The roster for Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite has been revealed, featuring a mix of expected and surprising characters. However, several major Marvel characters are missing from the launch lineup, leaving fans wondering why some of the most recognizable heroes and villains are absent. This article explores the surprising omissions of Doctor Strange, the Fantastic Four, Venom, and Cyclops, and discusses the gameplay opportunities and fan demand for these characters.
When Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite was first revealed, one of the biggest questions surrounding Arc System Works' ambitious tag fighter was always going to be its roster.
Marvel has one of the deepest character libraries in entertainment history, and with Arc System Works developing its first Marvel fighting game, there was no telling who would be included. The roster announcement brought a mix of expected characters and a few surprises, but despite the impressive lineup, some major Marvel characters are clearly missing. Characters who have defined Marvel comics, films, and fighting games for decades remain absent from the launch lineup.
While there is every reason to believe that future DLC will expand the roster, it is difficult not to notice that several of Marvel's most recognizable heroes and villains are missing. Many of the biggest names in Marvel history are present, but there are some left off that shocked fans.
One such omission is Doctor Strange, who has become one of Marvel's most recognizable heroes over the last decade thanks to the MCU, but his importance to Marvel gaming stretches back much further. The Sorcerer Supreme has appeared in numerous Marvel fighting games, including Marvel vs. Capcom 3, and his magical abilities have consistently made him one of the franchise's most visually distinct combatants.
From a gameplay perspective, Doctor Strange feels like a perfect fit for Arc System Works' style of fighting game design. His arsenal of spells, portals, barriers, and mystical projectiles would allow developers to create a technical character focused on screen control, setup strategies, and creative combo routes. Arc System Works has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to translate complex abilities into compelling mechanics, making Doctor Strange's absence even more surprising. There is also the simple matter of popularity.
Doctor Strange has become one of Marvel's premier heroes across comics, films, and video games. When a roster includes lesser-known characters such as Danger Room while omitting the Sorcerer Supreme, fans take notice. If Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite receives post-launch support similar to other Arc System Works titles, Doctor Strange feels like one of the safest DLC predictions imaginable. Few omissions are more surprising than the complete absence of Marvel's First Family, the Fantastic Four.
Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm are among the most important characters in Marvel history, serving as foundational figures since their debut in 1961. Their influence on Marvel comics cannot be overstated, making their absence from the launch lineup all the more puzzling. The Fantastic Four also present incredible gameplay opportunities. Mr. Fantastic's stretching abilities could create a versatile mid-range fighter with unusual attack angles.
Invisible Woman could specialize in barriers, traps, and defensive play. Human Torch naturally fits the role of a high-mobility rushdown character, while The Thing practically designs himself as a heavy-hitting grappler. Few franchises offer such a complete package of fighting game archetypes within a single team, and any one of these characters would be a welcome addition. Historically, the Fantastic Four have been underrepresented in Marvel fighting games despite their importance.
While individual members have appeared in games like Marvel vs. Capcom 3, the team has never been playable as a whole. Another surprising omission is Venom, who may be the most shocking from a popularity standpoint. Since his debut in 1988, Eddie Brock's symbiote alter ego has become one of Marvel's most recognizable and commercially successful characters alongside Spider-Man. Whether in comics, films, animated series, or video games, Venom consistently ranks among Marvel's most beloved antiheroes, often surpassing Loki.
His combination of long-range attacks, aerial mobility, and unpredictable movement options helped make him one of the franchise's most memorable characters. Arc System Works excels at creating aggressive, visually spectacular fighters, making Venom feel almost tailor-made for Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite. His popularity alone would make him an attractive DLC addition, and his unique combat style would add another layer of diversity to an already creative roster, though some can say Carnage fills the same role.
If there is a character fans will continue requesting until launch day and beyond, it is almost certainly Venom. For many players, Cyclops is inseparable from Marvel fighting games themselves, and it feels odd not seeing him here, especially after his recent inclusion in Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite's beta. The franchise's traditional field leader remains absent, and his optic blasts and tactical fighting style could translate into an accessible projectile-focused character capable of controlling space while maintaining strong offensive pressure.
Cyclops was often one of those characters who simply felt right on a team, and his iconic optic beam attacks, straightforward mechanics, and leadership role made him easy to appreciate even for casual players
Please follow us on Google to support usMarvel Vs. Capcom: Infinite Doctor Strange Fantastic Four Venom Cyclops
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The 1950s: A Decade of Notable WorksA look at some of the best and most important books of the 1950s, balancing objectivity with opinions on these works that have stood the test of time and influenced future literature.
Read more »
Our unshakable spirit is most notable in the simplest momentsA recent early celebration of America's 250th is a stark reminder of its indomitable spirt, and of the many communities and people who make the country great.
Read more »
Capcom’s Resident Evil Spin-Off Sounds Like A Dream Come TrueThe spinoff that every RE character deserves.
Read more »
6 Years Later, Marvel Bringing Back New Mutants Star Rumor Has Marvel Fans Excited for RedemptionIs it time for some more mutant Magik?
Read more »