The ultimate flag-bearing patriotic superhero, Captain America, is the perfect personification of the 4th of July. He stands for freedom, goodness, and bravery and packs one hell of a punch. This Independence Day, you too can don your own adamantium shield and save the day in these great gaming titles.
Captain America Defies The Doom Tube
We had to start off with a bit of a ringer. This is Captain America’s first appearance in video games and dates all the way back to 1987. We’re not saying this game hasn’t aged, but sometimes it’s nice to go back to a classic – especially when we’re talking about good old Cap.
The game wasn’t the best received when it originally released, but the way the gameplay unfolds in real-time is still pretty unique. You have one hour to find your way through the maze and defeat Dr. Megalomann. A great way to fit in a little Captain America during your 4th of July celebrations.
You can find a number of different emulators online to let you play through Steve Roger’s first appearance in gaming.
Lego Marvel Super Heroes
The first of two Lego Marvel titles in our list, Lego Marvel Super Heroes lets you play as a smorgasbord of Marvel characters throughout the game, with Captain America appearing fairly early on. The main campaign can be completed in around 12 hours, but there’s still plenty that will keep you going back after that. Very much like the well-loved Pokemon franchise, you want to be sure to collect every hero and villain possible.
Available on PC, PlayStation 3, Wii U, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, Xbox One.
Lego Marvel Avengers
Next, we have another Lego title, but this game is a world away from Super Heroes. Lego Marvel Avengers is tied into the MCU, and focuses on a smaller group of heroes – Captain America included, of course. The problem is though, the storyline for this game is scattered, confusing, and damages the game somewhat.
The mechanics are still in line with other popular Marvel games, so it’s still worth your time. But, if you’re torn between which Lego Marvel game to choose, we recommend Super Heroes, hands down.
Available on Wii U, PC, Nintendo 3DS, Xbox One, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4.
Marvel Vs. Capcom Infinite
For an easy play, we recommend Marvel Vs. Capcom Infinite. It is far from the prettiest game on this list, but looks are everything. This classic fighting game pits both comic book and video game characters against each other, so you can finally settle some of the “who would win” arguments you’ve had in the past.
There is a storyline to go along with the fighting, but honestly, we wish there wasn’t. It’s haphazard and clunky and doesn’t really add anything to the game overall. But, as a fighting game, this still shines and provides hours of button-mashing fun.
Available on PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One.
Marvel’s Avengers
Ok, so this game might not be available to play just yet, but we couldn’t talk about Captain America in video games and not mention Marvel’s Avengers now, could we? Set to release on September 4th, 2020, you can at least celebrate the two-month countdown this 4th of July. You get to take on the mantle of all the main Avengers from the MCU as well as Kamala Khan as Ms. Marvel.
While many were, and still are, disappointed by how the game looks, we want to hold out on judging it too harshly before the full release.
Available on PS4, Xbox One, Google Stadia, Windows upon release.
Final Word
It doesn’t need to be the 4th of July to play as Captain America, but there really isn’t a more appropriate day, is there? When you’re done throwing your shield around and saving the world, why not check out some of the great deals to be had in the 4th of July Amazon Sales and maybe you could upgrade your PC to enjoy good old Cap in all his glory.