Marvel’s Midnight Suns has experienced numerous delays, including the postponement of its PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch versions to an undisclosed date. Despite its troubled development, the game stands out as one of the most interesting Marvel projects in recent years.
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Developed by Firaxis Games and helmed by XCOM 2 creative director Jake Solomon, Midnight Suns has garnered attention from strategy game fans. After spending 50 hours playing this tactical card-based RPG, I can confidently say that it was worth the wait. This excellent game captivates players with its engaging tactical gameplay, making it enjoyable even for those who are not necessarily Marvel fans.
Midnight Suns draws inspiration from the 1992 Rise of the Midnight Sons comic series, but presents its own self-contained original story. The game follows the resurrection of Lilith, the Mother of All Demons, and her demonic army, as well as an original protagonist known as the Hunter. The Hunter, who defeated Lilith in a previous encounter, is resurrected by Marvel heroes to combat the threat. This narrative provides a fresh perspective on the Marvel universe, making it accessible to newcomers.
What sets Midnight Suns apart is its focus on storytelling that assumes players are familiar with the characters and their backstories. Instead of rehashing origin stories, the game fills in information through optional conversations, allowing players to learn about the characters’ origins and powers at their own pace.
Midnight Suns showcases Marvel heroes going through a phase of growth and maturity, making them more relatable as flawed human beings rather than infallible legends. This character development makes the story engaging, especially when viewed through the eyes of the Hunter.
While Midnight Suns features popular Marvel superheroes, it also highlights lesser-known characters, creating a diverse and compelling cast. The interactions between these characters are filled with unique and fully-voiced dialogue. The game draws inspiration primarily from comics, with occasional nods to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
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The gameplay in Midnight Suns is unique and engaging. Battles involve deploying a team of up to three heroes into a 3D arena combat zone, where combat cards play a crucial role. Each hero possesses distinct strengths and weaknesses, encouraging players to experiment with different team combinations and strategies. The game offers a variety of difficulty options, ensuring both newcomers and experienced players can find the right level of challenge.
The downtime between missions in Midnight Suns is significant, involving various activities such as managing messages, completing tasks, and navigating different areas of the game. While functional, the frequency of these tasks can disrupt the game’s tempo.
The game does have some bugs, including occasional crashes and performance issues. However, these issues did not significantly impact my overall experience.
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Marvel’s Midnight Suns offers a rich and rewarding tactical RPG experience. Despite its flaws, the game’s captivating gameplay and engaging story make it a must-play for strategy game fans. However, the appeal of Midnight Suns may depend on whether players enjoy card-based games. If you’re open to this genre, then this game is definitely worth your time.
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