In an era of samey mainstream games, Marvel’s Midnight Suns sticks out like a Spider-Man cosplay in a white collar working place. While this heroic effort from iconic XCOM developer Firaxis pulls liberally from a spectrum of different sources – the likes of Slay the Spire, Metal Gear Acid, and even Fire Emblem: Three Houses all immediately swallow-dive to mind – this is a truly unorthodox adventure that’s unlike any superhero title you’re likely to have played. And while the strategy title doesn’t always stick the landing, it deserves your attention all the same.
Of course, you may be forgiven for thinking this is just the aforementioned XCOM with a Stan Lee skin, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, this is a deck-builder, with each Marvel icon allotted a custom roster of cards. You’ll play these cards in combat to attack your antagonists and buff your teammates, building Heroism which allows you to use the environment to your advantage and play even stronger hands. Each squad member has a unique gameplay style: Iron Man is all about building up to devastating projectiles, while the likes of Blade leans into draining health with his vampiric abilities.
At the heart of it all is The Hunter, a vanilla newcomer who’s resurrected to help vanquish an ancient threat named Lilith. While the character creator doesn’t afford you an enormous amount of freedom, you will have the scope to dictate the kind of protagonist you want to be. A morality system determines the kind of special abilities you’ll unlock throughout the campaign, while you’ll be free to build relationships with the Avengers as you please. Strengthening bonds through social events will lead to new cards being added to your collection, introducing exciting new opportunities on the battlefield.
This means that you’ll spend roughly half of your adventure interacting with your accomplices in a social hub known as the Abbey, which doubles as a small sandbox that’s stacked with secrets. Before and after each battle, you’ll be given the opportunity to speak with your fellow superheroes, tending to their whims or simply blowing off steam. It’s truly an unusual experience: you’ll see stars like Tony Stark and Peter Parker at their most candid here, watching old movies or even chilling in the backyard swimming pool. Attending a traditional book club with Blade is a truly WTF moment.
But while we appreciate the attempt, Firaxis’ writers can’t realise the ambition. There’s a lot of dialogue here – over 65,000 lines, allegedly – and the bulk of it isn’t very good. Undeniably influenced by the uber-popular Marvel Cinematic Universe, the game is stuffed with snarky one-liners, which don’t take long to grate. Many of the conversations drag to a dismal degree, to the point where you’ll glaze over and forget what many of the characters are even supposed to be telling you, and a lot of the plot falls flat as a result. It doesn’t help that the cutscene direction is stuck in 2006.
It means that one of the core pillars of the game, while admittedly compelling conceptually, falls flat. You’ll find yourself itching to get back out on the battlefield while you cycle through reams of dialogue with the perpetually miserable Magick et al, and that’s not to speak of the uninspired adventure aspects. While the developer admits that exploring the Abbey is optional, it pays to interact with it because it all ties back into the collectible card part. Unfortunately, a lot of this amounts to little more than wandering around the gloomy grounds, finding collectibles, gathering crafting resources, and solving simple puzzles.
None of it is aggressively bad, and you will have moments when you feel engaged with the arcs of the characters and actively want to build relationships, but for the most part it underwhelms. One social element we do like is the sense of overall progression; stronger bonds lead to more productive output in combat, while even decoratively you’ll slowly begin to flesh out your hub of operations, adding new furniture, training utilities, and even technology. You really do feel like you’re a part of the Avengers, building up a base of operations against an unprecedented threat.
And of course it all comes back to the battlefield, which is where the release really shines. Environments can feel small and claustrophobic overall, but it creates for some fun dynamics where you’re swatting enemies into each other and positioning yourself in such a way that you’re able to unleash maximum damage with as few moves as possible. Building complementary decks is entertaining, and because each character can only equip eight cards, it never gets obscenely overwhelming like in other collectible card games, such as Pokémon et al. There’s also a visceral feel to the combat; you may merely be playing cards, but you’ll feel every attack – owing to great sound design and strong use of the DualSense’s haptic feedback.
There’s real variety to the mechanics, too. While a number of the missions will task you with simply swatting aside any resistance, boss fights tend to introduce unique rules and conditions, which will force you to think on your feet. Similarly, there are other tasks with sub-criteria you’ll need to fulfil, such as rescuing innocent bystanders or even totalling vehicles before an antagonist can escape. You’ll be rated at the end of each objective based on your performance, and will earn in-game currency, which can then be invested into the aforementioned objectives.
The loop of combat, conversation, and exploration is moreish, and while there will be many moments where you’ll find yourself side-eyeing another unnecessarily long piece of exposition, the thrill of the combat will pull you through. With each mission completed, you’ll unlock Gamma Coils which function like a non-paid gacha mechanic, allowing you to discover cards which can be added to your deck, powered up, and more. You can even send team members out on unmanned missions, adding to the overall power fantasy of leading the Avengers.
Conclusion
Marvel’s Midnight Suns is a hero on the battlefield, where its card-based combat is a hit. The release’s more adventurous social aspects are conceptually interesting, allowing you to candidly interact with a spectrum of personalities, but the writing and cutscene direction simply isn’t up to scratch. It means that you’ll spend long stretches of gameplay itching to get back to the action, but the lure of the tactical battles with pull you through. It’s an unusual, unfocused title at times, but one with character and ambition that’s easy to appreciate.
Comments 38
I'm really looking forward to giving this a go, but also am not willing to pay even close to full price for it.
I’ve really enjoyed my time with it so far, and oddly enough, I really like the downtime between missions and the character banter. Most likely that’s due to my formative years being spent reading way too many Marvel comics. I just find the cheezy dialogue and interpersonal superhero relationship shenanigans strangely endearing. My only complaint is that the game’s a bit hard on the eyes at times.
THE CARDS THE CARDS
I quite like the look of the hokey social stuff, but cards. CARDS.
I’m really loving this game especially the Abby which is surprisingly big with quite a few mysteries that are fun to unravel and I never get tired of exploring when new bits unlock plus I love leveling up the friendship meters. The game really surprised me with how story heavy it is and the writing isn’t as bad as the review makes it sound except for tony who really grates on me. The game is long as hell too I’ve been playing for like thirty something hours and I still haven’t finished act 1.
Half the gameplay looks great, the other, yikes. Was expecting this score.
I'll probably pick this up on a sale down the line. A shame since I think a lot of people have the same mindset from the sales figures. But with the release schedule coming up it'll probably be black Friday 2023 at the earliest.
Really want another card battler after slay the spire, but always concerned about these games moving to Microtransaction reliant mechanics.
@nessisonett The cards are by far the best bit in my opinion! Love it!
@thefourfoldroot1 The only microtransactions in this game are costume related. As it stands right now, absolutely ZERO card-related microtransactions/DLC.
@nessisonett just think about them as "abilities" not "cards" and you will be good. They are that random factor that makes each turn unique and forces you to adapt and improvise. I expected X-Com with marvel heroes (and I would be totally fine with that) but this is one is a decent game. Currently just 10-15 hours into it and at as for now Midnight Suns are 8/10.
@get2sammyb indeed, card system looked weird at first glance but turned out catchy and interesting.
P.S. And thank you for the review. Even though I've already bought the game it is always interesting to read PushSquare's opinion.
@get2sammyb
That’s good to hear. Hopefully it will stay that way. Hopeful given its (thankfully) single player only. Might seriously consider this one. Is the game entirely turn based with no time limits, or are there real time elements. I ask because, if the former, this might be a good remote play game. Which is something I’m always looking out for as I have to travel quite a few weekends
Started this the other day ...the graphics are atrocious lol... hopefully the gameplay will keep me engaged though...to early to tell
Cool a 7 is a good score.word up son
I’m really digging this game! I typically do not care for dialogue in games and bounced off of Persona 5 and Three Houses, but this is doing it for me. I think the familiarity of the Marvel characters helps, and the banter is charming. The Abbey stuff overall provides a nice little tinker and grind in between the thrilling combat encounters. And every time I get a new character, it feels like getting a new toy.
I've played almost nothing but this game for the last week — really loving it. I agree with Abbey parts could be way better, but I always feel like I'm making progress towards better cards/abilities or unlocking stat boosts that will help in the battles.
Will get to this eventually, as I'm more of a gameplay guy than a story/dialogue dude, so the negatives I'm more than willing to tolerate.
@TheMadRabbid It's like an early PS3 game the way characters animate. Looks quite dated.
Yeah its good and i'm enjoying it a fair bit but my god the Abby stuff while a good idea is poorly done what with the cringe inducing dialogue and so so performances. The strategy side is great though and the card system is way better then it sounded, i also like the roster what doesn't play it safe and avoids being guess who from the MCU plus Wolverine.
I hope it does well as sequel could easily fix all the faults.
This honestly looks like a project that started out as mobile game and despite being transitioned to consoles etc, it retained the mobile game shortcomings.
I'll give it a try when it hits ps plus in 18 months or so
Definitely a game I want check out in a year or two. Firaxis has my trust and I like games like Persona and Fire Emblem, so I think this hodge podge can certainly work.
I would love a new Marvel top down iso action RPG game similar to Marvel Ultimate Alliance. It was just plain fun, especially in coop mode either online or couch coop.
@get2sammyb Performance-wise, how’s it fair? Thanks!
@StylesT they aren’t top of the line but atrocious they are not. I swear the internet is nothing but hyperbole any more with no critical thinking. Everything is either the best ever or garbage with no nuance
@get2sammyb it straight up looks like a BioWare game from that generation direction wise
I'm not surprised with the score but even so, I am absolutely loving the game. The whole loop of talking to heroes, unlocking stuff, going on a mission, rinse and repeat is so addictive. Even with the less than stellar script, I like the cheesy dialogue. I'm over 50 hours in and I'm still finding myself staying up until the early hours of the morning because I'm constantly finding one more thing to do.
Despite being a big MCU fan, I haven’t had much interest in this game because of the card and strategy based gameplay, but after reading this review, my curiosity is piqued. I like story bits in games so the abbey stuff sounds good to me. 😅 Too bad that it’s not quite up to scratch though.
I also like the idea of developing your own superhero protagonist, although it sounds like it’s also a bit underdeveloped.
All in all I don’t know that I’ll play it anytime soon, but now it’s on my watchlist for a discount.
I'm happy people are enjoying this game. It's not my cup of tea though ☺️
Review sounds just as the game seems like.
I don't mind the cards or the relationships part of the gameplay but I don't know how anyone can watch 60 second of those conversations and come away with any positive thoughts about that side of the game. It's so bad.
I’ve got about 10 hours into this game now and I can say if you’re a fan of xcom, fire emblem, and maybe a small touch of persona you’ll like this if you can get past some of the worst graphics I’ve seen in a very very long time. The graphics are right out of a PS3 game. That said, I am loving the game.
I'll stick to Marvel Snap for now for my card game fix. Will wait for a sale on this one.
i treat the story like the hunter character being a fantasy batman character and the game is really fun
I've been playing through this over the past week, and I gotta say, I am surprised by how much I love this game. The story and characters are really well done, and the card system is very addictive (and I typically hate card-based battling systems).
I'd have to really think about it, but this might be my favorite game that released in 2022.
@blockfight @Th3solution @RudeAnimat0r @KundaliniRising333 @Jayslow @Deadhunter Same plan here. I'll either wait for this game to hit $20 New during a future sale, or hope it comes to PlayStation Plus.
Plenty of other games to keep me busy in my backlog alone, not to mention the stacked year that 2023 has become...
January 2023
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot ($20 USD, Free Upgrade) - January 13
One Piece Odyssey ($60 USD) - January 13
Monster Hunter Rise ($40 USD) - January 20
Forspoken ($70 USD) - January 24
Risen 1 (Price TBA) - January 24
Dead Space Remake ($70 USD) - January 27
February 2023
Hogwarts Legacy ($70 USD) - February 10
Wanted: Dead ($60 USD) - February 14
Wild Hearts ($70 USD) - February 17
Atomic Heart ($70 USD) - February 21
Like a Dragon: Ishin! Remake ($60 USD) - February 21
Octopath Traveler II ($60 USD) - February 24
March 2023
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty ($60 USD) - March 03
Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse (Price TBA) - March 09
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor ($70 USD) - March 17
Resident Evil 4 Remake ($60 USD) - March 24
April 2023
Horizon: Forbidden West - Burning Shores DLC (Price TBA) - April 19
Dead Island 2 ($70 USD) - April 28
May 2023
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League (Price TBA) - May 26
June 2023
Street Fighter 6 ($60 USD) - June 02
Diablo IV ($70 USD) - June 06
Final Fantasy XVI ($70 USD) - June 22
TBA 2023
Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened - February 2023
System Shock (Remake) - March 2023
Star Trek: Resurgence - April 2023
Evotinction (China Hero Project) - Early 2023
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn - Early 2023
Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game - Early 2023
Layers of Fears (LoF 1 & 2 UE5 Remake) - Early 2023
Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak DLC - Early 2023
Tchia - Early 2023
Robocop: Rogue City - June 2023
Baldur's Gate 3 - August 2023
Goodbye Volcano High - Summer 2023
The Expanse: A Telltale Series - Summer 2023
The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie - Summer 2023
Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden - Late 2023
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (FF7R PT2) - Winter 2023
Alan Wake II
Amnesia: The Bunker
Ark II
Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon
Assassin's Creed: Mirage
Atlas Fallen
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
Bendy and the Dark Revival ($30 USD, Released November 15, 2022 on Steam)
Black Myth: Wukong
Choo-Choo Charles
Crash Team Rumble (aka Wumpa League)
Crime Boss: Rockay City
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty DLC
Disney Dreamlight Valley (Full Release, Free to Play)
Disney Speedstorm (Free to Play)
Fallout 4 (Free Upgrade)
Granblue Fantasy: Relink
Immortals of Aveum
Kaku: Ancient Seal
Lies of P
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
Lollipop Chainsaw (Remake)
Marvel's Spider-Man 2
Minecraft Legends
Post Trauma
Pragmata
Remnant II
Sonic Frontiers Story DLC
Stellar Blade (aka Project EVE)
Sword Art Online: Last Recollection
Synduality
The Plucky Squire
The Wolf Among Us 2
Tintin Reporter: Cigars of the Pharaoh
@KidBoruto Ooof. That's a lot of games. I only just picked up my PS5 last month, first time owning a Playstation console in over 20 years. So I'll be happy enough picking up older cheap games I missed out on. Only full price game I'll likely get next year will be Zelda.
Well, the graphics are horrible, but if you are a fan of XCOM games you'll love this. I'm not a fan of MCU and this could be done with SW, DC, etc., I don't mind. I like the relationship and team building in order to get more advantages in combat, because everything is about the encounters, so you need better companions, select the right mission, upgrade abilities, equipment, etc. I just don't like the chests because most of the rewards are colour palettes which are useless in combat, they should give you more essence, money, etc. Only recommended if you are fan of turn based strategy games, the cards are a very good additions and there's no random damage.
@Amnesiac yeah my eyes were in quite a lot of pain after playing it for a few hours. Definitely have to take frequent breaks with this one!
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