaments and ranked matches are available, encouraging players to compete and climb the leaderboards to become the top fighters in Marvel Knights.

Training Mode offers comprehensive practice, where players can learn moves, combos, and strategies in a detailed training environment. They can also record sequences of moves and combos to analyze and perfect their techniques. Mission Mode presents specific challenges to earn rewards and unlock exclusive content. Players can explore "what if" scenarios with missions that feature variations in the main events.

One of the game's most innovative features is the Patrol Mode. In this mode, players can freely explore New York City, interacting with the environment and facing minor enemies in quick battles. During patrols, players can discover side missions, confront mini-bosses, and collect items that can be used to upgrade characters' abilities. This mode offers a more open-ended gameplay experience, allowing players to immerse themselves in the Marvel Knights universe and engage in heroic activities beyond traditional fights.

Story[]

Marvel Knights: Urban Legends weaves a rich tapestry of intrigue, action, and character development, offering players a deep and engaging story set in the gritty, urban landscape of Marvel's New York.

Heroes Story[]

Urban Legends unfolds in the heart of New York City, where a new criminal syndicate threatens to plunge the city into chaos. The story begins with a series of coordinated attacks across the city's five boroughs, orchestrated by a shadowy figure known only as "The Mastermind." This enigmatic villain has united some of the most dangerous criminals under a single banner, forming an alliance that the city's heroes must dismantle.

The narrative kicks off with Daredevil, who senses a rise in criminal activity in Hell's Kitchen. As he investigates, he encounters Elektra, who has been tracking the same leads. Together, they uncover clues pointing to a larger conspiracy that reaches far beyond their neighborhood. Meanwhile, Luke Cage and Iron Fist, operating out of Harlem, face off against enhanced thugs equipped with advanced weaponry. Their paths cross with Misty Knight and Colleen Wing, who bring vital information about the syndicate's operations.

Jessica Jones, working as a private investigator, stumbles upon a series of mysterious disappearances linked to the criminal network. Her investigation leads her to Spider-Man, who has been dealing with an influx of super-powered criminals wreaking havoc across the city. As they join forces, they realize the scope of the threat they are up against.

Moon Knight, grappling with his own demons, finds himself drawn into the conflict when the criminal elements begin targeting his contacts in the city's underworld. Black Cat, balancing her life between a thief and an ally to Spider-Man, provides crucial intelligence about the syndicate's operations. Blade, on the hunt for a rumored vampire resurgence, discovers that the Mastermind has been using supernatural elements to bolster his ranks.

The heroes soon learn that Kingpin, Bullseye, and Taskmaster are among the key lieutenants of the Mastermind, each controlling different territories and criminal enterprises. Tombstone, Black Tarantula, and Kraven the Hunter serve as enforcers, spreading fear and maintaining order within the syndicate's ranks. Meanwhile, Bushmaster, Jigsaw, Typhoid Mary, The Hood, Black Spectre, and Hammerhead add their own brand of chaos, each with personal vendettas against the heroes.

As the Marvel Knights converge, they must navigate a web of alliances and betrayals. They uncover that the Mastermind is not only seeking to control New York's criminal underworld but also aims to manipulate political and economic power structures to his advantage. The heroes must thwart these plans while dealing with their own personal struggles and conflicts.

Throughout the game's story mode, players experience character-specific arcs that intertwine into a cohesive narrative. Each hero's journey reveals different facets of the Mastermind's plan, leading to a climactic showdown where the true identity of the Mastermind is revealed. The final battle takes place in an iconic New York landmark, where the Marvel Knights must work together to defeat the Mastermind and his army, restoring peace to the city.

In the Patrol Mode, players can explore the open-world environment of New York, taking on side missions, uncovering hidden secrets, and battling minor villains who serve as the syndicate's foot soldiers. This mode allows players to delve deeper into the city's lore, interact with NPCs, and build relationships with other heroes and allies.

Villains Story[]

a new criminal syndicate, orchestrated by a shadowy figure known as "The Mastermind," seeks to seize control of the city's underworld. The Mastermind, a brilliant and ruthless strategist, has united some of the most dangerous villains under a single banner, promising them power and influence in exchange for their loyalty.

The Mastermind's plan begins with a series of coordinated attacks across the city's five boroughs. Each villain is assigned a specific territory to control, using their unique skills and resources to establish dominance. Kingpin, a notorious crime lord, oversees the entire operation, ensuring that each lieutenant follows the Mastermind's orders. His vast network and deep-rooted connections make him an invaluable asset to the syndicate.

Bullseye, an assassin with perfect aim, is tasked with eliminating key targets who pose a threat to the syndicate's expansion. Taskmaster, with his ability to mimic any fighting style, trains the syndicate's enforcers, creating an army of skilled fighters. Tombstone, with his superhuman strength and durability, serves as the muscle, intimidating and crushing anyone who dares oppose them.

Black Tarantula, a master martial artist with a mysterious past, controls the syndicate's operations in the city's underground fight clubs and illicit trades. Kraven the Hunter, seeking the ultimate challenge, hunts down the city's heroes, seeing them as prey to be conquered. Meanwhile, Bushmaster, Jigsaw, Typhoid Mary, The Hood, Black Spectre, and Hammerhead each carve out their own territories, spreading fear and chaos in their wake.

The syndicate's operations are not limited to traditional crime. The Mastermind's ambitions extend to political and economic influence, manipulating key figures and institutions to further his goals. This multifaceted approach ensures that the syndicate's power grows unchecked, embedding itself deeper into the city's fabric.

As the heroes begin to interfere with their plans, the villains find themselves in a game of cat and mouse. Daredevil and Elektra's investigation into Hell's Kitchen's rising crime rates leads them dangerously close to uncovering the syndicate's plans. Luke Cage and Iron Fist's efforts in Harlem disrupt the flow of weapons and drugs, drawing the ire of Tombstone and his men. Jessica Jones's digging into the disappearances exposes connections to the syndicate, forcing Bullseye to take her out.

Spider-Man's encounters with super-powered criminals reveal the extent of the Mastermind's reach, prompting Black Cat to switch sides and feed information to the heroes. Moon Knight's assault on the underworld shakes Black Spectre's hold on his operations, while Blade's hunt for supernatural elements intersects with the syndicate's experiments with dark magic.

Despite their individual strengths, the villains face challenges from within. Loyalties are tested, and power struggles emerge as each lieutenant vies for more control. Kingpin's iron-fisted leadership keeps them in line, but even he senses the growing tension. The Mastermind's identity remains a closely guarded secret, known only to a select few, adding an air of mystery and unease among the ranks.

Throughout the game's story mode, players experience the villains' perspectives, revealing their motivations and the complexity of their characters. Each villain's arc intersects with the heroes', showcasing the duality of their conflicts. The villains' ultimate goal is not just to defeat the heroes but to reshape New York City in their image, creating a new order where they reign supreme.

The final confrontation takes place at an iconic New York landmark, where the Mastermind's full plan is unveiled. The villains must hold the line against the combined forces of the Marvel Knights, using every trick and tactic at their disposal. The climactic battle determines the fate of the city, with the villains striving to maintain their grip on power.

In the Patrol Mode, players control the villains as they enforce their rule over New York. They can take on side missions to expand their influence, recruit new allies, and sabotage the heroes' efforts. This mode allows players to delve deeper into the criminal underworld, experiencing the syndicate's operations from the inside.

Roster[]

The roster of Marvel Knights: Urban Legends features a diverse lineup of 30 characters, including both well-known and lesser-known heroes and villains from Marvel's urban landscape. Players can choose from iconic characters such as Daredevil, Luke Cage, and Spider-Man, as well as more obscure figures like Misty Knight and Shroud. Each character brings their unique abilities and fighting styles to the game, ensuring a rich and varied gameplay experience. In addition to the base roster, the game also offers a selection of DLC characters to further expand the player's options and keep the combat fresh and exciting.

Marvel Knights: Urban Legends Roster[]

DLC Characters[]

Season 1[]

Season 2[]

Season 3[]

Season 4[]

Stages[]

The fight stages in Marvel Knights: Urban Legends are meticulously designed to capture the essence of New York City's iconic locales. Each stage offers a unique backdrop that enhances the immersive experience of the game, complete with interactive elements and atmospheric details that bring the urban landscape to life.

• Hell's Kitchen Rooftops: High above the gritty streets of Hell's Kitchen, this stage features towering buildings, water towers, and neon signs. The rooftops provide a dark and atmospheric backdrop with the city's lights illuminating the night sky. Players can use the environment to their advantage, with interactive elements such as water towers that can be toppled over during combat.
• Harlem Streets: Set in the bustling neighborhood of Harlem, this stage captures the vibrant culture with murals, street vendors, and classic brownstones. The fight takes place on the streets and sidewalks, with parked cars and fire hydrants that can be used as weapons or obstacles.
• Chinatown Marketplace: Located in the heart of Chinatown, this stage features narrow alleyways, hanging lanterns, and busy market stalls. The environment is dynamic, with stalls that can be smashed and objects that can be thrown, adding an extra layer of strategy to the fights.
• Brooklyn Bridge: A fight on the iconic Brooklyn Bridge provides a dramatic and scenic setting. The stage includes the bridge's structure with traffic below and the New York skyline in the distance. Players can battle along the bridge's length, with opportunities to knock opponents off the edge.
• Subway Station: Set in an underground subway station, this stage is filled with graffiti, flickering lights, and the sound of approaching trains. The environment includes interactive elements like trains that can pass by, potentially knocking fighters off their feet, and turnstiles that can be used in combat.
• Times Square: The bright lights and massive digital billboards of Times Square provide a vibrant and chaotic backdrop. The stage is bustling with activity, featuring interactive elements like billboards that can be shattered and vehicles that can be thrown.
• Central Park: This stage is set in the iconic Central Park, featuring lush greenery, park benches, and pathways. The serene environment contrasts with the intense combat, with elements like tree branches and park benches that can be used as weapons.
• Warehouse District: A gritty, industrial area filled with warehouses, shipping containers, and construction equipment. The stage includes destructible environments, with crates and barrels that can be broken and used in combat, adding a rugged, urban feel.
• Financial District: Set among the towering skyscrapers of New York's financial district, this stage features sleek office buildings, busy streets, and the iconic Charging Bull statue. The fight can spill into the streets and buildings, with opportunities for environmental interactions.
• Avengers Tower Rooftop: High atop Avengers Tower, this stage offers a sleek, high-tech environment with panoramic views of the city. The rooftop includes interactive elements like high-tech equipment and force fields that can be activated during the fight.
• The Docks: Set along the waterfront, this stage features shipping docks, boats, and cranes. The environment is dynamic, with water that can be splashed and boats that can be used as cover or weapons.
• Abandoned Theater: An old, decrepit theater with torn seats, broken chandeliers, and a dusty stage. The eerie atmosphere includes interactive elements like falling props and collapsing balconies that add to the drama of the fights.
• Kingpin's Penthouse: A luxurious penthouse suite atop one of New York's tallest buildings, featuring opulent décor, large windows with city views, and a grand piano. The stage includes destructible elements like furniture and windows that can be shattered.
• The Hand's Dojo: A traditional Japanese dojo used by The Hand for training. The stage features tatami mats, wooden training equipment, and sliding doors. The environment includes interactive elements like breakable walls and training dummies.
• Underground Fight Club: A secret, gritty fight club hidden beneath the city streets. The stage includes a caged ring, cheering crowds, and dim lighting. The environment is packed with interactive elements like breakable cages and objects thrown by spectators.
• Stark Industries Lab: A high-tech laboratory filled with advanced technology and robotics. The stage includes interactive elements like robotic arms and holographic displays that can be used in combat.
• Rooftop Garden: A peaceful rooftop garden with plants, fountains, and a view of the city. The serene setting provides a stark contrast to the intense battles, with environmental elements like fountains that can be used strategically.
• Latverian Embassy: The stately Latverian Embassy in New York, filled with diplomatic flair and Doombot guards. The stage includes interactive elements like lavish furniture and diplomatic artifacts that can be destroyed or used in combat.
• Hell's Kitchen Alleys: Dark, narrow alleyways of Hell's Kitchen filled with dumpsters, fire escapes, and neon signs. The gritty environment includes interactive elements like fire escapes that can be climbed and dumpsters that can be used as weapons.
• Grand Central Terminal: One of New York's most iconic landmarks, Grand Central Terminal features a grand concourse, marble floors, and the famous clock. The stage includes interactive elements like information booths and benches that can be used in combat, with the hustle and bustle of commuters providing a dynamic backdrop.