Why Phoenix Cyclops?

Cyclops was an early candidate for the roster as a member of the Unbreakable X-Men team. However, the character has appeared in numerous Marvel fighting games over the years, with his visual identity and battle style firmly established through that history. The team challenged itself to explore whether there was a way to present Cyclops in a style that felt different from what players had seen before.

During development discussions, the narrative team proposed using the Phoenix version of Cyclops. This interpretation would allow for fresher visuals and a more exciting fighting style while offering something unexpected. The team continued working on the character until feeling confident they were adding something new to his fighting game legacy.

Character Design

Phoenix Cyclops represents Scott Summers attempting to tame a destructive power to save mutantkind from extinction. This version of the character believes in absolute justice and is willing to make difficult decisions and take extreme actions when necessary.

The design intentionally conveys the inner conflict and emotional burden that comes with those choices. The team gave him a somewhat younger appearance to contrast the incredible aura of the Phoenix Force, with his transformed state illustrating a shift from idealistic leader to fiery corruption.

While the overall Phoenix costume remains faithful to its source material, the design incorporates details and visual touches inspired by the comics throughout the process.

Gameplay and Skills

Cyclops functions as an all-rounder who excels at both long-range combat and close-range strikes through versatile use of Optic Blasts. Empowered by the Phoenix Force, he can unleash wide-area fire-based attacks that control large portions of the screen, with access to projectiles, rushing attacks, throws, and setup tools through various Optic Blast techniques.

As players use Optic Blasts, they accumulate Phoenix Force energy called Solar Shards. Once four Solar Shards are collected, Cyclops can transform into his Dark Phoenix form—a mechanic inspired by the Avengers vs. X-Men storyline, in which Cyclops became one of the Phoenix Five and eventually absorbed the power of his fellow teammates to transform into Dark Phoenix.

Entering Dark Phoenix form grants a significant temporary power boost but comes with risks, including health depletion. Successfully managing and controlling that power will be one of the keys to victory.

DLC Costumes

When the team decided to make Phoenix Cyclops the base version of the character, they recognized that many fans would prefer the classic appearance they have known for years. Because the team significantly reinterpreted the character's design and chose a relatively uncommon version, they developed the expectation that classic-inspired costumes should also be available.

The “Classic” and “Legacy” costumes were created with this philosophy in mind.

EVO France Preview

Players attending EVO France from October 9-11 will have the opportunity to be among the first to try Phoenix Cyclops. The MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls booth will be open at the event for attendees to experience the character firsthand.