Games like Fortnite and Super Smash Bros. are well known for including characters from all different franchises. From Spider-Man and Batman in Fortnite, to Kamen Rider and Ultraman in 1988’s Battle Soccer, these games have brought together fans from all across the gaming community. I’ll always remember getting Soul Calibur II for the Gamecube because my mom saw that it had Link on the cover.
Recently, crossovers have become increasingly popular, whether it’s Easter eggs, bonus characters or stages, or full on crossover games like the upcoming Mario + Rabbids: Spark of Hope. It’s starting to feel more-and-more that these game companies are getting looser-and-looser with their IPs. But if every game becomes a crossover, then what is there left to the original game?
Back before the DLC for Mario Kart 8: Deluxe was announced, there were rumors of a Mario Kart 9 with even more characters to improve upon its predecessor’s roster. Some were excited about the idea of Captain Falcon, Samus, and Fox McCloud joining the ranks of Mario and friends on Rainbow Road. Others felt that adding these characters would take away from the “magic” of Mario Kart, watering down the franchise with non-Mario characters and tracks.
Sometimes, however, game franchises strike gold like with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Even games like Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is a crossover between The Legend of Zelda and the Dynasty Warriors franchise. Clearly, crossovers in games are exciting for a reason, so we definitely want them to keep coming. Maybe just not as quickly.
I personally think we shouldn’t go too crazy here. It’s always fun to see characters outside of their element, like with Link or the Inklings popping up in Mario Kart, or seeing Indiana Jones show up in Lego Star Wars. Keeping these crossovers limited to a few characters and locations keeps the fun focused on the game itself, but still rewards those fans of other franchises, as well as possibly serve as an introduction to these new games. Keep these massive crossovers for games like Super Smash Bros. and Fortnite, but leave Mario Kart exclusive to the plucky plumber and gang.
What about you? Should more games include crossovers, or are you beginning to experience crossover fatigue? Let us know down below, or join the conversation on the Boss Rush Discord.
Image Source: Nintendo
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