Deadpool Actually Had His Own Video Game – But You Can’t Play It Anymore

Nowadays, Deadpool’s presence in comic books, TV series, and movies cannot be ignored (especially with the recent success of Deadpool & Wolverine), but in the case of video games, there is an exceptional, but often forgotten exploration into the beloved character. In recent years, the “Merc-With-A-Mouth” has only appeared as a cameo or even as DLC for games starring other well-known superheroes, but it was not always that way.

A few years ago, Deadpool’s eponymous game was released to mixed reviews and controversy at the time. It was a hack-and-slash game without much gameplay innovation, but with exceptionally funny writing, which was enough to stick in the minds of the character’s fans. However, a series of events led to this game becoming one of the most popular superhero games, but also one of the most difficult to get today.

A Unique Fan-Favourite Experience That’s Unlikely To Come Back

Tons of Guns and Lots of Chimichangas

While some claim that Deadpool was a nobody before the movies, all die-hard fans of the character know for sure that this was not the case, and some of the best proof is his own video game. Released in 2013, the eponymous Deadpool game still stands as one of the most fan-favorite comics-based games and a sign of the antihero’s success outside traditional media.

The Deadpool game was a hack-and-slash action game with third-person shooter elements and platforming segments. Developed by High Moon Studios and published by Activision, the title featured the “regenerating degenerate” in a meta-adventure supposedly created and produced by Deadpool, in which he must take down the villainous Mister Sinister as part of his deal to launch his own video game.

“What? He said no? That was our chance to be on our own video game! Maybe we shouldn’t have written the proposal in crayon” – Deadpool, 2013

At the time, Deadpool was already well known to avid comic book readers for his gruff personality and many meta-humor elements that referenced movies, shows, and more. The game highlights many characteristics that have made the character recognizable today,such as his dark jokes, breaking the fourth wall, and constant references to pop culture. One of the most significant elements of that era was the use of different fonts for the voices in his head before it was known that Madcap was trapped inside.

It is this same attention to detail and respect for the source material that has made the game so appreciated by comic book fans. While the story is not award-worthy, it is made with the same intention of showing that it was Deadpool himself who wrote it, or rather, corrected it. It also includes cameos from well-known X-Men characters such as Domino, Rogue, and even Wolverine himself, who gets an entire segment dedicated specifically to slapping him in the face.

The titular character was also voiced by Nolan North in the 2013 game, best known for his work as Nathan Drake in Naughty Dog’s Uncharted series. North is one of the most legendary voices in video games, with a career spanning decades and dozens of titles, so it’s no surprise that he absolutely knocked it out of the park with his interpretation. Ryan Reynolds may be known as the prime Deadpool at the moment, but it’s fascinating now to go back and see another successful version of the character that won fans over.

Despite Its Success, Deadpool’s Game Disappeared Without a Trace

Even Overseeing His Own Game Didn’t Save it From Being Collateral Damage

Critical reception was mixed, with many praising the humor and writing, while calling the gameplay repetitive. Most notable, however, was the entire fan hype campaign. The announcement of the game was a memorable moment in itself, as Wade Wilson himself took over the High Moon Studios panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2012 to reveal the project. Since then, all the promotional material has focused on showing that it was Deadpool who “convinced” the developers to make his game a reality.

This kind of humor was right up his alley, as it was what many expected. And no less was expected, as the game’s writer was Daniel Way, the same man responsible for the 2008 Deadpool run, known for delving into the character’s sarcasm, shenanigans, and fourth-wall-breaking humor. On the other hand, High Moon Studios had already proven its ability to create entertaining games with the releases of Transformers: War for Cybertron and Fall of Cybertron. This combination was the best possible for the time, and many fans still remember the resulting game very fondly.

That is why it is so puzzling that there is currently no way to get the Deadpool game on modern platforms, as this title was affected by legal issues. Publisher Activision has released some of the most memorable games based on Marvel Comics characters since 1998, when the company signed a deal with the publisher resulting in games like X-Men Legends, Marvel Ultimate Alliance, and Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions. However, the agreement ended in 2014, resulting in games like Deadpool being removed from all online storefronts.

The Deadpool game reappeared for a limited time as a remaster for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, just in time for the official release of his movie. However, that return was short-lived as it was delisted again for Steam on PC, PlayStation Network, and Xbox Live. It is still unclear how Activision briefly regained the rights to re-release the game, but it has not been made available on any platform since.

The Deadpool Game Could Soon Come Back From the Grave

There May Be Hope For a New Re-release Along With Many Other Marvel Games

Although it has been nearly 10 years since the game was last available through legal means, many fans believe that an official return is very close. According to rumors, Xbox is reportedly working with Marvel to bring back many of the games that were published by Activision before the company lost the rights. This would include titles such as the first two installments of Marvel Ultimate Alliance and the cult classic Deadpool.

It’s a real shame that legal/licensing issues are enough to lock fans out of enjoying a game they’d very much be willing to pay good money for, but this is an issue that pervades all of pop culture these days, not just gaming. Here’s hoping that the new wave of Deadpool love will help knock something loose, because Marvel is leaving money on the table by not making this game available again, at least for now. The best bet for players who want to get their hands on this title right away is the pre-owned resale market, but even so, that’s not an option that works for everyone.

While the development of such projects has not been officially confirmed, it would not be so far-fetched to see it happen sooner rather than later. Fans already saw the release of the Deadpool remaster just before the release of his first movie, and the character is currently enjoying a lot of fame with the recent Deadpool & Wolverine, so this would be the perfect time for the video game to make a triumphant return as well.

It is worth noting that several games based on Marvel Comics characters have been very well received by gamers in recent years, such as Marvel Snap, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, and Marvel’s Spider-Man trilogy. In addition, many fans are looking forward to new titles such as Marvel Rivals, Marvel’s Wolverine, and Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics. The return of Deadpool’s video game adventure would fit right in with this promising wave of comic-based releases.