The Big Game Idea: Level 6 End - A 1UP classic from Oct 26, 2006

Below is a series that I originally ran on 1UP in 2006. In it I proposed an original video game based on the Incredible Hulk. I called it "The Big Game Idea." Over a few weeks I described the graphics, game play, visuals, and plot from beginning to end, including bonus features. I made a few minor edits, but it is more or less exactly the same as it was almost 20 years ago. I hope you enjoy it.

Peeps, thanks for putting up with this lengthy series. If this game were out I'm sure most of you would have already beaten it, possibly in hard mode, by now. After a month you've had your fill of Hulk ideas but we're not quite finished. Please bear with me a little bit more.

CINEMA: The Maestro is standing in the middle of the street laughing as the military advances on him. He is suddenly struck by a bolt of lightning. The dark gray clouds part as Thor descends from Asgard. He is wearing his battle armor and holding his enchanted hammer Mjolnir above his head. His red cape flaps in the stormy winds. The Maestro stands and prepares to battle the son of Odin.

Level 6 End
Location: New York downtown.
Objective: Defeat Thor.
Learn: Final set of grappling attacks.
Unlock: Modern comic book gallery.
Level Design: We are still in the heart of downtown. A fallen Giant-Man and Hulkbuster are in the level as the battle rages. Far above the skyline is the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier. Thor has similar fighting mechanics as Hercules. He is an adept fighter with any weapon and unarmed also knows wrestling moves. He can fight with his hammer and even throw it. The hammer returns automatically to Thor when he throws it. The Maestro can not wield the hammer in the same way that he could Hercules' mace. Thor can also fly and shoot bolts of lightning from the hammer. His armor protects him from all but the hardest hits of the Maestro. Unlike the Iron Man armor, Thor's armor does not get weaker as the battle progresses. Thor is the most powerful member of the Avengers. To be able to defeat him the player has to use some strategy. Here's a hint, the Hulkbuster armor is lying around, the Maestro can use it like a shield against the lightning attacks or even throw it at Thor. Since it is nearly indestructible it will be the only thing remaining once the buildings in this level have been flattened.

Thor in his battle armor is without a doubt his toughest incarnation. Thor can enter a berserker frenzy that would scare Wolverine but without his armor he is more vulnerable to the Hulk. This is the armor that Thor is expected to don when the Ragnarok (end times) begins. The appearance of the Maestro can certainly be considered the beginning of the end for the Marvel universe. I'm not a fan of the traditional "Goldilocks" Thor costume but I must admit that the battle armor (and beard) makes Thor look like a complete badass. For those that don't know, the original armor design was by the great Walt Simpson.

As you can guess from my Frank Miller inspired art, I really want this level to mean something to both comic book fans and video game players. When gamers see Thor enter the level, as he flies down with his red cape flapping in the wind, I want them to be filled with awe.

In many forums the vote is split between who would win in a fight, Thor or Superman. Despite his many powers and abilities Superman is weak to magic, as many comic fans know. Thor is a god, not a demigod, he has god strength, speed, stamina, fighting ability and reflexes. His hammer is made out of the hardest material in the universe, and is enchanted as well. Thor with his hammer would hurt Superman as a sledgehammer swung by an athlete would hurt a regular person. Superman's weakness toward magic is the reason why a character like Shazam (Captain Marvel, who is made up entirely of magic) would beat him in a fight. DC fans would believe that Thor is the only Marvel character that could beat Supes in a fight. Of course when they find out that the Hulk has beaten Thor a few times (and that the Hulk can actually withstand magical attacks) they change their mind and call Superman the victor... whatever. For all intents and purposes the whole set-up for this level, is the epic battle to settle the question. A god versus the mightiest mortal! Superman versus Shazam? *ahem* Thor versus the Maestro!

If you manage to beat Thor, this is what happens next:

CINEMA: "Tony this is Reed. Is there any power left in the Hulkbuster?" Reed Richards can be seen in the screen of the Iron Man armor. In the background Sue Storm is applying a bandage to the head of Johnny.

"I have a reserve, why?" Asks Tony.

"Do you think it's enough to send the Maestro on a cross country trip?" Asks Reed.

"I hope so, do you have the coordinates?" Tony opens the armor and begins pushing buttons inside the Hulkbuster helmet.

"I'm working with S.H.I.E.L.D. on a missile, a gamma radiation suppressor." We have a second gamma presence detected in New Mexico. This might be our only chance to stop the Maestro and the... looks like Abomination... in one attack."

"I trust your judgement Reed, the coordinates are in." Tony says.

"Okay, send the Maestro on my mark." Says Reed. The S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier can be seen flying in the distance.

"I never suspected that a god would be so easy to defeat." Thor is knocked to the ground. The Maestro seems to have the upper hand. "Without your hammer you seem to lack the courage of your conviction." The Maestro stomps on the chest of Thor. In turn Thor releases the grip on his hammer. The Maestro goes over to it and tries picking it up. "I don't understand... I'm stronger than the Hulk ever was... why can I not move it?"

Thor spits up some blood and wheezes out. "You are not worthy."

"Impossible!" The Maestro puts both hands on the handle and can barely manage to get his fingers around it. He pulls and pulls with all his might and the hammer barely budges. "Move you cursed hammer!" His eyes go white and small sparks of green energy crackle about his frame.

"What are you?" Asks Thor. The Maestro seems to be changing forms as he struggles with the hammer. Becoming slightly larger and a different shade of green.

A missile is fired out from the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier and seems to be going into orbit. "Now Tony, NOW!!!" Says Reed on the radio.

"Copy that Reed." Tony presses a button on the Hulkbuster. The armor takes off like a rocket toward the Maestro.

"Mjolnir, return!" Thor yells. A bolt of lightning strikes the Maestro.

The Maestro is tossed into the air by the bolt and hit from behind by the Hulkbuster. The armor lifts him into the air and begins rocketing in the same direction as the missile.

Thor is clutching Mjolnir. "I fear that was not the Hulk... by the gods I know not what that monster was." Thor sits up as Tony walks over.

"Our objective is complete here." Tony says as he watches two vapor trails disappear into the sky. "I hope that missile works."

END OF LEVEL 6

A fight between Thor, and the Maestro, who do you think would come out on top? Tell me in the comments section. As always if you enjoyed this blog, and would like to sponsor me please visit my Patreon page and consider donating each month, even as little as $1 would help make better blogs and even podcasts!