In an age of superhero movies, it seemed like an inevitability that the genre would make a bigger jump to video games. In previous generations,Marvel’s commitment to the gaming sphere has been a few film tie-insand a handful of LEGO games, but with the PlayStation 4 it has been far more attentive.Marvel’s Spider-Manin 2018 was met with overwhelming critical acclaim, which was later balanced out by a somewhat lacklusterAvengerstitle. Yet hopes were reignited somewhat by Eidos-Montreal’sMarvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy.
The developer’s efforts paid off, asMarvel’sGuardians of the Galaxywas a critical darling, and many believed it to be one of the best games of 2021. The game was a return to more linear game design, with players assuming the role of Peter “Star-Lord” Quill as he attempted to keep the misfit band of heroes from killing each other, all while saving the entire galaxy. The experience was largely centered around its story, and as its conclusion leaves open the possibility of a follow-up. With its praise and an ending that invites more in future entries,Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxyis thoroughly deserving of a sequel.
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Guardians of the Galaxy is a Stunted Masterpiece
Guardians of the Galaxyunderperformed compared to the expectations of publisher Square Enix. In recent years, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has seen hit after hit, so the sales of Eidos-Montreal’sGuardians of the Galaxywere surely a concern. However, with the title reaching Xbox Game Pass on March 10, there’s a chance more players will see its story unfold. Game Pass was already an enticing deal, but withGuardianson the platform, it could bolster the title’s commercial success and prove that a sequel is in order.
It’s a title that deserves more recognition not only because of its take on the seasoned comic book characters, but also because its linearity is both nostalgic and innovative.Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxypresented many intriguing narrative threads and engaging gameplay components, but seemingly thanks to anunfortunate association with Crystal Dynamics' lukewarmAvengers, its growth was severely stunted.
A Critically Acclaimed Marvel Video Game Story
Though many could have guessed that the 2021 game would fall short ofJames Gunn’s films in the MCU, Eidos-Montreal’sGuardians of the Galaxydoes hold its own, even besting the films in a number of areas. The dialogue that litters the main campaign never stops, with each character using not-so-subtle quips and witty lines to flesh out the team. The 15-to-20 hours it takes to see the tale through to completion means this is the most time players have spent with the cast outside the pages of comics.
Taking home the award forBest Narrative at The Game Awards 2021,Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxybeat the likes of Double Fine’sPsychonauts 2and Deck Nine’sLife is Strange: True Colors. It speaks wonders that few took issue with the verdict. Across the game’s 16 chapters, the team’s relentless bickering turns into light-hearted jabs, and as the Universal Church of Truth’s overbearing ideology weighs over the galaxy, the team’s problems only get worse. Thankfully, what’s a problem for Star-Lord, Drax, Rocket, Gamora, and Groot is a delight for the player, as many story moments are exciting and heartfelt.
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A Rogues' Gallery of Cosmic Proportions
Each new film, book, or game has to establish a well-developed protagonist, and any allies they have along the way must also be memorable. Menacing villain often takes a back seat as a result, so Eidos-Montreal’s well-executed approach to an antagonist shines bright.Taking on the Universal Church of Truthdid wonders to provide 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 being tempted by this dark force made for wonderful character moments.
Perhaps the most painful thorn in the side of the team, Thanos, remains elusive throughout the events ofMarvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. The adopted father of Gamora, Thanos has particularly strong ties with theGuardians of the Galaxylicense, so the lack of his presence was noticed; not unlike Venom’s absence from Insomniac’sSpider-Manin 2018.Thanos could be a prime candidate for the villain of any possible sequel, as Drax' killing blow to the Mad Titan is the topic of the character’s doubts throughout the game. The showdown with Marvel’s beloved bad guy could be a true battle for the ages.
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxyis a satisfying experience from start to finish. Star-Lord and company’s adventure is one that doesn’t need a sequel, but the possibility of seeing the likable cast in a follow-up is exciting to many. Eidos-Montreal created something special, and it deserves a second chapter; a second chance of success. Wielding a story that rivals anything in Marvel’s cinematic universe, itstands alongside Rocksteady’sArkhamseriesand Insomniac’sSpider-Manfranchise as some of the best superhero games available. Both of the latter had numerous sequels, so depriving the Guardians of another chapter would be a mistake.
Guardians of the Galaxyis available on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S.
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