It’s difficult to believe that, outside of an NES brawler, a mediocre Wii U fighter, and Lego games, there are no full-fledged console Avengers games. Though the cancelled title from 2012 had potential, we’ve yet to see the Avengers in video game form in all their comic glory. This is why I have such high hopes for Square Enix’s upcoming Avengers title, set to be an online third-person action game. While I have a lot of faith in Square Enix, I also have quite a few expectations. Or far-fetched hopes, whatever works.
Exciting, Flashy, Over-the-Top Action
Look at the last twenty minutes of almost any Marvel film and you’ll likely find an explosive battle fueled by super-powers, energy beams, and damaged environments. Taking part in this sort of action would be a comic-fan’s dream come true, especially with so many different super-powers and abilities at your command. Punching Ultron drones until they explode or blasting Skrulls through walls would certainly empower players while emulating the feeling of seeing the Avengers assemble for the first time in the first film.
Lots and Lots of Characters
The Avengers roster is ridiculous. Though it’s only recently started to show in the films, the Avengers as a group is always changing. From Spider-Man and Wolverine to Beast and Hercules, a decent chunk of the Marvel universe has at one point been known as an Avenger. This needs to be reflected in Square’s Avengers, by a huge cast of playable characters and NPCs. I’m talking about a lab full of intellectual characters like Hank Pym and Amadeus Cho, or an Avengers Mansion/Tower full of idling team members and tertiary allies of the team. And yes, that means we need the X-Men and Fantastic 4. You’re killing me Marvel, give me my X-Men.
In a best case scenario, I’m hoping that a great deal of these characters will be playable. The playability of the core group is guaranteed, but this game would be a great way to show off future film characters and (at present) comic-exclusive characters. Wonder Man and White Tiger have plenty of potential as unique playable characters, and that’s without cracking into the more recent younger roster including the endlessly charming Ms. Marvel and the endlessly cool sorcerer Wiccan. There’s no shortage of stellar characters to include, and I hope Square Enix takes advantage of that.
Endless Fanservice
Easter eggs are a big part of what makes Marvel movies so appealing to fans, so it’s only natural to assume this sort of fanservice will make the jump to Square’s Avengers. Whether it’s as big as a hint towards future events and titles or something as small as Daily Bugle headlines that reference Marvel stories, a large volume of unassuming Easter eggs would go a long way in selling fans on the title.
This extends to character costumes as well. There are decades worth of comics to pull from for most Avengers characters, meaning customizability could be key. Say you want to play as the Scarlet Spider, or as Marvel NOW!’s Iron Man, or even as a different Hulk (Banner, Cho, or maybe Ross), it should be entirely possible to implement different costumes and skins. It doesn’t need to be as complex as Injustice 2’s gear system is, but a costume catalog like the upcoming Spider-Man game’s or Marvel Ultimate Alliance would be much appreciated.
And that’s what I want to see from Square Enix’s Avengers. Do you agree. Or disagree? What do you want to see? Leave a comment below, and stay tuned to MonsterVine for all things Avengers.
