EA Motive's Iron Man game faces significant expectations. Fans have longed for a quality Iron Man game, and while Sega's Iron Man titles and recent Marvel's Avengers attempted to fulfill this desire, they were met with criticism, intensifying the demand for a standout game adaptation. Fortunately, EA Motive boasts a skilled team and a plethora of comic book source material to inspire its creation.

Iron Man, introduced in March 1963 in Tales of Suspense #39, was not initially a prominent Marvel superhero and only gained widespread recognition following the 2008 Iron Man movie in the MCU. While EA Motive should draw primarily from the comics for inspiration, certain elements from the MCU, particularly the hero's origin story, could enhance the video game experience.

EA Motive's Iron Man Could Benefit from Embracing the MCU's Origin Tale

Evolution of Iron Man's Origin Story from Vietnam to Modern Times

In the character's original 1963 story, Iron Man's origin differed significantly from the MCU's rendition. Instead of being captured in a Middle-Eastern conflict, Tony Stark was initially abducted during the Vietnam War, a contentious period in history. The debut comic, set amidst the Vietnam War, reflected the era's sentiments on war but also perpetuated stereotypical representations of opposing forces. Despite this setting, the core narrative remained consistent with the hero's escape using a self-made suit of armor.

Modernizing Iron Man's Origin for EA's Game

While the Vietnam War context was fitting for its time, there are valid reasons for EA Motive to avoid it. The war's controversial nature demands cautious treatment, and anchoring Iron Man's origins in that era could confine EA's game to a specific period. Opting for a more contemporary setting akin to the MCU would allow EA's Iron Man game to swiftly progress beyond the origin story, paving the way for a fresh narrative. Aligning with the MCU's version not only modernizes the tale but also introduces a compelling antagonist in the form of the Ten Rings, the group responsible for Stark's capture in the MCU.