If you’re a fan of turn-based strategy games and the Marvel universe, Firaxis Games’ Marvel’s Midnight Suns is a title that’s worth your time, especially now that it’s currently free on the Epic Games Store. Combining the strategic depth of XCOM with a unique card-based combat system and a healthy dose of Marvel lore, this game offers an engaging blend of strategy, story, and superhero shenanigans.
Gameplay and Mechanics
Marvel’s Midnight Suns revolves around tactical, turn-based battles. If you’ve played Firaxis’ XCOM series, you’ll find the structure familiar yet distinctively fresh. Instead of the grid-based combat of XCOM, Midnight Suns introduces a card-based system. At the start of each fight, you draw random attack and skill cards from your deck, using them to command your heroes. This mechanic adds a layer of unpredictability and requires players to adapt their strategies on the fly. It’s a thrilling blend of planning and spontaneity, making each encounter feel dynamic and unique.
Imagine Captain America using his shield to bash a Hydra goon or Doctor Strange unleashing mystical bolts on a demon hound. Environmental attacks add another strategic layer, allowing you to use the battlefield to your advantage. Exploding barrels or dropping heavy crates on enemies can turn the tide of battle. The satisfaction of chaining together attacks to decimate a squad of enemies is genuinely exhilarating.
However, this card-based system might not sit well with everyone. Veterans of pure strategy games like XCOM or Total War may find the randomness of card draws frustrating, as it can disrupt meticulously planned strategies. It’s a trade-off between the deep, methodical tactics of traditional strategy games and the more fluid, adaptive combat of Midnight Suns.
Story and Characters
The narrative of Marvel’s Midnight Suns centers around Hunter, a 300-year-old sorceress reanimated to combat her evil mother, an ancient witch bent on galactic domination. You’re not alone in this fight; the Avengers and the mystical Midnight Suns join forces, bringing a diverse roster of superheroes into the fray. From teen goth Nico Minoru to the fiery Ghost Rider, the character lineup is both eclectic and exciting.
What sets Midnight Suns apart is its blend of combat and character interaction. Between missions, you explore the abbey, a hub area where you can bond with your teammates, engage in side activities, and uncover secrets. These moments offer a refreshing break from combat, allowing you to delve into the personalities and backstories of your favorite Marvel heroes. Whether you’re joining a book club with Captain Marvel or going bird-watching with Doctor Strange, these interactions add depth and charm to the game.
The abbey itself is filled with mysteries, from hidden crypts to a resident ghost, providing plenty of exploration opportunities. The game also incorporates a social media platform where heroes chat and share updates, adding a modern, humorous touch to the story. While the Gen Z banter might feel a bit forced at times, it’s all part of Firaxis’ attempt to blend the whimsical nature of the Marvel universe with strategic gameplay.
Graphics and Performance
Visually, Marvel’s Midnight Suns impresses with detailed character models and vibrant environments. The attack animations are particularly noteworthy, making each battle a visual treat. However, the game isn’t without its technical hiccups. Some players have reported issues like invisible characters during cutscenes and occasional lag in menus. These glitches, while annoying, don’t detract significantly from the overall experience.
Final Thoughts
Marvel’s Midnight Suns is a bold and inventive addition to the turn-based strategy genre. Its combination of card-based combat, rich storytelling, and character interaction sets it apart from other games. While it may not appeal to purists of the genre, its unique approach offers a fresh and exciting challenge. If you’re a fan of Marvel and enjoy strategic gameplay, this game is definitely worth checking out, especially now that it’s free on the Epic Games Store. Despite a few minor flaws, it’s a deeply engaging and thoroughly entertaining experience that will keep you hooked for hours. Give it a shot—you won’t be disappointed.