Crossovers are a tricky business. When done well, they blend mechanics and universes in creative ways. When forced, they feel like corporate synergy at best—or fan-service with no substance. But some crossovers go beyond novelty and actually elevate both franchises.
Super Smash Bros. is the gold standard. It brings characters from wildly different genres into a unified platform-fighter format that somehow works. Nintendo’s careful curation of mechanics and design makes each fighter feel authentic, whether it’s Mario, Snake, or Sora.
Marvel vs. Capcom did something similar for fighting games—combining Western superheroes with iconic Japanese characters. Its frantic pace and stylized combat turned what could’ve been a gimmick into a competitive classic.
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII and Kingdom Hearts brought together Square Enix’s original characters with Disney’s universe—something that shouldn’t have worked, but became a beloved series thanks to strong narrative and gameplay design.
Other strong examples:
- Monster Hunter: World featuring Horizon Zero Dawn gear
- Fortnite’s Marvel and Star Wars events (surprisingly well-executed)
- Minecraft x Sonic, Persona 5 x Catherine, and Dead by Daylight’s horror icon roster
Why some crossovers work:
- They respect both source materials
- They integrate mechanics, not just skins
- They offer unique experiences, not shallow branding
When crossovers succeed, they don’t just entertain—they surprise, subvert, and invite fans into something new that honors where it came from.