David Jaffe today called out the creators of Marvel comic-based games in his blog. While acknowledging that there are business reasons why a certain formula in licensed titles (like Iron Man) keep popping up, he expressed his desire to see comic games that are based more around the narrative instead of the action. Jaffe says that these elements, not the powers themselves, are what makes comic characters stand out.

"The thing that made Stan and co's comics so unique back in the 60's is he was the first guy to say, 'Hey, let's treat these stories with some respect, let's treat these characters with respect and in doing so, we'll grow the audience well beyond 8 year old boys- who ONLY care about the powers'....and with that thinking, the entire medium of American comics was reinvented."

"If I was making the calls about Marvel games, here's the #1 thing that I would do:take the templates of story based games like God of War, Metal Gear Solid, Devil May Cry 1, etc. and use that template as a jumping off template for games with Spidey, Wolverine, Captain America," Jaffe continued. "Make STORY based games, not POWER based games. I'm not suggesting you take the powers away. I AM suggesting a much more scripted experience that allows players to revel in what makes the comics upon which the game is based so special. You can HAVE some open areas within that structure. Have like 3 really amazing web slinging areas that really show that mechanic off in a fun, excitingly designed way. Just don't base the WHOLE game around it."