The show is a follow-up toX-Men: The Animated Series,which ran from 1992 until 1997.
So how didX-Menactually contribute to the popularity of the team?
Well to work that out, we first have to go back to the beginning.
The X-Mens Origins & Rise
The first X-Men comic debuted in 1963.
The brand continued to absolutely dominate Marvels slate throughout the early 90s.
Graphically both were dull, and mechanically they were unambitious.
The X-Men needed a new studio that actually understood them, and could deliver on what fans truly wanted.
Luckily, thats when Konami entered the scene.
1989sTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtlesarcade gameexceeded all expectations with its refined beat-em-up gameplay and obvious love for the source material.
The games presentation was just as vital to its incredible success.
Graphically its stunning, with a stylized concept ensuring that these famous faces look their absolute best.
A bright color palette certainly helps to back up those visuals.
Most importantly, the game was an absolute blast.
Its simplistic controls ensured that it was accessible to anyone.
Finally, the dream of utilizing the X-Men as a true team of heroes was realized.
Yet,X-Men: The Animated Seriesstill contributed to the arcade games growth and vice versa.
Suddenly, the animated show and the comics were backing one another up.
Ratings and comic sales rose almost parallel to one another.
Luckily for Konami, the arcade game was caught up in this whirlwind response.
The game and the show forged a culturally symbiotic relationship.
Love for one was often tied to the love of the other.
Remarkably, that good feeling couldnt be contained by that brief window in time.
Its because of the sheer quality of the experience.
TheX-Menarcade games popularity poses a chicken and egg conundrum to ponder.
Looking back, its vital to recognize just how muchX-Menthe arcade game contributed toX-Menhistory.
So once youve watchedX-Men 97and relieved yourAnimated Seriesmemories, be sure to seek out the 1992 game.
Its truly one of the greats.
