Image via Square Enix
The first day of New York Comic Con was heavy on clouds, cosplay, and clout chasing. But thankfully, the good folks at Square Enix and Crystal Dynamics got the memo early and stayed off of the beaten path to showcase an exclusive look at their upcoming Marvel’s Avengers video game. As I entered the Penthouse 45 space, I was still feeling the burn from that cringe-worthy trailer where Not Robert Downey Jr. and Not Chris Hemsworth were kicking much arse atop the Golden Gate Bridge.
This hands-on demo would find myself and others playing the same introduction section that was at Gamescom. It was my first time, so before pressing the cross (X) button on what is another potential blockbuster superhero game adaptation, I paused to really see how the other players were taking to the game. As Thor, some players preferred to fly around and deliver forceful bolts of lightning as soldiers attempt to attack San Francisco. Others wanted to get their melee on, throwing Mjolnir to stick a soldier against a bus, and wallop on a group of baddies.
It is that choice of fluid play that Crystal Dynamics hopes encourages millions to step into the roles of Captain America or The Incredible Hulk. Designed to account for multiple characters and players, Marvel’s Avengers (due out May 15, 2020, on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC) had me wondering if this was going to be QTE-filled, B-movie version of the popular MCU series. But, as I fought on the deck of a helicarrier as Not Chris Evans, I was impressed by each individual hero’s combat mechanics. Earth’s Mightiest Heroes all play true to their character’s strengths—from Hulk’s Thunderclap to Iron Man’s Unibeam Blast—and made me feel like I was reliving moments from 2012.
Fortunately, the team at Crystal Dynamics took a page out of Kevin Feige’s book and are solely thinking about the future. “We [Crystal Dynamics] welcome the challenge of telling an original story and giving a new look for Avengers and Marvel fans,” Rich Briggs, Crystal Dynamics Senior Brand Director, said during the presentation’s second half. Marvel’s Avengers build is still pre-Alpha, so some cosmetic complaints (Not Chris Hemsworth with spindly hair and no Ragnarok swagger) can be put on the shelf for now. The real key is what the game offers after you’ve gotten past the tutorial. The on-screen map opens up to reveal the American Southwest and here’s where things get interesting.
Like a suit of armor around the world, Marvel’s Avengers plans on giving gamers numerous options to play as a one-man wrecking crew or part of a team. Broken down into multiple aspects, Crystal Dynamics' aim was simple: to create an original Avengers story, give gamers a customizable experience, and make the universe as marvelous as its Marvel counterparts. “After the events of the Golden Gate Bridge, we’re fast-forwarded five years into the future where AIM replaces the Avengers and its mission has real-world consequences if Earth’s Mightiest Heroes don’t reunite in time,” Rich shared as he expanded the in-game map to reveal a whole world full of adventures and possibilities.
Billed as Hero or Warzone missions, players can open the main game story through these two ways. In Hero mode, you pick your hero and go through enemies and obstacles to advance the story and learn just what AIM is up to. “These missions give us the opportunity to show off a level design that is tailored for that specific hero,” Rich share. “Air space, flight navigation, and really cool gadgets for Iron Man and destructible objects and big enemies for Hulk are just some examples of the different playsets we have designed for the Avengers to play on.” In Warzone, you and up to four of your friends can select your favorite superhero, hop in a Quinjet and stop the next extinction-level-event from happening.
Due to the embargo of the game and this post, we were unable to see how either mode plays with Crystal Dynamics commenting that more about co-op will be shared “sometime next year”.
Up next was Hannah MacLeod, who was extremely excited to share a BIG surprise with those in attendance. “The Avengers have disassembled. Bruce is trapped in his own personal hell inside the Hulk, Tony disconnects from the world, and Black Widow and Thor take Cap’s passing in their own dramatic ways,” she said. “With those odds against them, we’re excited to tell an Avengers story that’s not just about saving the world, but also about saving the Avengers themselves.”
To do that, Crystal Dynamics’ Narrative Designer and Writer announced that Kamala Khan, better known as Ms. Marvel, as a playable character. The future Disney+ star is one of six playable characters that can be used throughout Marvel’s Avengers, but my money is on Khan quickly becoming one of the standouts once the game is out. “Her embiggen powers add a dramatic element to the game that makes it totally unique.” Her addition to the game not only ties her to the larger Marvel properties on TV and film, but help to cement her as recognizable name amongst the more well-known heroes in the Marvel Universe. The surprises didn’t stop there as Rich returned to introduce Vincent Napoli, Lead Combat Designer with Marvel’s Avengers. “Whether you play the awesome way or the even better way, Ms. Marvel’s role in the game hints at a larger story that we hope gets gamers excited in a major way,” he shared with us in the room.
With that said Vincent welcomed us back to the room to get some actual hands-on time with Kamala in an X-Men-Danger-Room-styled level. Facing off against waves of different AIM enemies, Marvel’s Avengers boasts a customizable array of skills that help elevate combat. “We are building a game where each hero looks and feels different,” Rich shared. “Based on how you build your character can greatly affect how you play, and we are excited about the possibilities.” For the training room level with Ms. Marvel, her embiggen powers are in full effect. Towering over spider-like mechazords with ease, she can also elongate her limbs to smack down enemies with multiple combos.
The helicarrier training room will serve as ground zero for learning the moves of all your Avenger characters. Perks, modifiers, and different costumes help to keep gameplay fresh and engaging. “Branded items such as Stark Industry gear for Tony or a different gauntlet for Black Widow will serve as pretty powerful assets to help beat foes like The Abomination,” Rich shared with us in attendance. Add into the mix the 80 years of superhero costumes at their disposal —ranging from Mr. Joe Fixit to Mark VIII: Silver Centurion— and Crystal Dynamics promises they will also create new costumes approved by Marvel.
Getting hands-on with Marvel’s Avengers helped to answer a few questions I had regarding the game, but I’m still left with a few more. The game’s narrative is expected to evolve and change over multiple years—will this result in major live events like Borderlands and Fortnite? Crystal Dynamics said that new regions and character releases will be free of charge, but will fans appreciate no pay-for-power options when faced against an insurmountable enemy? Will the game’s storytelling be distinguishable from the MCU? How long will it take to tell the whole story? I am looking forward to unpacking the answers to these big questions as myself and other PS4 owners will get time with the beta first, before Marvel’s Avengers scheduled release date on May 15, 2020.