The Nintendo SNES is one of the most iconic and beloved gaming consoles of all time. Released in 1991, it brought a new level of depth and complexity to side-scrolling action games, with titles like Super Mario World, Donkey Kong Country, and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past pushing the boundaries of what was possible on the hardware.

One of the most interesting and underrated games in the SNES library is Marvel Super Heroes - War of the Gems (also known as Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes in some regions). Developed by Capcom, this game brought together two beloved franchises in a way that few others had before or since: Marvel Comics and Street Fighter.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at Marvel Super Heroes - War of the Gems, including its gameplay, story mode, and features, as well as its age rating and availability.

Gameplay

Marvel Super Heroes - War of the Gems is a 2.5D fighting game that brings together over 20 characters from both the Marvel Comics universe and the Street Fighter franchise. The game's mechanics are similar to those found in other Capcom fighting games of the era, with players able to execute a variety of special moves, combos, and throws.

One of the standout features of Marvel Super Heroes - War of the Gems is its unique "Gem System". Each character has their own set of three "Gems" that can be used to perform special attacks. These Gems are represented by colored orbs that appear on screen when a character lands a hit or performs a specific action, and players must carefully manage them in order to maximize their damage output.

The game also features a variety of stages based on iconic Marvel Comics locations, including the Avengers Compound, Wakanda, and the planet Zorgon. These stages are meticulously detailed and packed with secrets and hidden areas that reward careful exploration.

Story Mode

Marvel Super Heroes - War of the Gems features a unique story mode that takes place in an alternate universe where the heroes of Marvel Comics and Street Fighter must band together to stop an evil force known as the "Warlord".

The story is told through a series of cutscenes, with players controlling each character in turn to progress through the levels. The gameplay is similar to other fighting games, but with some unique twists and challenges that reflect the characters' abilities and personalities.

Characters

Marvel Super Heroes - War of the Gems features an impressive roster of over 20 playable characters, including:

• Marvel Comics icons like Wolverine, Storm, and Spider-Man
• Street Fighter legends like Ryu, Chun-Li, and Guile
• Other Capcom franchises like Mega Man and Darkstalkers also make appearances

Each character has their own unique set of abilities, moves, and special attacks that can be used to outmaneuver opponents. Some characters are more well-rounded and easy to use, while others require a great deal of practice and patience to master.

Age Rating

Marvel Super Heroes - War of the Gems is rated "M" for Mature by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) in North America, due to its violent content, including some gory special moves and intense action sequences.

In Europe, the game was rated "18+" by the Pan European Game Information (PEGI) organization, which means it's only suitable for players aged 18 or older.

Availability

Marvel Super Heroes - War of the Gems is a relatively rare game due to its limited release in certain regions. However, it can still be found on online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon, as well as in second-hand stores and specialty retro gaming shops.

The game's original packaging and instruction manual are highly sought after by collectors, and some versions of the game have been packaged with exclusive bonus content or artwork.

Conclusion

Marvel Super Heroes - War of the Gems is a hidden gem in the SNES library that offers a unique blend of action, adventure, and comic book excitement. Its gameplay, story mode, and characters all come together to create an experience that's both fun and rewarding for players of all ages.

If you're a fan of fighting games, Marvel Comics, or just looking to explore the lesser-known corners of the SNES library, then Marvel Super Heroes - War of the Gems is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for some intense action and violent content, as this game is not suitable for all audiences!