Marvel Super Heroes (マーヴル・スーパーヒーローズ) is a versus fighting game developed and published by Capcom for the Sega Saturn. It can be seen as a sequel to X-Men: Children of the Atom, featuring characters from the Marvel Comics universe.
Marvel Super Heroes is notable for being the only game released outside of Japan which supports the Extended RAM Cartridge. It was not advertised as being compatible (as the peripheral was not released in the West), but it maintains compatibility regardless.
Loosely based on the Infinity Gauntlet storyline, the game focuses on heroes and villains battling each other for the Infinity Gems. The main antagonist is Thanos, who plots to use the Infinity Gems to take over the universe.
Gameplay
Character select
Gameplay
The game is a fighting game that plays similarly to X-Men: Children of the Atom. The aim of the game is to use attacks and special abilities to knock out the opponent (or to have more life remaining than the opponent when time runs out at the end of the round). Battles are fought to the best of three rounds. Players can choose between Normal and Turbo speed.
A unique mechanic in the game are the Infinity Gems: Power, Time, Space, Reality, Soul, and Mind. By using these gems in battle, fighters receive enhanced effects for a short amount of time, such as increased power or defense, health recovery, or additional attacks. Certain fighters receive extra benefits whilst using certain gems. For example, if Spider-Man uses the Power Gem, he creates a doppelgänger on the opposite side of his opponent for extra damage during his attacks.
Characters move with and and dash with and (or ++). They jump upward with and jump behind and ahead with and . Characters can Super Jump high into the air with (or ++). They crouch with . Punches are done with (light), (medium), and (strong) and kicks are done with (light), (medium), and (strong). Light attacks are faster and hard attacks deal more damage. Special moves for each character are done by pairing specific directional combinations with an attack button.
Throughout the match, players build up a meter which can be used to perform powerful Infinity Special attacks. The meter gains a level each time it is filled; once the meter has reached at least level 1, the character can perform a special button combination to execute an Infinity Special, a flashy super move that does high damage. The game also introduces an air combo system called Aerial Rave, in which opponents can be launched high into the air by certain normal moves. The character can then jump to the opponent with and follow-up with a midair combo.
Throws and grabs are done by holding or when next to an opponent and pressing a medium or hard punch or kick button. Characters can try to escape from a grab, avoiding damage, by holding the D-Pad away from the opponent and pressing a punch button. The same command can be used to try to recover from a fall upon landing, which halves the damage taken. Or characters can roll away or toward an opponent after being thrown by pressing or and then a punch button repeatedly.
Blocking is done by holding the D-Pad away from the opponent and can also be done in midair. Characters can become dizzy from being attacked repeatedly; they are uncontrollable and vulnerable in this state but can recover more quickly by rapidly pressing back and forth on the D-Pad along with the attack buttons. It is also possible to escape grabs in this way. In addition, characters can perform a special counterattacking technique called an Infinity Counter after blocking an opponent's attack by pressing P (or P if facing left). This consumes a level of the Infinity meter.
Modes
There is a single-player Arcade Mode where the player faces eight opponents, some of them possessing Infinity Gems. The opponent permanently relinquishes their gem when defeated, and the player starts each match with all of the previously collected Infinity Gems. The last two battles are against the villains Dr. Doom and Thanos. Thanos possesses the final Infinity Gem, the Mind Gem, and steals the other five from the player before the final fight. At any point during the game, a second player can challenge the first by pressing START , with the victor of the match continuing the game. There are eight difficulty levels for computer-controlled opponents.
There is also a dedicated two-player Versus Mode, where two players can choose their characters, set handicaps, and pick any stage. In two-player fights, Infinity Gems occasionally appear during gameplay for either player to grab. The game saves records such as high scores and wins/losses to the console's internal memory.
Infinity Gems
An Infinity Gem can be used by pressing (or if facing left), then any two punch buttons simultaneously. The current Infinity Gems for each player appear in the bottom corners of the screen, with the selected gem appearing larger than the others if the player possesses more than one. The player can cycle through multiple gems with +. Gems grant temporarily grant certain effects when used, with a timer bar replacing the list of gems while a gem effect is active. Only one gem can be used at a time.
Gems are consumed once used. Certain strikes cause characters to drop a gem. In the Arcade Mode, the player starts subsequent battles with previously acquired gems regardless of whether they have been lost or used in a battle (with the exception of the final battle with Thanos, where the player starts with no gems).
Power Gem: Increases the character's attack damage.
Time Gem: Increases the character's movement speed and jump height.
Space Gem: Grants the character "Super Armor," which gives them extra resistance such that it takes more than one hit to interrupt their movement or attacks, knock them into the air, or stun them with disabling moves such as Spider-Man's Web Ball.
Reality Gem: Augments the character's normal attacks with projectiles. The character can also throw a projectile with + (even when blocking or being hit).
Soul Gem: Gradually recovers the character's lost life.
Mind Gem: Gradually fills the character's Infinity meter.
In addition to these powers, each character receives unique bonus effects from a particular gem.
Characters
Note: Move lists assume that the character is facing right. When facing left, and should be reversed.
Hulk is a green-skinned, hulking, and muscular humanoid possessing a limitless degree of physical strength.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Gamma Charge
Hold for 2 seconds, then +K
Hulk charges ahead with his elbow protruding. He can follow up with another Gamma Charge diagonally upwards by pressing K.
Flying Gamma Charge
Hold for 2 seconds, then +K
Hulk charges into the air with a flying headbutt. He can follow up with another Gamma Charge diagonally upwards by pressing K.
Gamma Slam
P
Hulk rips off part of the ground beneath him and throws the debris at his opponent.
Gamma Lift
+ all three P simultaneously
Hulk rips off part of the ground beneath him, then holds it above him until he throws it with P or K. He can throw the debris while airborne.
Gamma Tornado
P (close)
Hulk grabs his opponent and swings them around in circles before tossing them.
Move list (Infinity Gems)
Name
Command
Description
Time Gem: Gamma Rampage
+ any two P simultaneously
While the gem effect is active, Hulk's attacks become faster and combo together more easily.
Move list (Infinity Specials)
Name
Command
Description
Gamma Crush
+ two P simultaneously
Hulk propels himself to outer space to grab a meteorite, then falls back down to the ground with it. This move can be directed with (left side of the screen), (middle of the screen), or (right side of the screen) after Hulk launches.
Wolverine
Wolverine is a mutant with animal-keen senses, enhanced physical capabilities, a regenerative ability known as a healing factor, and three retractable claws in each hand.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Berserker Barrage
P
Wolverine charges forward while slashing his claws. Pressing P repeatedly does additional hits.
Tornado Claw
P
Wolverine jumps into the air while rotating and slashing his claws. Pressing P repeatedly does additional hits.
Drill Claw
Any direction + P and K of the same strength
Wolverine flies in any direction while spinning and holding a claw out. He can momentarily stick to the side of the screen if he drills into it, then perform another Drill Claw by holding a direction on the D-Pad and P or K. This move can be performed in midair.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Rebound
D-Pad in the opposite direction when jumping onto the edge of the screen
Wolverine can jump off the edges of the screen.
Head Stomp
+ MK in midair
Wolverine holds a straight leg in a head stomp.
Double Claw
MP MP
Wolverine combos a second slash with his alternate hand.
Sliding Claw
+ HP
Wolverine slides along the ground with his claws first.
Move list (Infinity Gems)
Name
Command
Description
Power Gem: Berserker Charge
+ any two P simultaneously
While the gem effect is active, Wolverine is followed by afterimages, and his attacks do four times as much damage as normal.
Move list (Infinity Specials)
Name
Command
Description
Berserker Barrage X
+ two P simultaneously
Wolverine charges forward with a barrage of slashes.
Weapon X
+ two P simultaneously
Wolverine dashes forward and performs a series of slashes and kicks, ending with an X-shaped double slash.
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a teenage high school student who gained superhuman spider-powers and abilities after being bitten by a radioactive spider.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Web Ball
P
Spider-Man shoots two wads of webbing across the screen from the web shooters on his wrists. Enemies caught in webbing are momentarily stunned. He shoots the webbing at a downward diagonal angle if this move is performed in midair.
Spider Sting
P
Spider-Man jumps high in the air with a rising uppercut. This move can be followed up with P for an additional strike while in the air.
Web Swing
K
Spider-Man attaches a rope of webbing to the ceiling and swings from it with a kick. This move can be performed in midair.
Web Throw
P
Spider-Man shoots a string of webbing. He shoots in front of him with LP , at a diagonal upward angle with MP , and directly above him with HP . If an opponent is caught in the web, Spider-Man swings them around his head with the webbing, then throws them across the screen.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Rebound
D-Pad in the opposite direction when jumping onto the edge of the screen
Spider-Man can jump off the edges of the screen.
Move list (Infinity Gems)
Name
Command
Description
Power Gem: Mirror Image
+ any two P simultaneously
While the gem effect is active, Spider-Man is accompanied by a doppelgänger that mimics his attacks on the other side of his opponent.
Move list (Infinity Specials)
Name
Command
Description
Maximum Spider
+ two P simultaneously
Spider-Man jumps between the edges of the screen with multiple flying punches and kicks. This move can be performed in midair.
Magneto
Magneto is a mutant with the ability to generate and control magnetic fields.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Electromagnetic Disruptor
P
Magneto fires an energy beam across the screen. This move can be performed in midair.
Hyper Gravitation
K
Magneto sends out energy balls that do a light amount of damage but pull his opponent toward him. This move can be performed in midair.
Magnetic Blast
P in midair
Magneto fires energy waves downward at a diagonal angle.
Levitation
+ two K simultaneously
Magneto levitates for 5 seconds or until he is hit. He can move in any direction using the D-Pad. This move can be performed in midair.
Move list (Infinity Gems)
Name
Command
Description
Space Gem: Force Field
+ any two P simultaneously
While the gem effect is active, Magneto is surrounded in a protective barrier that renders him impervious to attack.
Move list (Infinity Specials)
Name
Command
Description
Magnetic Shockwave
+ two P simultaneously
Magneto summons a shockwave of energy pillars that move across the screen.
Magnetic Tempest
+ two K simultaneously
Magneto fires a volley of magnetic shards all around the screen. This move can be performed in midair.
Juggernaut
Juggernaut is a massive human with superhuman strength and durability.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Earthquake
P
Juggernaut hits the ground, which sends a wave forward.
Juggernaut Punch
P
Juggernaut dashes forward and punches the ground in front of his opponent, knocking them back.
Juggernaut Body Press
K
Juggernaut jumps off the side of the screen and falls with a body splash. This move can be performed in midair.
Cyttorak Power-Up
+ two P simultaneously
Juggernaut glows orange, increasing the damage of his next attack.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Double Punch
LP LP
Juggernaut punches and follows up with another quick punch.
Hammer Fist
+ HP
Juggernaut punches in front of him with both fists.
Object Lift
+ all three P simultaneously
Juggernaut can pick up foreground objects in stages, then throw them with P.
Move list (Infinity Gems)
Name
Command
Description
Space Gem: Hyper Armor
+ any two P simultaneously
While the gem effect is active, Juggernaut is immune to stuns, trips, and launchers.
Move list (Infinity Specials)
Name
Command
Description
Headcrush
+ two P simultaneously
Juggernaut charges at his opponent head first.
Iron Man
Iron Man is a wealthy business magnate who wears a mechanized suit of armor equipped with advanced weaponry.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Uni-Beam
P
Iron Man shoots a giant laser across the screen from his chest. This move can be performed in midair.
Repulsor Blast
P
Iron Man shoots laser blasts in each of the intermediate directions.
Smart Bomb
Any P and K of the same strength
Iron Man drops a cluster of bombs from his shoulders. Stronger attack buttons drop the bombs farther away. This move can be performed in midair.
Flight
+ two K simultaneously
Iron Man hovers for 5 seconds or until he is hit. He can move in any direction using the D-Pad. This move can be performed in midair.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Hover
Any direction + any two P simultaneously
Iron Man moves in any direction using his foot-mounted propulsion.
Knee Dive
+ MK in midair
Iron Man dives downward diagonally with his knees.
Upward Kick
+ HK in midair
Iron Man kicks straight up.
Focus Laser
+ HP or + HP
Iron Man can direct his jumping laser attack at an upward or downward angle.
Missile Launch
+ HP
Iron Man shoots a missile across the screen while crouched.
Move list (Infinity Gems)
Name
Command
Description
Soul Gem: Concussive Overload
+ any two P simultaneously
While the gem effect is active, Iron Man's attacks are enhanced with electricity and sap life.
Move list (Infinity Specials)
Name
Command
Description
Proton Cannon
+ two P simultaneously
Iron Man pulls out a large cannon and fires a giant blast across the screen.
Psylocke
Psylocke is an agile assassin and a telepath who can focus her power into the form of a "psychic knife."
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Psi-Blast
P
Psylocke shoots a psychic energy beam across the screen. When used with LP , Psylocke fires the blast diagonally downward. When used with MP , Psylocke fires the blast straight ahead. When used with HP , Psylocke fires the blast at a diagonal upward angle. She can also perform the move in midair, which is fired in the same directions with the same buttons.
Psi-Blade Spin
K
Psylocke spins in the air while generating psychic energy blades. She moves forward with LK , diagonally upward with MK , and straight upward with HK . This move can be performed in midair.
Ninjutsu
P or K
Psylocke teleports. When used with LP , she reappears in the top-left. When used with MP , she reappears in the same location. When used with HP , she reappears in the top-right. When used with LK , she reappears in the bottom-left. When used with MK , she reappears on the other side of her opponent. When used with HK , she reappears in the bottom-right. She can perform a flying psionic attack after teleporting by holding any direction and P or K. This move can be performed in midair.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Triple Jump
in midair
Psylocke can jump a second and third time in midair.
Moonsault Kick
+ HK in midair
Psylocke kicks while spinning backwards in midair.
Rolling Kick
+ MK
Psylocke flips forward and comes down with an axe kick.
Retreating Kick
+ HK
Psylocke jumps backward, then performs a high kick while crouched. She can follow up the kick with a forward slide to the other side of her opponent by pressing .
Advancing Kick
Hold while kicking with HK
Psylocke performs a high kick while crouched, then slides forward to the other side of her opponent. This maneuver can be paired with a forward dash for a roll, kick, then slide.
Move list (Infinity Gems)
Name
Command
Description
Power Gem: Ninjutsu Split
+ any two P simultaneously
While the gem effect is active, Psylocke creates four duplicates of herself that do additional damage.
Move list (Infinity Specials)
Name
Command
Description
Psi Thrust
+ two P simultaneously
Psylocke surrounds herself in a cone of psychic energy and flies straight across the screen. The player can decide the direction that she flies with or when she is about to do the move. She can perform a second Psi Thrust by pressing P at the end of the maneuver (with the player again able to determine the direction). This move can be performed in midair.
Psi Maelstrom
+ two K simultaneously
Psylocke spins in the air while generating psychic energy blades, juggling her opponent high into the air. Pressing P or K repeatedly does additional hits.
Kochou Gakure
+ two K simultaneously
Psylocke channels her telepathy to create a swarm of psionic butterflies that spiral out from her and harm anything they touch. This move can be performed in midair.
Captain America
Captain America is a "Super Soldier" who wears an American flag-inspired costume and fights with a virtually indestructible shield.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Shield Slash
P
Captain America throws his shield at an upward angle, which ricochets off an opponent or wall and returns to him. It is possible for Captain America to miss catching his shield, which affects some of his abilities until he picks it back up again (by walking over wherever it lands on the ground). If he is missing his shield, he simply swings his arms in front of him when this move is performed. This move can be performed in midair.
Stars and Stripes
P
Captain America jumps high into the air, ramming his opponent with his shoulder or his shield. The attack can hit multiple times if Captain America is missing his shield (but does the same damage overall).
Charging Star
K
Captain America charges forward with his shoulder or his shield. He can absorb projectiles with his shield (unless he is missing it).
Cartwheel
P
Captain America backflips forward. He is invincible for part of this move and can use it to pass through to the other side of his opponent.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Double Jump
in midair
Captain America can jump a second time in midair.
Heel Kick
+ HK in midair
Captain America kicks downward.
Double Kick
MK MK
Captain America follows up a high kick with a lower kick.
Move list (Infinity Gems)
Name
Command
Description
Power Gem: Fury of Justice
+ any two P simultaneously
While the gem effect is active, Captain America empowers his Stars and Stripes and Charging Star special abilities, doing more damage and hitting more times.
Move list (Infinity Specials)
Name
Command
Description
Final Justice
+ two P simultaneously
Captain America hits his opponent with a flurry of strikes, throws them high into the air, then drives them into the ground.
Shuma-Gorath
Shuma-Gorath is an ancient, tentacled creature thought to be an omnipotent and immortal being.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Mystic Stare
Hold for 2 seconds, then +P
Shuma-Gorath sends a rotating group of eyes across the screen.
Mystic Smash
Hold for 2 seconds, then +K
Shuma-Gorath curls into a ball and jumps ahead in an arc, coming down with spikes. This move can be performed in midair.
Devitalization
K (close)
Shuma-Gorath stretches itself and carries its opponent high into the air, dropping them and following up with a multi-tentacled slap.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Petrification
+ MK in midair
Shuma-Gorath turns to stone and falls directly downward.
Upward Blast
+ HP in midair
Shuma-Gorath shoots a blast upward from its eye.
Move list (Infinity Gems)
Name
Command
Description
Time Gem: Petrifying Touch
+ any two P simultaneously
While the gem effect is active, Shuma-Gorath's attacks momentarily petrify its opponents, stunning them.
Move list (Infinity Specials)
Name
Command
Description
Chaos Dimension
+ two P simultaneously
Shuma-Gorath glows with power. For a few seconds, its MP , HP , MK , and HK become unblockable. If any of them connect with an opponent, Shuma-Gorath transforms into a large bubble and envelops its opponent, carrying them far into the air. Shuma-Gorath then transforms into a vortex and spins, damaging its opponent before dropping them from the height. This move can be performed in midair.
Blackheart
Blackheart is a powerful demon said to be made of accumulated evil.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Dark Thunder
P
Blackheart fires a burst of lightning. When used with LP , Blackheart fires the blast diagonally downward (which travels along the ground after hitting it). When used with MP , Blackheart fires the blast straight ahead. When used with HP , Blackheart fires the blast at a diagonal upward angle.
Inferno
P
Blackheart throws dark spheres at the ground, which summon an inferno that tosses opponents high into the air.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Air Dash
or in midair
Blackheart dashes backward or forward in midair.
Long Dash
after dashing with or after dashing with
Blackheart can continue moving an extra distance after dashing.
Move list (Infinity Gems)
Name
Command
Description
Reality Gem: Invisibility
+ any two P simultaneously
While the gem effect is active, Blackheart is invisible, though his attacks can still be seen.
Move list (Infinity Specials)
Name
Command
Description
Armageddon
+ two P simultaneously
Blackheart summons a meteor shower.
Heart of Darkness
+ two K simultaneously
Blackheart shoots a large energy ball that summons demonic minions to fly out from underground and trounce his opponent.
Bosses
The bosses are only playable with the use of cheat codes after completing the game.
Dr. Doom
Dr. Doom is a brilliant scientist and a sorcerer. He is the penultimate boss of the game.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Laser Gun
HP in midair
Dr. Doom shoots his laser gun across the screen.
Plasma Beam
P
Dr. Doom fires a plasma beam across the screen. If performed in midair, he shoots the projectile diagonally downward.
Photon Shot
P
Dr. Doom shoots photon shots from his fingers, which spread out from him. This move can be performed in midair.
Molecular Shield
K
Dr. Doom conjures a cascade of rocks that swirl around him, preventing opponents from coming near, before being thrown toward his opponent.
Flight
+ two K simultaneously
Dr. Doom flies for 5 seconds or until he is hit. He can move in any direction using the D-Pad. This move can be performed in midair.
Move list (Infinity Specials)
Name
Command
Description
Photon Array
+ two P simultaneously
Dr. Doom shoots multiple photon shots from his fingers. This move can be performed in midair.
Thanos
Thanos is a warlord from the planet Titan who wishes to gather the six Infinity Gems and use them to kill half of the universe's population. He is the final boss of the game.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Titan Crush
P
Thanos dashes forward head first. This move can be performed in midair.
Death Sphere
K
Thanos throws a sphere that entraps and temporarily stuns his opponent.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Knee Dive
+ HK in midair
Thanos dives downward with his knee.
Long Run
after dashing with
Thanos can continue running after dashing.
Move list (Infinity Specials)
Name
Command
Description
Gauntlet Reality
LP
Thanos uses the Reality Gem to create two stone pillars and crush his opponent between them.
Gauntlet Space
MP
Thanos uses the Space Gem to create a vortex of flying stone in front of him.
Gauntlet Power
HP
Thanos uses the Power Gem to create a giant fireball that sweeps across the screen.
Gauntlet Time
LK
Thanos uses the Time Gem to create tall light beams that surround and temporarily slow his opponent.
Gauntlet Soul
MK
Thanos uses the Soul Gem to attack his opponent in near range with an incapacitating lightning strike.
Gauntlet Mind
HK
Thanos uses the Mind Gem to confuse his opponent, inverting the other player's and controls for a duration.
Anita is a secret character, only present in the Japanese version of the game. She is originally from Vampire Hunter, where she accompanies Donovan. She appears here with a miniature version of Donovan's sword Dhylec.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Killshread Plant
P+K
Anita plants her sword into the ground (which changes her normal attacks). While the sword is planted, she can summon it back to her by again pressing a P and K of the same strength, which causes it to attack opponents on the ground as it returns.
Gouki Summon
P
Anita summons Gouki/Akuma (from the Street Fighter games), who imbues her sword with fire while swinging it upward, knocking over and burning nearby opponents. This move can be performed in midair.
Lin-Lin Summon
K
Anita summons Lin-Lin/Mei-Ling (Hsien-Ko's twin sister in the Darkstalkers games), who pokes nearby opponents with magic lances that explode violently on contact. This move can be performed in midair.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Quadruple Jump
in midair
Anita can jump up to four additional times in midair.
Move list (Infinity Specials)
Name
Command
Description
Love for You
+ two P simultaneously
Anita bombards her opponent with hundreds of doll heads.
Stages
Each character has his or her own stage where matches are hosted. The stage can be manually chosen in the two-player mode.
By default, the Saturn version has to cut the number of character animations, making it less smooth than the original arcade version in motion. With the Extended RAM Cartridge, the Saturn is able to bridge more of the gap; while still not a perfect match, it is able to reinstate most ducking animations, for example, which, without the RAM cartridge, are reduced to static frames.