In the era of superhero movies, it seemed inevitable that the genre would take a bigger leap into video games. In previous generations, Marvel’s involvement in the gaming sphere has consisted of a few movie ties and a handful of LEGO games, but with the PlayStation 4 it’s been much more careful. Marvel’s Spiderman in 2018 met with overwhelming critical acclaim, which was later offset by a somewhat lackluster avengers Title. However, hopes have been somewhat revived by the Eidos-Montréal project Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy.
The efforts of the developer paid off, because marvel’s guardians of the galaxy was a critical darling, and many thought it was one of the best games of 2021. The game was a return to more linear game design, with players taking on the role of Peter “Star-Lord” Quill as he was trying to keep the misfit band of heroes from killing each other, while saving the entire galaxy. The experiment was largely centered around its story, and as its conclusion leaves open the possibility of a sequel. With its praise and an ending that invites more in future entries, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy definitely deserves a sequel.
Guardians of the Galaxy is a stunted masterpiece
guardians of the galaxy underperformed publisher Square Enix’s expectations. Over the past few years, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has seen hit after hit, so Eidos-Montreal’s sales guardians of the galaxy were surely a concern. However, with the title hitting Xbox Game Pass on March 10, there’s a chance more players will see its story unfold. Game Pass was already a tempting offer, but with Guardians on the platform, this could reinforce the commercial success of the title and prove that a sequel is needed.
It’s a title that deserves more recognition not only because of its take on seasoned comic book characters, but also because its linearity is both nostalgic and innovative. Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy featured many intriguing narrative threads and engaging gameplay components, but seemingly thanks to an unfortunate association with Crystal Dynamics’ lukewarm avengersits growth was severely stunted.
A Critically Acclaimed Marvel Video Game Story
Although many might have guessed that the 2021 game would fall short of James Gunn’s films in the MCU, Eidos-Montreal guardians of the galaxy holds its own, even outperforming the movies in a number of areas. The dialogue that litters the main campaign never stops, with each character using not-so-subtle banter and witty lines to flesh out the team. The 15-20 hours it takes to complete the story means it’s the most time players have spent with the cast outside of the comic book pages.
By winning Best Storytelling at The Game Awards 2021, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy beat the likes of Double Fine Psychonauts 2 and Deck Nine’s Life is Strange: True Colors. It speaks volumes that few people challenged the verdict. Over the course of the game’s 16 chapters, the team’s relentless bickering turns into light blows, and as the authoritarian ideology of the Universal Church of Truth weighs on the galaxy, the team’s troubles only ‘to get worse. Luckily, what’s a problem for Star-Lord, Drax, Rocket, Gamora, and Groot is a player’s delight, as many of the story moments are thrilling and heartfelt.
A rogues gallery of cosmic proportions
Every new movie, book, or game should establish a well-developed protagonist, and any allies they have along the way should also be memorable. As a result, the menacing villain often takes a back seat, so Eidos-Montreal’s well-executed approach to an antagonist shines bright. Taking on the Universal Church of Truth has done wonders for delivering an intriguing villain, something that has plagued many MCU films. The Guardians were fighting valiantly against an idea, and one that had its teeth firmly in the majority of the galaxy, so seeing their personalities tempted by this dark force made for some wonderful character moments.
Perhaps the most painful thorn in the team’s side, Thanos, remains elusive throughout the events of Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. Gamora’s adoptive father, Thanos has particularly strong ties to the guardians of the galaxy license, so the absence of his presence was noticed; much like the absence of Venom from Insomniac Spider Man in 2018. Thanos could be a prime candidate for the villain of any possible sequel, as Drax’s fatal blow to the Mad Titan is the subject of the character’s doubts throughout the game. could be a real battle for the ages.
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy is a satisfying experience from start to finish. The adventure of Star-Lord and company doesn’t need a sequel, but the possibility of seeing the likable cast in a follow-up is exciting to many. Eidos-Montréal has created something special, and it deserves a second chapter; a second chance at success. Wielding a story that rivals anything in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it stands alongside Rocksteady Arkham series and Insomniac’s Spider Man franchise among the best superhero games available. The latter two have had many sequels, so depriving Guardians of another chapter would be a mistake.
guardians of the galaxy is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S.
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