A new gameplay trailer reveals the strategic card-based gameplay of Marvel's Midnight Suns. The upcoming game's developer, Firaxis Games, is known for creating the turn-based strategy series XCOM. Despite sharing the same developer, Marvel's Midnight Suns is said to be drastically different from XCOM, with the turn-based strategy genre and the developer being the only real connections between the two projects.
Marvel's Midnight Suns, like Firaxis Games' previous releases, will allow players to lead a squad against enemy forces in turn-based combat. The player and their enemies will take turns attacking and maneuvering the battlefield, with an emphasis on careful forethought to avoid becoming overwhelmed or poorly positioned. However, Midnight Suns will allow players to design their own unique player character, known as The Hunter, who is controlled throughout the game. A base of operations called The Abbey will allow The Hunter to explore and interact with the game's roster of Marvel Comics heroes. Through The Abbey players can increase their character's relationship with these iconic heroes, though Marvel's Midnight Suns will not contain romance options, and the role-playing elements will have an affect on the team's combat performance.
A full gameplay reveal of Marvel's Midnight Suns, posted to YouTube by Marvel Entertainment, shows off the game's unique take on tactical combat and role-play. The Hunter is seen exploring The Abbey from a third-person perspective, with the location providing multiple different services. The player can swap out their gear, and presumably buy new items, from within this safe space. Role-playing elements within the base allow The Hunter to speak with various characters, such as The Caretaker, to gain lore knowledge or increase their team's bond.
Watch the Marvel's Midnight Suns gameplay reveal on YouTube here.
Meanwhile, the tactical combat in Marvel's Midnight Suns is revealed to be card-based, and environmental interaction appears to be emphasized. Each round, every superhero in the player's squad is given three different cards to choose from. These cards range from attacks to specific skills, adding a random element to the player's opportunities during battle. Studying and utilizing the environment will also allow for powerful combos. In one moment Wolverine is able to throw an enemy back into an explosive barrel for massive damage, while a magical skill allows Doctor Strange to manipulate the player's deck of available moves.
So far, ten playable characters are confirmed for Marvel's Midnight Suns. The Hunter is a wholly original character that has been created by Firaxis Games specifically for use in the game. The Hunter's appearance and abilities will be fully customized by the player, allowing a distinct level of originality and creativity. Alongside The Hunter are superheroes from all corners of the Marvel universe, including both household names and more obscure figures. Avengers such as Iron Man and Captain America will fight alongside heroes like the sorceress Nico Minoru and the mutant Magik.
Marvel's Midnight Suns looks to combine intense tactical gameplay with epic superhero moments. The use of a card-based strategy system will likely be surprising to fans of the genre, as this may serve to limit players' options despite playing as powerful superheroes. Even still, Midnight Suns appears to capture the destructive and awe-inspiring nature of Marvel's superheroes and translate them into a turn-based structure.
Marvel's Midnight Suns will release in March 2022 for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC.
Source: Marvel Entertainment