Games Genie
LEGO Marvel Super Heroes cover art

LEGO Marvel Super Heroes

Best if you want approachable superhero action with a massive Marvel roster and stress-free couch co-op that the whole family can enjoy together.

Released
October 22, 2013
Metacritic
78
View reviews
Genre
ADVENTURE
User Rating
3.8

Why We Recommend This Game

LEGO Marvel Super Heroes nails the sweet spot between accessible action and compulsive collecting. You'll spend most of your time smashing bricks, solving light environmental puzzles, and switching between heroes whose unique powers unlock different paths—Hulk smashes green obstacles, Spider-Man swings across gaps, and Iron Man blasts gold targets. The loop is simple but satisfying: complete a story mission, unlock new characters, then return to free-roam New York City to hunt down collectibles and side quests you couldn't reach before. The learning curve is practically flat. Within minutes, you'll understand the core rhythm: punch things until they break into studs (the LEGO currency), build something from the debris, repeat. Puzzles are signposted clearly—you'll see a green handle and know you need a strong character, spot a web point and swap to Spider-Man. This gentle structure makes it ideal for mixed-skill households; an experienced player can guide a younger one without either feeling bored or overwhelmed. Sessions naturally break into 20–30 minute chunks. Story missions are self-contained set pieces that take you through iconic Marvel locations, while free-roam exploration lets you chase collectibles at your own pace. The game never punishes you for stepping away—you can't really fail, just respawn and try again—so it's perfect for families squeezing in playtime between other activities. The real draw is the staggering roster of 180 playable characters. Unlocking them all becomes its own meta-game, especially since each hero feels distinct enough to justify experimenting. You'll naturally want to revisit earlier areas with newly unlocked powers to reach previously inaccessible secrets. That said, depth is limited. Combat requires minimal strategy beyond button mashing, and puzzles rarely challenge beyond pattern recognition. Once you've seen the formula in one LEGO game, you've seen it here—it's the Marvel skin and character variety that differentiate it. Co-op is where it shines brightest. The dynamic split-screen adjusts smoothly as players separate, and teamwork emerges organically when one player needs a specific power the other has. It's low-pressure collaboration that doesn't demand perfect coordination, making it genuinely family-friendly rather than just child-tolerant.

Best For

  • Families seeking low-stress couch co-op with broad age appeal
  • Marvel fans who enjoy collecting and experimenting with a huge character roster
  • Completionists comfortable with straightforward, checkbox-style progression

Not For

  • Players seeking deep combat mechanics or strategic challenge
  • Those who've tired of the LEGO game formula from other titles
  • Anyone wanting meaningful difficulty scaling or fail states

Multiplayer & Game Modes

2 local

LEGO Marvel Super Heroes does not support crossplay, includes split-screen multiplayer, supports up to 2 players locally, features co-op campaign mode.

Features

Crossplay(No Crossplay)
Split-Screen
Local Multiplayer
Drop In/Out
Co-op Campaign

Play Modes

Single PlayerMultiplayerCo-opLocal Couch Co-opSplit-Screen

Player Count

Local
1-2

Additional Details

Supports 2-player local co-op via split-screen (dynamic shared/split view typical of LEGO TT games). No online multiplayer and no LAN multiplayer on PC/Steam. Co-op applies to the main campaign and free roam; second player can drop in/out during play.

Edition and Platform Information

Important details about which version to buy and where to play.

Platform Recommendations

Switch version offers portable co-op but runs at lower resolution with occasional frame drops during busy scenes. Performance is acceptable but not as smooth as PlayStation or Xbox versions.

Accessibility Features

Large, high-contrast UI and bold color coding make objectives easy to spot. Simple control schemes and prominent on-screen prompts support newcomers. No extensive accessibility options, but cooperative play naturally allows a more experienced player to support a younger or less skilled partner through trickier sections.

Screenshots

Click any screenshot to view in full size

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this game answered by our team.

How hard is it?

Very easy overall. Tuned for young players with no traditional difficulty settings, frequent checkpoints, and no real punishment for failure. You respawn instantly and can't get stuck. Puzzles require using the right hero but are clearly signposted.

How long to beat?

Story takes about 8–10 hours. Full completion with all collectibles, side missions, and 180 characters unlocked pushes 25–30+ hours depending on how thorough you are with exploration and challenge hunt.

Good for beginners?

Excellent for beginners and new gamers. Controls are simple, objectives are clear, and the game never punishes mistakes. Perfect entry point for younger players or anyone new to action-adventure games.

Is co-op drop-in/drop-out?

Yes. A second player can join or leave anytime by pressing start on a second controller. The dynamic split-screen adjusts automatically, and progress saves for both players seamlessly.

Do I need to know Marvel lore?

Not at all. The game introduces characters and situations clearly enough for newcomers. Marvel fans will catch references and enjoy the roster depth, but the gameplay works fine without any comic book knowledge.