The Devil of Hell’s Kitchen could’ve led his own video game. Just in time for Halloween, Hidden Palace unearthed a prototype for a canceled PS2 Daredevil title, Daredevil: The Man Without Fear, that was in development from 2003 to 2004.
Named after an unused Sonic 2 zone, Hidden Palace is a group of video game preservationists set on saving prototypes and in-development builds of games released and unreleased. In this case, they got their hands on 5,000 Ft. Studios’ Daredevil project, alongside info on its development and cancelation.
5,000 Ft. Studios’ Daredevil: The Man Without Fear was a third-person beat ‘em up based on the Marvel superhero comic, made famous by Frank Miller. Set to be published by Encore Inc., the game was in development for the PS2, Xbox, and PC.
To Daring Heights
Per Hidden Palace’s info, you’d play as the blind Matt Murdock (Daredevil), facing off against the gangs of Hell’s Kitchen to stop a war for power. While the game’s story would be original, much of the inspiration came from the Elektra Lives Again comic. Its narrative was spread into chapters but offered side missions and collectibles for players to complete within them. Reminiscent of the old Spider-Man games, players would be able to grapple up buildings and edges. With his superhuman senses, he can see heat sources of all forms of life around you via the “Shadow World”.
The publisher, Encore, Inc. gave 5,000 Ft. access to its recently-purchased Daredevil property so they could create their own games. While originally a smaller experience, 5,000 Ft. director Tim Page reportedly learned about the then-unannounced 2003 Daredevil film. The project then grew into a much bigger game in terms of scope and size, becoming open-world.
During Daredevil: The Man Without Fear‘s development, Sony reportedly suggested the game become a beat ’em up and feature a skateboard-like grinding system akin to Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. Marvel apparently was not fond of Sony’s demands, and more complications arose, like staff departures and engine trouble.
Originally planned to release alongside the film in February 2003, the game was still in development until March 2004. However, because of Sony’s demands, Marvel wouldn’t approve the game, as it didn’t match the original idea sold to them.
A Gameboy Advance title for Daredevil, released alongside the film, was published by Encore, Inc. and developed by Griptonite Games. No attempts to bring Daredevil into the gaming universe via solo games have been made since, outside of licensed material and appearances in different Marvel games.
Personally, a Daredevil game would be pretty cool given the character’s abilities and storylines. What 5,000 Ft has looked pretty promising, despite knowing the development issues it had. Nic Rowe suggested it be akin to the Batman Arkham series, as the themes work well. Fortunately, Insomniac’s Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 seems to hint at the character’s appearance for potential DLC, so we’ll see if it pans out.
